Description
Smoky, cheesy, and protein-packed — these homemade Chipotle and Cheddar Venison Snack Sticks are the ultimate healthy game meat snack for hunters and foodies alike.
Ingredients
4 pounds ground venison (10-15% fat)
1 pound ground pork fat
3 tablespoons chipotle powder (adjust to taste)
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded
2 tablespoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons Prague Powder #1 (curing salt)
1 tablespoon black pepper
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon brown sugar
¼ cup ice water
21–23mm collagen casings
Instructions
1. Combine chilled venison and pork fat in a large bowl. Mix gently but thoroughly.
2. Combine dry ingredients in a small bowl. Dissolve Prague Powder #1 in ice water.
3. Add dry seasonings and curing solution to meat. Mix 3-5 mins until tacky.
4. Fold in cheddar cheese evenly.
5. Cover and refrigerate 24 hours to cure.
6. Prepare stuffer with 21-23mm casings. Stuff mixture into 12-18 inch links.
7. Preheat smoker to 130°F. Smoke as follows:
8. 130°F 1 hour (no smoke)
9. 140°F 1 hour (add smoke)
10. 150°F 1 hour (continue smoke)
11. 160°F until internal temp 152°F
12. Ice bath sticks for 5 mins. Hang at room temp 1-2 hours to dry before refrigerating.
Notes
Maintain 15-20% fat for ideal texture.
Don’t skip the 24-hour cure — it’s key for flavor and safety.
Don’t exceed 152°F internal temp or sticks may dry out.
For beef sticks, sub venison with 80/20 ground beef.
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours
- Category: Snack
- Method: Smoked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 oz stick
- Calories: 85
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: chipotle cheddar venison snack sticks, homemade venison snack sticks, venison stick recipe, smoked venison sticks