Homemade Summer Sausage is a delightful treat that you can whip up in your kitchen today! This flavorful snack is perfect for picnics, game days, or just a delightful addition to your cheese board. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you’ll find this recipe is not only satisfying but also incredibly rewarding.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: The process is straightforward, allowing even novice cooks to create something delicious.
Customizable: You can tweak the spices and meats to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Perfect for Sharing: This Homemade Summer Sausage is great to bring along to gatherings, making you the star of the potluck.
Rich Flavor: With a blend of spices and quality meats, each bite is packed with savory goodness.
Long-Lasting: It stores well, so you can enjoy it over several days or even weeks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Homemade Summer Sausage are simple yet essential, each contributing to the delicious flavor and perfect texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ground Beef: This forms the base of your sausage, providing rich flavor and texture.
Pork Fat: Adding pork fat enhances juiciness and flavor, ensuring your sausage is moist.
Salt: Essential for seasoning, salt brings out the natural flavors in the meat.
Black Pepper: This spice adds a bit of heat and depth to your sausage.
Garlic Powder: A touch of garlic brings an aromatic quality that elevates the taste.
Mustard Seed: This adds a tangy crunch, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Liquid Smoke: It imparts a smoky flavor reminiscent of traditional smoked sausages.
Sugar: A hint of sweetness balances the savory ingredients perfectly.

Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Variations for Homemade Summer Sausage

Feel free to get creative with this Homemade Summer Sausage recipe! It’s easily adaptable based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences.

Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy version that packs more heat.
Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a fragrant twist.
Cheese Lover’s Delight: Mix in shredded cheese for an extra layer of flavor and richness.
Alternative Meats: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Sweet and Savory: Add chopped dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for a sweet contrast.

Homemade Summer Sausage You Can Make Today

How to Make Homemade Summer Sausage

Step 1: Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and pork fat. Add in all the spices, salt, and liquid smoke. Mix thoroughly until well combined, ensuring each bite is flavorful.

Step 2: Shape the Sausage

Divide the mixture into equal portions and shape them into logs or your preferred sausage shape. Make sure to pack them tightly to avoid air pockets that can affect cooking.

Step 3: Prepare for Cooking

Wrap each sausage tightly in plastic wrap. This will help keep their shape and moisture during cooking. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours to let the flavors meld.

Step 4: Cook the Sausage

Preheat your smoker or oven to 200°F (93°C). If using a smoker, cook the sausages for about 4-5 hours, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). If using an oven, place them on a baking sheet and cook until the same internal temperature is reached.

Step 5: Cool and Slice

Once cooked, remove the sausages from the heat and let them cool completely. Slice them into rounds or serve as logs, and enjoy your Homemade Summer Sausage!

Pro Tips for Making Homemade Summer Sausage

Use Quality Meat: The better the quality of your meat, the tastier your sausage will be.
Don’t Skip the Refrigeration: Allowing the mixture to sit overnight helps develop deeper flavors.
Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to create your signature blend.
Keep it Cold: Ensure the meat stays cold throughout the preparation to maintain texture.
Use a Meat Thermometer: This ensures your sausage is cooked through without being dry.

How to Serve Homemade Summer Sausage

Garnishes

Garnishing your Homemade Summer Sausage can elevate its presentation. Consider fresh herbs like parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color.

Side Dishes

Pair your sausage with crunchy pickles, tangy mustard, or a selection of cheeses for a delightful appetizer spread that will impress your guests.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Homemade Summer Sausage on a rustic wooden board, accompanied by crackers and fruits. For a fun party idea, create a sausage charcuterie board for your guests to enjoy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Homemade Summer Sausage in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to a week, allowing you to enjoy it throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to keep your sausage for longer, consider freezing it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag for up to three months.

Reheating

To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it gently in a skillet or microwave. This keeps it juicy and flavorful.

FAQs

Can I make this sausage without pork fat?

Yes, you can substitute the pork fat with additional beef, though it may affect the flavor and juiciness.

How long does it take to cook Homemade Summer Sausage?

Cooking time can vary, but generally, it takes about 4-5 hours in a smoker or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.

Can I use different spices?

Absolutely! This recipe is very flexible, so feel free to experiment with your favorite spices.

Is Homemade Summer Sausage safe to eat cold?

Yes, once fully cooked, it is safe to eat cold or warm, making it a versatile snack!

How can I tell when the sausage is done?

The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. It should read 160°F inside to ensure it is fully cooked.

Final Thoughts

Making your own Homemade Summer Sausage is not only simple but also incredibly rewarding. Once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked on the rich flavors and the satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch. So gather your ingredients and start crafting your own today! Happy cooking!

Homemade Summer Sausage

Author: Savannah
Total Time: 24 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 10 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Homemade Summer Sausage is a delightful treat that is easy to make and customizable to your taste preferences. This flavorful snack is perfect for picnics, game days, or as a delicious addition to your cheese board.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

2 lbs Ground Beef
1 lb Pork Fat

Spices

2 tsp Salt
1 tsp Black Pepper
1 tsp Garlic Powder
2 tsp Mustard Seed
1 tbsp Liquid Smoke
1 tsp Sugar

Instructions

Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and pork fat. Add in all the spices, salt, and liquid smoke. Mix thoroughly until well combined, ensuring each bite is flavorful.
Shape the Sausage: Divide the mixture into equal portions and shape them into logs or your preferred sausage shape. Make sure to pack them tightly to avoid air pockets that can affect cooking.
Prepare for Cooking: Wrap each sausage tightly in plastic wrap. This will help keep their shape and moisture during cooking. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours to let the flavors meld.
Cook the Sausage: Preheat your smoker or oven to 200°F (93°C). If using a smoker, cook the sausages for about 4-5 hours, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). If using an oven, place them on a baking sheet and cook until the same internal temperature is reached.
Cool and Slice: Once cooked, remove the sausages from the heat and let them cool completely. Slice them into rounds or serve as logs, and enjoy your Homemade Summer Sausage!

Notes

Use Quality Meat: The better the quality of your meat, the tastier your sausage will be.
Don’t Skip the Refrigeration: Allowing the mixture to sit overnight helps develop deeper flavors.
Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to create your signature blend.
Keep it Cold: Ensure the meat stays cold throughout the preparation to maintain texture.
Use a Meat Thermometer: This ensures your sausage is cooked through without being dry.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4-5 hours
Category: Appetizer
Method: Smoking or Baking
Cuisine: American