5 Stars Spicy Venison Summer Sausage With Jalapeno And Cheddar

Venison Summer Sausage With Jalapeno And Cheddar is a delightful combination of bold flavors, combining the lean richness of venison, the creamy tang of cheddar cheese, and the zesty heat of jalapeños. This recipe offers a hearty, high-protein snack that brings out the best of wild game in a delicious and creative way. Perfect for charcuterie boards, sandwiches, or as a standalone snack, this sausage is a flavorful treat that goes far beyond store-bought varieties.

While the preparation requires some time, the result is a mouthwatering homemade sausage that’s worth every minute spent. Whether you’re a hunter or just someone who enjoys fine food, this recipe is sure to become a go-to for gatherings, outdoor adventures, or casual snacking.

Ingredients for Venison Summer Sausage With Jalapeno And Cheddar

To create this savory Venison Summer Sausage With Jalapeno And Cheddar, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground venison – The star of the dish, with its lean, robust flavor.
• 1/2 lb beef fat, cubed – Adds essential moisture and flavor to the lean venison.
• 1/2 cup cold water – Helps evenly distribute the seasoning.
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt – Enhances the natural flavors of the meat.
• 1 tablespoon cracked black pepper – Adds a mild heat and depth to the sausage.
• 1 tablespoon mustard seeds – Offers a subtle, tangy crunch to the texture.
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic – Infuses the sausage with a rich, aromatic flavor.
• 2 teaspoons curing salt – Necessary for preserving the sausage and maintaining a vibrant color.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Provides a creamy, tangy complement to the spicy jalapeños.
• 3-4 jalapeño peppers, seeded and diced – Delivers the heat; adjust to your spice tolerance.
• 1 tablespoon liquid smoke (optional) – Adds a smoky flavor without needing a smoker.

Directions for Venison Summer Sausage With Jalapeno And Cheddar

Follow these steps to create your homemade Venison Summer Sausage With Jalapeno And Cheddar:

1. Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground venison, cubed beef fat, cold water, kosher salt, cracked black pepper, mustard seeds, minced garlic, and curing salt. Mix thoroughly by hand or with a stand mixer until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

2. Incorporate Cheese and Jalapeños: Add the shredded cheddar cheese and diced jalapeños to the meat mixture. If you’re using liquid smoke, now is the time to add it. Mix again, ensuring that the cheese and peppers are evenly spread throughout the sausage mix.

3. Chill the Mixture: Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the sausage mixture for 24 hours. This step allows the flavors to meld and ensures that the curing salt begins its preservation process.

4. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°F (82°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the sausages from sticking during baking.

5. Shape the Sausages: Remove the meat mixture from the refrigerator. Form the mixture into logs or sausage shapes of your preferred size and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

6. Bake the Sausages: Bake the sausages in the preheated oven for 6-8 hours. The goal is to slowly cook the sausages until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C), ensuring they are safe to eat and firm in texture.

7. Cool and Slice: Once the sausages have reached the desired internal temperature, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely. Cooling will help the sausages firm up further, making them easier to slice.

Time and Nutritional Information About Venison Summer Sausage With Jalapeno And Cheddar

• Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus 24 hours chilling)
• Cooking Time: 6-8 hours
• Total Time: 7-9 hours
• Calories per Serving: 280 kcal
• Servings: Makes about 12 sausages

Tips for the Perfect Venison Summer Sausage With Jalapeno And Cheddar

1. Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensuring the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) is critical for food safety and achieving the right texture.
2. Adjust the Spice Level: For a milder sausage, reduce the number of jalapeños or choose a milder pepper variety. For more heat, keep some of the seeds or add extra jalapeños.
3. Don’t Skip the Chilling: The 24-hour refrigeration time is essential for flavor development and proper curing. This step is crucial to the sausage’s final taste and texture.
4. Experiment with Smoke: If you have a smoker, try smoking the sausages for an even richer flavor. Liquid smoke is an alternative if you don’t have one.
5. Cheese Quality: For the best texture, shred your own cheddar cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents, which can affect the sausage’s texture.

Benefits of Eating Venison

Venison is an excellent source of lean protein, containing fewer calories and less fat than beef, making it an ideal option for those who are health-conscious. It’s rich in essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins, all of which are vital for energy production and maintaining overall health. The inclusion of jalapeños adds capsaicin, known for its metabolism-boosting properties, while cheddar cheese provides calcium and additional protein.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute venison with other game meats such as elk or moose. If wild game isn’t available, lean beef can be used, though it will alter the flavor profile slightly.

2. How long can I store the sausage?

Properly wrapped and refrigerated, these sausages will last for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze them, and they can last up to three months.

3. Is curing salt necessary?

Yes, curing salt is essential for preserving the sausage and preventing harmful bacteria from developing. It also gives the sausage its traditional pink color and cured flavor.

4. Can I make this sausage without an oven?

Yes, if you have a smoker, you can smoke the sausages at a low temperature until they reach the proper internal temperature. Smoking adds an authentic, rich flavor to the sausage.

Conclusion

Venison Summer Sausage With Jalapeno And Cheddar is an exciting way to enjoy the rich flavors of wild game. With a perfect balance of lean venison, creamy cheddar, and spicy jalapeños, this sausage is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Though the process requires some time and patience, the result is a satisfying homemade treat that’s far superior to anything you can buy at the store.

Making your own sausage is a rewarding experience, and with this recipe, you can create a high-quality charcuterie item that impresses friends, family, and your taste buds alike.