Spreading liverwurst on a fresh piece of rye bread with some lettuce, mayo and some pickled red onions is delicious simplicity at its best.
Famous for its unique and intense flavor, liverwurst is eaten all over the world and is so popular in Germany that different regions boast their own recipes - just like the US does with barbecue.
We're big fans of liverwurst at US Wellness Meats and have put together several methods for eating and making it.
We'll take a quick look at what liverwurst is, why you should try it, and some other frequently asked questions we get, and then dive right into our 7 favorite liverwurst recipes and uses.
What is Liverwurst?
Liverwurst is a type of sausage usually made from pork or beef liver and generally contains a variety of organ meats and spices, depending on the specific recipe.
There are unlimited combinations of organ meats, spices and other ingredients that can make the liver, and the texture and flavor depend on the preparation. For example, some liverwurst resembles a summer sausage, while other liverwurst becomes a pate-like spread.
The US Wellness Liverwurst Recipe combines grass-fed and grass-fed beef (50%) with beef liver (20%), beef heart (15%) and beef kidney (15%), creating a rich, sliced flavor.
Liverwurst is often eaten as slices in sandwiches or spread on bread as an appetizer when prepared as a pate. Rye bread, red onion and mustard on an open sandwich is a classic American take on liverwurst, but anything goes.
Is liverwurst (liverwurst) good for you?
Yes! Organ meats (akaoffal) is one of the most nutritious foods in the world. Liverwurst is a concentrated source of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and healthy fats. They are high in vitamins A, D, E, B12 and K and also contain high amounts of iron, magnesium, selenium and zinc[*].
Like any meat, you can't overdo it and liver should be included as part of a balanced diet, but when consumed in moderation it is a worthy addition to the diet.
What is the best way to eat liverwurst?
As we said before, the options you have when making and eating liver are endless. Many love to spread it on fresh bread, but you can also sauté it, bake it, eat it like a traditional sausage - you name it.
What we will say is that the quality of meat you use to make your liver, or the quality of prepared liver you buy, will make the biggest difference in how enjoyable the experience is. The difference between liver made with low quality beef and liver made with 100% grass-fed, non-GMO beef is amazing. This is because the feed and lifestyle of the animals directly affects the texture and taste of the meat.
Remember that liverwurst has a strong flavor and these factors alone can be the difference between someone liking liverwurst and someone deciding it's not for them, so our advice is to buy the best, most natural.liverwurstInoffalif possible.
Is the liverwurst fully cooked?
Yes! Liverwurst is usually sold as a pate or sliced as a summer sausage - but either way, it's fully cookedForyou buy it. So you can let it thaw and enjoy it directly in sandwiches or plain, or bake it and serve it as part of another dish. The choice is yours, but don't worry - you can eat it right away.
How long does liverwurst last?
Liverwurst in the refrigerator will only keep for a few days — certainly less than a week, depending on how well sealed and how fresh it is. If you freeze the liver, either in pate form or in slices, you should get about two months. In general, though, it's best eaten fresh!
Now let's get down to the nitty-gritty: making and eating liver.
Our favorite liver recipes of all time
Whether you make your own liverwurst or buy it yourself, there are several ways to use and prepare it. Here are some of our favorite recipes to introduce you to the wonderful world of liverwurst.
1.Hidden liver meatballs
This recipe uses ground pork to cut some of the metallic flavor in the liverwurst and makes for a great meatball mix that's perfect for your next pasta night or to eat with some veggies for lunch. This is also a great recipe for AIP, keto and low carb diets!
2.Bacon Wrapped Liverwurst Sliders
No... this isn't your typical liverwurst sandwich, but come on - have you seen a nicer slider? This recipe uses horseradish and bacon to make it so flavorful you'll want to make it again as soon as you're done. This recipe is best withgrass-fed liver!
3.Hugh Acheson's liver recipe
This recipe combines chicken livers and pork shoulder to create a lighter version of liverwurst. This liver on fresh bread with a few slices of cucumber and mayonnaise is a perfect picnic treat or charcuterie for your next meal.
4.Fried Liverwurst
This recipe uses fresh mushrooms and butter to make a rich sauce to baste the liver. Adding mashed potatoes and asparagus to this meal would be fantastic. This is a recipe that relies on the quality of the liverwurst to really shine, so make sure you have the good stuff.
5.Homemade German Liverwurst
If you want to get hold of the liver made by your German grandmother or that chef in Berlin, then this is the way to go. This uses a combination of beef liver and tongue to create deliciously rich liver sausage. It's really a similar recipe to ours100% grass-fed beef liverif you don't want to make it yourself!
6.Homemade Liverwurst (Homemade Liverwurst)
This is another recipe that aims to capture the German magic of liverwurst. This recipe uses a combination of bacon andpork bellyalong with a wider variety of spices to create a more complex liver flavor.
7.Bowl with eggs and prairie liver
This recipe uses ghee to add an Indian twist to a lunch or breakfast bowl. It takes no time to assemble - all you have to do is fry the egg, toss the spinach in some lemon juice and add some liver with the rest of the vegetables!
8.Italian Liverwurst
We included this recipe for a few reasons. First, it's an example of a completely different approach to liverwurst. This recipe is Italian and uses sugar and wine to bring out very different flavors. Second, Hank at Honest Food has an engaging writing style and is clearly passionate about making great food - this is a bit more of a challenge, but you won't regret it!
9.Liverwurst (Foodie Version)
If you're the type of cook who likes to dive deep into every dish they make, this is the recipe for you. This blog takes a closer look at the typical composition and options you have when making liverwurst, so if you're planning to make it a habit, read this! It's also worth reading even if you plan to make one of these other recipes because it gives you some context.
10.Bacon and liver breakfast plate
A breakfast dish is one of our favorite simple pleasures, and adding liver to the tradition of bacon and eggs is a great way to spice things up a bit. This is perfect for anyone on a paleo or keto diet and will keep you full for hours. To enjoy!
The bottom line for liverwurst recipes
The world of liverwurst is rich in variability, texture and deliciousness. It's really up to you where you want to start - whether you buy delicious liver and make your own sandwiches, or choose a recipe from the list above with the combination of organ meats and spices you're looking for.
This liverwurst has finally changed our lives. It is so delicious and when I first introduced it to my husband he literally inhaled it and asked for more! I'm so glad we found this!
We are proud that reviews like this often appear after people have eaten our amazing beef liver. Our Liverwurst is a blend of grass-fed beef scraps (50%), liver (20%), heart (15%) and kidney (15%). It's the boldest organ sausage we offer, and it's an amazingly delicious way to incorporate healthy, grass-fed beef organs into your diet.
This liverwurst can be sliced rather than spread, but if you're looking for a pate style, you can combine it with cream cheese or sour cream in a food processor for a delicious spreadable version.
Get the bestliverwurstof your life.
Nathan Phelps
Nathan PhelpsNathan Phelps is a writer, ethical foodie, and nature lover from Nashville, TN. He divides his time between helping viable businesses find new customers and managing his ever-expanding list of hobbies, which include playing guitar, baking bread and making board games.