Crafting your own sausage at home is easier than you think! This recipe lets you customize the flavors, ensuring every bite is juicy, flavorful, and fresh. Whether you’re making breakfast patties, grilling links, or incorporating it into recipes, homemade sausage is a game-changer.
Ingredients
For the Sausage Base:
- 2 lbs ground pork (or mix of pork and beef)
- 1/4 cup ice water
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Seasoning Options (Choose Based on Type):
Breakfast Sausage:
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or brown sugar
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Italian Sausage:
- 1 tbsp fennel seeds
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
Spicy Chorizo Sausage:
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp chili powder
Optional Add-Ins:
- Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro (chopped)
- Grated onion or garlic for added moisture
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Meat:
- Place the ground pork in a large mixing bowl.
- Add ice water and mix gently to keep the sausage moist and tender.
2️⃣ Add Seasonings:
- Choose your seasoning blend based on the type of sausage you want to make (breakfast, Italian, or chorizo).
- Sprinkle the chosen spices and herbs evenly over the meat.
3️⃣ Mix and Chill:
- Using your hands, gently combine the meat and seasonings until evenly distributed. Avoid overmixing to keep the sausage tender.
- Cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best flavor.
4️⃣ Shape or Stuff:
- For Patties: Form the meat into 3-inch round patties.
- For Links: Stuff the mixture into prepared sausage casings using a sausage stuffer. Twist into links of your desired size.
5️⃣ Cook or Store:
- Cook Immediately: Pan-fry, grill, or bake the sausages until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Store: Freeze uncooked sausage for up to 3 months, or refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Tips for Success
- Keep It Cold: Work with chilled meat and keep it cold during mixing and shaping to maintain the best texture.
- Test the Flavor: Fry a small piece of the sausage mixture to taste-test seasoning before shaping.
- Customize: Experiment with seasonings to create your perfect sausage blend!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: ~250 kcal
- Protein: ~20 g
- Fat: ~18 g
- Carbohydrates: ~1 g
Conclusion
Homemade sausage is a versatile and rewarding kitchen project. You can tailor the flavor to your liking and enjoy fresh, preservative-free sausage that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re sizzling breakfast patties or grilling Italian links, this recipe has you covered.
Enjoy your culinary creation with your favorite sides!