Homemade Summer Sausage
Homemade Summer Sausage is a delightful treat that you can make right in your kitchen. With a few simple ingredients and some time to let the flavors blend, you can create a tasty snack that’s perfect for parties or just enjoying with your family. This sausage is full of flavor and brings back memories of summer gatherings and good times with loved ones.
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Why Make This Recipe Making Homemade Summer Sausage is a fun and rewarding activity. It allows you to control what goes into your sausage, ensuring it’s made with high-quality ingredients. Plus, it’s a great way to impress friends and family with your cooking skills. You can customize the flavors according to your taste, and it’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a picnic, a barbecue, or a cozy night in.
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How to Make Homemade Summer Sausage Ingredients:
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- 5 lb ground hamburger (no lean burger)
- 5 Tbsp liquid smoke
- 5 Tbsp Morton salt tender quick
- 2 Tbsp coarse ground pepper
- 2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp mustard seeds
Directions:
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- In a large bowl, mix all ingredients with your hands until well combined, similar to making meatloaf. Make sure everything blends nicely, so each bite has the same flavor.
- Cover the mixture and refrigerate for 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld. This step is crucial as it helps the spices soak into the meat.
- After 24 hours, remove it from the fridge and knead the mixture again to make sure it is well combined.
- Form the mixture into 4 logs, each measuring approximately 14×2 inches. It’s important to make them tight to prevent cracking during baking.
- Place the logs on a cookie sheet with 1-2 inch sides to catch any drippings while baking.
- Bake the logs in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 hours. Your kitchen will start to smell fantastic!
- Once done, remove the sausage from the oven and wrap each log in wax paper, then in aluminum foil to keep it fresh.
- Refrigerate the sausage until it’s well chilled. This helps it firm up and makes slicing easier.
- Serve by slicing the sausage. Enjoy it on its own or pair it with crackers and cheese for a delicious snack.
How to Serve Homemade Summer Sausage You can serve Homemade Summer Sausage as a simple snack or as part of a larger charcuterie board. Slicing it into rounds makes it easy to enjoy alongside some cheese, crackers, and your favorite pickles. It’s perfect for gatherings or just for a tasty treat after a long day.
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How to Store Homemade Summer Sausage To keep your summer sausage fresh, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or wax paper, followed by an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.
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Tips to Make Homemade Summer Sausage
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- Use ground hamburger that is not too lean; a little fat adds flavor and moisture.
- Knead the meat thoroughly to create a tight log, which prevents cracking during baking.
- Adjust the spices to your liking; if you prefer a spicier sausage, you can add cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
Variation If you want a leaner option, you can substitute 3 lbs of venison and 2 lbs of hamburger. This will still give you a delicious sausage with a slightly different taste.
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FAQs
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- Can I use a different type of meat? Yes, you can use beef, venison, or a mix of meats for your sausage. Just remember to adjust the fat content as needed.
- How long can I keep this sausage in the fridge? Homemade Summer Sausage can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator if stored correctly.
- Is it necessary to use liquid smoke? While liquid smoke adds great flavor, it’s not absolutely necessary. You can skip it if you prefer a lighter taste.