Why You’ll Love This Homemade Venison Italian Sausage Recipe
If you love the bold flavors of Italian sausage, you’ll appreciate making your own with this homemade venison recipe. The satisfaction of crafting your own sausage is unmatched.
You get to choose the spices and adjust flavors to your taste, ensuring a perfect blend every time. Plus, using venison adds a unique twist, elevating your dish with rich, gamey notes.
It’s a great way to utilize your harvest, and the aroma that fills your kitchen while cooking is simply irresistible. Once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for store-bought sausage again.
It’s a total game changer!
Ingredients of Homemade Venison Italian Sausage
When it comes to making your own sausage, the ingredients you choose are super important. This homemade venison Italian sausage recipe is packed with flavor, and the best part is that you get to control every aspect of it. From the spice level to the richness of the meat, you can create a sausage that will have your family and friends begging for more.
Let’s plunge into what you’ll need to whip up this delicious treat.
Ingredients for Homemade Venison Italian Sausage
- 7 lbs venison, course ground
- 3 lbs pork butt, finely ground
- 3 tablespoons salt
- 4 teaspoons ground pepper
- 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
- 8 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 teaspoons onion powder
- 4 teaspoons marjoram
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons dried rosemary, crushed
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
Now, let’s talk about the ingredients a bit more. The combination of course ground venison and finely ground pork butt is a game changer. You get the lean, rich flavor of the venison balanced with the fat and moisture from the pork, making for a juicy sausage that won’t dry out on the grill.
And those spices? Oh boy, they really bring everything to life. If you’re not a fan of it too spicy, feel free to adjust the cayenne and red pepper flakes to your liking. It’s all about personal preference!
And don’t worry if you don’t have hog casings on hand; you can always freeze the mixture in bulk and use it later. Trust me, it’s a versatile and fun recipe to get your hands dirty with!
How to Make Homemade Venison Italian Sausage
Now that we’ve our ingredients all lined up, let’s jump into the fun part—making the sausage! First things first, grab a large mixing bowl. This is where the magic happens. You’ll want to take your 7 lbs of course ground venison and add it to the bowl. Then, toss in the 3 lbs of finely ground pork butt. It’s like a little meat party, and trust me, you’ll want to get your hands in there soon enough.
Next, it’s time to bring in the flavor brigade. Add in the 3 tablespoons of salt, 4 teaspoons of ground pepper, and 2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper. If you’re feeling brave, don’t be shy with the cayenne; it adds a nice kick.
Then, throw in the minced 8 garlic cloves, 4 teaspoons of onion powder, and the rest of your spices—4 teaspoons of marjoram, 2 tablespoons of paprika, 2 teaspoons of crushed dried rosemary, 1 teaspoon of thyme, and 2 teaspoons of red pepper flakes. To finish it off, pour in the 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar. This vinegar isn’t just for flavor—it’s also a little magic potion that helps bind everything together.
Now for the best part—mixing! Get in there and use your hands to combine everything thoroughly. It might feel a bit messy, but that’s half the fun, right? A good mix guarantees that all those spices are evenly distributed throughout the meat.
Once it’s well combined, it’s time to stuff your hog casings. If you’re new to stuffing, don’t worry; it’s easier than it sounds. Just take your time, and if things get tricky, a little patience goes a long way.
Alternatively, if you prefer to keep it simple, you can freeze the sausage mixture in bulk. Just scoop it into freezer bags, label them, and you’ll have delicious homemade sausage ready to go whenever the cravings hit.
Homemade Venison Italian Sausage Substitutions & Variations
While crafting your homemade venison Italian sausage, it’s easy to experiment with substitutions and variations that can enhance the flavor or accommodate dietary preferences.
For instance, if you want a leaner sausage, you can reduce the pork butt and add more venison. If you’re avoiding pork altogether, try using beef or turkey.
For a spicier kick, feel free to increase the cayenne or add crushed red pepper flakes. You can also play around with herbs; substituting basil for marjoram can give your sausage a fresh twist.
Don’t hesitate to adjust the garlic and onion to suit your taste!
What to Serve with Homemade Venison Italian Sausage
Homemade venison Italian sausage pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides that enhance its rich flavors.
I love serving it with sautéed bell peppers and onions, which add a nice sweetness. A fresh arugula salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette complements the sausage’s spices beautifully.
For a heartier option, creamy polenta or garlic mashed potatoes are perfect. Don’t forget crusty bread to soak up all those delicious juices!
If you’re in the mood for something light, grilled vegetables add a nice touch.
Whatever you choose, these sides will elevate your meal and make that homemade sausage shine.
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your homemade venison Italian sausage turns out perfectly, it’s essential to pay attention to the quality of your ingredients. I always choose fresh, high-quality meat and spices.
If you can, let the sausage mixture rest in the fridge for a few hours or overnight; this allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
When stuffing the casings, avoid overstuffing to prevent breakage during cooking. If you’re freezing, consider vacuum sealing for the best preservation.
Finally, don’t forget to experiment with spices to find your perfect blend. Enjoy the process, and your sausages will reflect your passion for cooking!