Introduction
Welcome to the world of game meat delicacies with our Venison Jalapeño Cheddar Summer Sausage Recipe! This recipe is a must-try for game meat enthusiasts, combining the unique flavors of venison, spicy jalapeños, and rich cheddar cheese into a delicious summer sausage. Making this sausage at home not only ensures quality and freshness but also allows you to customize the flavors to your liking. In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step to create this flavorful sausage that’s perfect for snacks, appetizers, or as an addition to your charcuterie board.
What You’ll Need
Detailed measurements below in the ingredients section.
To create this delicious Venison Jalapeño Cheddar Summer Sausage, you’ll need some essential equipment:
Essential Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl: For combining all your ingredients.
- Plastic wrap: To cover the sausage mixture while it rests.
- Smoker: This imparts the distinct smoky flavor to the sausage.
- Sausage casings: Needed to encase the sausage mixture.
- Sausage stuffer: Makes filling the casings easier.
- Thermometer: To ensure the sausages reach the correct internal temperature.
- Sterilized pin: For pricking any air bubbles in the casings.
Optional Tools:
- Meat grinder: If you’re grinding your own venison and pork shoulder.
- Kitchen scale: For precise measurement of ingredients.
Food safety is crucial, especially when working with game meat. Ensure all equipment is thoroughly cleaned and sterilized to prevent any contamination.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this Venison Jalapeño Cheddar Summer Sausage Recipe:
- 2 pounds venison, ground
- 1 pound pork shoulder, ground
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons mustard powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 1/2 cup diced jalapeños
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
These ingredients blend together to create a sausage with a perfect balance of savory, spicy, and cheesy flavors.
Instructions
Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground venison, ground pork, water, salt, sugar, mustard powder, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, cayenne pepper, and liquid smoke. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
Fold in Jalapeños and Cheese
Gently fold in the diced jalapeños and shredded cheddar cheese, being careful not to overmix.
Rest the Mixture
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the mixture rest in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
Preheat the Smoker
Preheat your smoker to 180°F (82°C) and prepare your sausage casings according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Stuff the Sausages
Stuff the venison mixture into the casings, twisting them to form individual sausages. Prick any air bubbles with a sterilized pin.
Smoke the Sausages
Smoke the sausages in the preheated smoker for 4-6 hours, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Rest and Refrigerate
Remove the sausages from the smoker and let them rest at room temperature for 1 hour before refrigerating them overnight to fully set.
Serve
Your Venison Jalapeño Cheddar Summer Sausage is now ready to be sliced and enjoyed!
Nutrition Score
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per serving:
- Calories: Approximately 200 kcal per slice
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Sodium: 700mg
Serving & Storage
This summer sausage is versatile and can be served in various ways:
Serving Tips:
- As a snack or appetizer
- As part of sandwiches
- On a charcuterie board
Storage Tips:
- Refrigerator storage: Store the summer sausage in the refrigerator.
- Shelf life: Properly stored, it can last for several weeks. Always check for any signs of spoilage before consuming.
Variations
This recipe is flexible and can be adjusted to suit your preferences:
- Different cheeses: Try using pepper jack, gouda, or any of your favorite cheeses.
- Spiciness: Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or fewer jalapeños.
- Additional spices or herbs: Experiment with adding other spices or herbs to create unique flavors.
FAQs
How long does venison summer sausage last?
Venison summer sausage can last several weeks in the refrigerator if stored properly.
Can I use different meats for this recipe?
Yes, you can use various meats such as beef, pork, or a combination of meats.
What are the best storage methods for summer sausage?
Store in the refrigerator and ensure it’s well-wrapped or in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
How can I adjust the spiciness of venison summer sausage?
To adjust spiciness, simply increase or decrease the amount of jalapeños in the recipe.
Conclusion
Making your own Venison Jalapeño Cheddar Summer Sausage at home is a rewarding experience. Not only do you get to enjoy a delicious and unique sausage, but you also have the freedom to customize it to your liking. We encourage you to try this recipe and share your experiences. Feel free to explore different variations and make it your own. Enjoy the delicious flavors of homemade summer sausage!