Zesty Venison Jalapeño Cheddar Summer Sausage Recipe

Crafting the perfect venison jalapeño cheddar summer sausage takes skill and passion for bold flavors.

Hunters and meat enthusiasts know this delicacy combines wild game with zesty spices for an unforgettable taste experience.

The blend of rich venison with sharp cheddar and fiery jalapeños creates a mouthwatering treat that stands out at any gathering.

Smoke and seasoning work magic, turning simple ingredients into a protein-packed snack that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Each bite promises a burst of heat and savory depth that tantalizes the taste buds.

The recipe transforms ordinary summer sausage into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

Prepare to unleash a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for your secret technique.

Venison Jalapeno Cheddar Summer Sausage: Bold Flavor Adventure

• Kick traditional sausage recipes to the curb with this bold, zesty venison creation that brings serious flavor to your table.
• Transform game meat into a gourmet delicacy without needing professional culinary skills, making complex charcuterie accessible for home cooks.
• Blend multiple ingredients like cheddar, jalapenos, and smoky spices to create a mouthwatering sausage that delivers intense taste in every bite.
• Prepare a protein-rich snack or centerpiece that freezes perfectly, offering convenient eating options for spontaneous gatherings or quick protein sources.

Ingredients for Spicy, Cheesy Venison Sausage

• Ground Venison: Lean, flavorful game meat that provides the primary protein for the summer sausage.
• Ground Pork Fat: Adds richness and helps bind the sausage mixture together.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that melts and creates pockets of flavor throughout the sausage.
• Pickled Jalapenos: Adds a spicy kick and tangy flavor to the summer sausage.

• Curing Salt, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper, Liquid Smoke, Mustard Seeds, Paprika: A complex spice mix that enhances the meat's flavor, provides preservation, and adds depth to the overall taste profile.

Tools for Sausage Making at Home

• Sausage Stuffer: Essential tool for stuffing meat mixture into casings smoothly and evenly.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Needed for combining ground meats and spices thoroughly.
• Sterile Pin or Needle: Used to prick air pockets in sausage casings.
• Meat Thermometer: Critical for checking internal temperature during cooking.
• Sharp Knife: Helpful for tying off sausage ends and cutting links.
• Smoker or Oven: Required for cooking sausages to proper temperature.
• Plastic Wrap: Used for covering meat mixture during marination.
• Cutting Board: Provides clean surface for meat preparation.
• Kitchen Twine: Optional for securing sausage links if needed.

Steps to Craft Jalapeno Cheddar Venison Sausage

Step 1: Blending Flavor Powerhouse

Gather ground venison, ground pork fat, sharp cheddar cheese, zesty pickled jalapenos, curing salt, garlic powder, freshly cracked black pepper, liquid smoke, mustard seeds, and vibrant paprika.

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine all ingredients.

Use your hands to blend thoroughly, ensuring every morsel is perfectly incorporated with tantalizing spices.

Step 2: Flavor Infusion Rest

Cover the seasoned meat mixture with plastic wrap.

Transfer to the refrigerator and allow the ingredients to mingle and develop deep, complex flavors for a full day.

This resting period transforms the ordinary into extraordinary.

Step 3: Casing Preparation

Rinse natural hog casings under cool running water.

Submerge casings in warm water, letting them soak for a minimum of 30 minutes.

This process softens and prepares the casings for smooth sausage filling.

Step 4: Sausage Crafting

Utilize a sausage stuffer to carefully fill the prepared casings with the seasoned meat mixture.

Tie off ends to create uniform sausage links, ensuring a professional and consistent appearance.

Step 5: Air Pocket Elimination

Using a sterilized pin, gently prick any visible air pockets in the sausage casings.

Twist the links to create individual segments, maintaining a consistent size and shape.

Step 6: Drying Process

Hang the crafted sausages in a cool, dry environment.

Alternatively, place uncovered in the refrigerator overnight.

This crucial step helps develop a protective outer layer and intensifies flavor.

Step 7: Cooking to Perfection

Preheat your smoker or conventional oven to 180F.

Smoke or bake the sausages, monitoring until the internal temperature reaches 155F.

This typically takes 4-6 hours, transforming the raw mixture into a mouthwatering delicacy.

Step 8: Cooling and Preservation

Remove sausages from heat source.

Allow complete cooling at room temperature.

Store in the refrigerator for immediate enjoyment or vacuum-seal and freeze for future culinary adventures.

Pro Tips for Juicy, Flavorful Summer Sausage

• Ensure ground venison and pork fat are cold before mixing to maintain proper texture and help ingredients bind together effectively.
• Let the seasoned meat mixture rest in the refrigerator for 24 hours, allowing spices and ingredients to develop a more complex, robust taste profile.
• Soak natural hog casings in warm water to make them more pliable and easier to work with during sausage stuffing process.
• Dry sausages uncovered overnight to create a protective pellicle, which helps smoke adhere and prevents moisture loss during cooking.
• Use a reliable meat thermometer to check that sausages reach exactly 155F (68C) for food safety and optimal texture without overcooking.

Fun Variations for Wild Game Sausage Fans

• Elk Jalapeño Swiss Sausage: Replace venison with ground elk meat and swap cheddar for Swiss cheese, maintaining the spicy jalapeño kick.
• Turkey Pepper Jack Summer Sausage: Use ground turkey instead of venison, incorporate pepper jack cheese for extra heat and zesty flavor.
• Low-Sodium Herb Alternative: Reduce curing salt, add fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary for enhanced flavor without excessive sodium.
• Gluten-Free Wild Game Version: Ensure all spices and ingredients are certified gluten-free, perfect for those with dietary restrictions while preserving the original recipe's robust taste.

Serving Up Venison Sausage on Any Occasion

• Spicy Game Day Platter: Slice the venison summer sausage into thin rounds and arrange on a wooden board with sharp cheddar cubes, grainy mustard, and pickled vegetables for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
• Hearty Sandwich Centerpiece: Layer thick slices of the sausage on rustic bread with melted cheddar, spicy mustard, and crisp lettuce for a gourmet lunch option that packs incredible flavor.
• Campfire Charcuterie Companion: Pack cubed summer sausage with roasted nuts, aged cheese, and crackers for an easy outdoor snacking solution perfect for hiking, camping, or backyard adventures.

How to Store Homemade Sausage the Right Way

• Store summer sausage in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. Keep refrigerated for up to 2 weeks, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor preservation.
• Vacuum-seal or wrap sausages individually in freezer paper. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining quality and preventing freezer burn.
• Preheat oven to 325F, wrap sausage in foil to prevent drying. Heat for 10-15 minutes until warmed through, checking internal temperature.
• Remove from refrigerator 15 minutes before serving. Slice thinly with a sharp knife for charcuterie boards or sandwiches, allowing flavors to develop at room temperature.

FAQs

• What makes venison a good choice for summer sausage?

Venison is lean, high in protein, and has a rich, gamey flavor that adds depth to summer sausage. It’s a healthier alternative to traditional beef and provides a unique taste profile.

• Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar with other hard cheeses like pepper jack or gouda. Just ensure the cheese melts well and complements the venison’s flavor.

• How important is curing salt in this recipe?

Curing salt is crucial for food safety and preservation. It prevents bacterial growth, helps maintain color, and contributes to the characteristic flavor of summer sausage.

Venison Jalapeño Cheddar Summer Sausage

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4.9 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 7 hours
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Savory venison jalapeño cheddar summer sausage blends wild game meat with spicy peppers and sharp cheese. Hunters and charcuterie enthusiasts will appreciate this protein-packed snack that delivers complex flavors perfect for outdoor adventures.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (0.45 kg) ground venison
• 1/2 lb (0.23 kg) ground pork fat (or substitute with pork shoulder)

Seasonings and Spices:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) curing salt
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) cracked black pepper
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) liquid smoke
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) mustard seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) paprika

Add-ins:

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) diced pickled jalapenos

Casing:

• Natural hog casings, soaked in water

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Instructions

1. Gather all ingredients and mix ground venison, ground pork fat, cheddar cheese, pickled jalapenos, curing salt, garlic powder, black pepper, liquid smoke, mustard seeds, and paprika in a large mixing bowl until thoroughly incorporated.
2. Cover the mixture with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 24 hours to allow flavors to intensify and blend.
3. Rinse natural hog casings under cold water and soak in warm water for 30 minutes to prepare them for stuffing.
4. Carefully load the seasoned meat mixture into a sausage stuffer, guiding the filling into the prepared casings and securing the ends to create uniform sausage links.
5. Use a sterile pin to puncture any visible air pockets and create gentle twists between each sausage segment.
6. Place the raw sausages in a cool, dry location or refrigerator uncovered overnight, allowing a protective surface layer (pellicle) to develop.
7. Prepare smoker or oven to 180F (82C) and cook sausages until the internal temperature reaches 155F (68C), which typically takes 4-6 hours.
8. Remove sausages from heat source, allow complete cooling, then refrigerate or vacuum-seal for long-term storage and future enjoyment.

Notes

• Control Fat Content: Balance the ground pork fat carefully to ensure juicy sausages without becoming greasy, aiming for a lean-to-fat ratio around 80/20 for optimal texture and flavor.
• Customize Heat Level: Adjust the amount of pickled jalapeños to match personal spice preferences, from mild to extra spicy, by increasing or decreasing pepper quantity.
• Enhance Cheese Flavor: Use sharp cheddar for a more pronounced cheese taste, or experiment with smoked cheddar to add additional depth to the sausage profile.
• Ensure Food Safety: Always use a reliable meat thermometer to verify the internal temperature reaches 155F, preventing potential foodborne illnesses while maintaining perfect doneness.

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Smoking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg