So many different varieties and flavors of sausages exist. Choosing a flavorful sausage is the key to success when you are making sausage recipes. Italian sausage, for example, usually comes in sweet or spicy varieties. So you really can change up the taste of a recipe depending on which type of sausage you choose.

Ask yourself what flavor of sausage you enjoy, then check out these sausage recipes. All these recipes are made with a slow cooker, so not only are they beyond tasty, they are pretty easy too. You can switch the sausages used in the recipes or stick with what is listed. Just make sure you pick the one your family will like best to ensure dinner is a hit.

Slow cooker red beans and rice with sausage
Red beans and rice is a classic Southern dish that was designed to simmer away untended while housewives were busy with laundry. It’s usually made with hamhocks or bones, but since I’ve never seen either of these at my local grocery store, I use regular fully cooked ham along with andouille sausage. Get the full recipe here.

Slow cooker sausage risotto
I like to think of risotto as a more sophisticated version of mac and cheese — creamy, cheesy, carb-y and comforting. It’s also a pain to make if you do it on the stovetop, but this slow cooker version couldn’t be simpler or more delicious. Serve with a green salad for a satisfying meal. Get the full recipe here.

Slow cooker BBQ cocktail sausages
What's a cocktail party without cocktail weenies? Typically, mini cocktail sausages are cooked with barbecue sauce and grape jelly for this somewhat sinful treat. This is the slow-cooked, grownup version. Get the full recipe here.

Slow cooker spicy sausage cheese dip
Tired of the same old cheese dip? This one is packed full of flavor with spicy sausage, jalapenos, red onion, sour cream, salsa, and creamy cheese.
I like my cheese dip not too thick; that's where the addition of milk comes in for my recipe. The milk makes this dip silky smooth and "dippable." Get the full recipe here.

Sausage gravy and biscuits
For anyone with Southern roots in the family, it's a known fact that nothing offers quite as much full-bellied comfort than a warm bowl of biscuits and sausage gravy. A classic regional dish, biscuits and gravy has a knack for taking the edge off and brightening a mood at any time of day. Get the full recipe here.

Slow cooker sausage and bean stew
What better way to warm you up than a slow-cooked sausage and bean stew. Perfect for those snowy or rainy days, this hearty stew will win over your family with the first spoonful. Made with spicy andouille sausage and three types of beans, this stew is sure to fill up those hungry bellies. Cajun seasoning adds even more spiciness to this dish, while tomato paste rounds out the flavors of this exceptional hearty soup. Get the full recipe here.

Slow cooker kielbasa and barbecue beans
I always think of the grill when I think of sausages, but they are really much more versatile than that. Chopped or sliced sausage adds flavor and texture to everything from pasta to soups and stews. In the recipe below, sausage is cooked with beans, adding an amazing complexity to this chili-like dish. Get the full recipe here.

Copyright 2016 Cooktop Cove