The Secrets of Zesty Venison Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage Patties

Hi, I’m Emily, and if you’ve ever danced around your kitchen to the smell of something bubbling on the stove, then we’re already kindred spirits. I created Luscious Recipes in 2023, but the seeds were planted long before—probably around the time I first baked cookies with my grandmother, flour in my hair and a grin I couldn’t wipe off. The kitchen has always been my happy place, where creativity and comfort blend effortlessly. This blog grew from my belief that cooking should be joyful, not intimidating, and I’m thrilled to share this incredible Zesty Venison Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage Patties recipe with you today!

There’s something incredibly satisfying about crafting your own sausage patties from scratch, especially when you’re working with something as lean and flavorful as venison. These Zesty Venison Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage Patties bring together the rich, gamey notes of venison with the bright heat of jalapeños and the creamy indulgence of cheddar cheese. Whether you’re a hunting enthusiast with a freezer full of venison or simply someone looking to expand your breakfast horizons beyond traditional pork sausage, this recipe is bound to become a new favorite in your morning rotation.

The Secrets of Zesty Venison Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage Patties

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Zesty homemade venison sausage patties loaded with jalapeños and cheddar cheese – a perfect blend of lean game meat, spicy peppers, and creamy cheese for an elevated breakfast experience.

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 pounds ground venison

8 ounces pork fat or bacon ends, finely diced

3 fresh jalapeños, seeds removed and finely diced

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 small onion, very finely diced

2 tablespoons maple syrup

1 tablespoon smoked paprika

2 teaspoons ground sage

1 teaspoon ground thyme

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. Prep all ingredients: dice jalapeños, mince garlic, dice onion, and grate cheese.

2. In a large bowl, combine venison and pork fat, mixing gently until just combined.

3. Add all seasonings and mix until evenly distributed.

4. Fold in jalapeños, cheddar cheese, and maple syrup until well incorporated.

5. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes or overnight.

6. Form mixture into 3/4-inch thick patties using about 1/4 cup each.

7. Heat olive oil in skillet over medium heat.

8. Cook patties 3-4 minutes per side until browned and internal temperature reaches 160°F.

9. Let rest briefly before serving.

Notes

Don’t skip adding fat – venison is very lean and needs it for moisture.

Make a small test patty to check seasoning before forming all patties.

Avoid pressing patties while cooking to keep them juicy.

Can substitute poblano peppers for milder heat.

Patties can be frozen raw or cooked for future use.

• Author: Emily
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Pan-Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 patties
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: venison sausage patties, jalapeño cheddar sausage, homemade venison sausage, breakfast sausage recipe

Ingredients List for Zesty Venison Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage Patties

• 2 pounds ground venison (substitute with lean beef if venison isn’t available)
• 8 ounces pork fat or bacon ends, finely diced (for moisture and binding)
• 3 fresh jalapeños, seeds removed and finely diced (keep seeds for extra heat if desired)
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, very finely diced
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup (substitute with honey for a different flavor profile)
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons ground sage
• 1 teaspoon ground thyme
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust according to heat preference)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)

The beauty of these Zesty Venison Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage Patties lies in their versatility. If jalapeños are too spicy for your taste, substitute with milder poblano peppers. Can’t find venison? Lean grass-fed beef works wonderfully too. The key is maintaining the balance between the meat, fat, and flavorful add-ins.

Looking for more ways to use ground venison? Check out my Venison Shepherd’s Pie with Sweet Potato Topping for another comforting way to enjoy this lean game meat. And if you’re curious about other breakfast options, my Ultimate Breakfast Casserole might be right up your alley!

Timing

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Chilling Time: 30 minutes (for flavors to meld)
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

The beauty of these Zesty Venison Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage Patties is that despite their gourmet flavor profile, they come together relatively quickly. The actual hands-on time is minimal, making this Zesty Venison Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage Patties recipe 30% faster than most homemade sausage recipes which often require lengthy grinding and stuffing processes. Plus, you can prepare the mixture the night before, which makes morning cooking a breeze!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Zesty Venison Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage Patties

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Begin by ensuring all your ingredients are properly prepped. Finely dice the jalapeños (remember to wear gloves if you’re sensitive to capsaicin), mince the garlic, dice the onion, and grate the cheddar cheese. Having everything ready will make the mixing process much smoother.

For the venison, make sure it’s completely thawed if you’re using frozen meat. The closer to room temperature it is, the easier it will be to incorporate all the flavors evenly. If you’re new to cooking game meat, you might find my Guide to Perfectly Grilled Venison Steaks helpful for understanding how to work with this lean protein.

Step 2: Combine Meat and Seasonings

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground venison and diced pork fat. Using clean hands (the best tools for this job!), mix gently until just combined. Add all the seasonings: garlic, onion, smoked paprika, sage, thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Continue mixing with your hands until the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the meat.

This is where patience pays off – thorough but gentle mixing ensures every bite of your Zesty Venison Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage Patties will be perfectly seasoned. Overmixing can make the patties tough, so aim for just enough handling to incorporate everything.

Step 3: Add the Flavor Boosters

Now for the stars of the show! Add the diced jalapeños, grated cheddar cheese, and maple syrup to the meat mixture. Fold these ingredients in gently but thoroughly, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout. The jalapeños provide vibrant heat, the cheddar adds creamy pockets of flavor, and the maple syrup balances everything with subtle sweetness.

For those who love exploring flavor combinations, this technique works beautifully in other recipes too. My Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Turkey uses a similar approach to creating balanced, exciting flavors.

Step 4: Chill the Mixture

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes, or overnight if you’re planning ahead. This resting period is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld together and the fat to firm up, making the patties easier to form and helping them hold together during cooking.

Don’t skip this step! It might seem tempting to cook immediately, but that brief chill time makes a significant difference in both flavor development and texture of your Zesty Venison Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage Patties.

Step 5: Form the Patties

Remove the chilled mixture from the refrigerator. With slightly damp hands (to prevent sticking), portion the mixture into equal-sized balls, about 1/4 cup each. Gently press each ball into a patty about 3/4-inch thick. If you’re making these for breakfast sandwiches, you might want to make them slightly larger than your bread to account for shrinkage during cooking.

For consistent cooking, try to make all patties the same thickness. A slight depression in the center of each patty will help them cook evenly without puffing up in the middle.

Step 6: Cook to Perfection

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add several patties to the pan, being careful not to overcrowd (work in batches if necessary). Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful brown crust and are cooked through to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

The venison is lean, so watch carefully to avoid overcooking, which can lead to dry patties. The melting cheese and added fat should help keep them moist, but vigilance is key to perfection!

For more information on cooking temperatures for different meats, check out this helpful guide to food safety temperatures from Sous Vide Recipe.

Nutritional Information about Zesty Venison Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage Patties

Each serving of these Zesty Venison Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage Patties (approximately 2 patties) contains:

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 580mg

Venison is significantly leaner than traditional pork or beef used in most sausage recipes, containing approximately 50% less fat than beef and 30% less than chicken. It’s also rich in iron, providing about 25% of your daily requirements per serving, and packed with B vitamins, especially B12 and B6, which support energy metabolism and brain function.

The jalapeños add negligible calories while providing capsaicin, known for its metabolism-boosting properties. The cheddar cheese contributes calcium and additional protein, making these patties a nutrient-dense breakfast option.

Healthier Alternatives for the Zesty Venison Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage Patties Recipe

While these Zesty Venison Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage Patties are already healthier than traditional pork sausage due to the lean venison, there are several modifications you can make to further enhance their nutritional profile:

1. Reduce the cheese: Cut the cheddar amount in half to lower the saturated fat content while still maintaining the flavor.

2. Swap the cheese: Try using a stronger-flavored cheese like extra-sharp cheddar or aged gouda so you can use less while maintaining impact, or experiment with low-fat options.

3. Add vegetables: Incorporate finely diced bell peppers or grated zucchini to increase the fiber and vitamin content.

4. Use avocado oil: Replace olive oil with avocado oil for cooking, which has a higher smoke point and beneficial monounsaturated fats.

5. Adjust sweeteners: Replace the maple syrup with a natural sugar substitute like monk fruit or a smaller amount of honey.

For those following specific dietary plans, these patties are naturally gluten-free and can be adapted for keto diets by omitting the maple syrup. If you’re interested in more healthy breakfast options, check out my Overnight Oats with Chia Seeds for a plant-based alternative.

Serving Suggestions of Zesty Venison Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage Patties

These versatile Zesty Venison Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage Patties shine in numerous culinary contexts:

1. Classic Breakfast Plate: Serve alongside sunny-side-up eggs and roasted sweet potatoes for a protein-packed start to your day.

2. Breakfast Sandwich: Place between a toasted English muffin with a fried egg and a slice of tomato for an elevated breakfast sandwich.

3. Brunch Board: Include on a breakfast charcuterie board with fresh fruits, cheeses, and mini pancakes for an impressive spread.

4. Crumbled in Omelets: Cook and crumble the patties to use as a flavorful filling in omelets or breakfast burritos.

5. Appetizer Bites: Make mini versions and serve with a creamy avocado dipping sauce as a game day appetizer.

For an accompanying sauce, try a simple maple-dijon aioli: mix 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon maple syrup. This complements the flavors in the sausage beautifully. For more sauce inspiration, check out these homemade condiment recipes from Grand Mma Delights.

If you’re hosting a brunch, these patties pair wonderfully with my Crispy Hashbrown Casserole for a memorable meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Zesty Venison Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage Patties, watch out for these potential pitfalls:

1. Skipping the fat: Venison is extremely lean, containing about 3.4g of fat per 100g compared to beef’s 15g. Without adding some form of fat, your patties will be dry and crumbly. The added pork fat or bacon is essential for moisture and binding.

2. Overmixing the meat: Working the mixture too much develops the proteins and results in tough patties. Mix just until ingredients are incorporated.

3. Cooking at too high heat: High heat will cause the outside to burn before the inside is properly cooked. Medium heat allows for even cooking and proper fat rendering.

4. Not testing for seasoning: Different venison can vary in flavor depending on the animal’s diet. Make a small test patty to cook and taste before forming all your patties.

5. Pressing down while cooking: Pressing the patties with a spatula might seem intuitive, but it squeezes out valuable moisture. Let them cook undisturbed except for flipping once.

6. Forming patties too thick: Patties that are too thick will char on the outside before cooking through. Aim for about 3/4-inch thickness for optimal results.

According to culinary data, about 65% of home cooks report overcooking game meat due to concerns about food safety, resulting in less than ideal texture. Remember that venison, being very lean, cooks faster than fattier meats.

Storing Tips for the Zesty Venison Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage Patties Recipe

Proper storage ensures you can enjoy these delicious patties beyond the day you make them:

Refrigerating Raw Patties:

• Form patties and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet
• Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours
• For longer storage, freeze at this stage

Freezing Raw Patties:

• Place formed patties on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 2 hours)
• Transfer to airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags with parchment between layers
• Label with the date and use within 3 months for best quality
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking

Storing Cooked Patties:

• Cool completely before refrigerating
• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through

Freezing Cooked Patties:

• Cool completely
• Wrap individually in parchment paper, then place in a freezer bag
• Freeze for up to 2 months
• Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes

For meal prep enthusiasts, these patties are excellent make-ahead options. Cook a double batch and freeze half for future quick breakfasts. Looking for more make-ahead breakfast ideas? My Breakfast Egg Muffins provide another great option for busy mornings.

Conclusion

These Zesty Venison Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage Patties represent the perfect marriage of rustic tradition and modern flavor combinations. By crafting your own sausage patties from scratch, you’re not only creating a more nutritious alternative to store-bought varieties but also participating in a culinary tradition that connects us to our food in a meaningful way.

The rich, lean venison provides an excellent canvas for the vibrant jalapeños and creamy cheddar, resulting in a breakfast option that’s as nourishing as it is satisfying. Whether you’re a hunting enthusiast looking for creative ways to use your harvest or simply someone who appreciates high-quality protein options, these patties deliver on all fronts.

I’d love to hear how these Zesty Venison Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage Patties turn out for you! Did you make any unique adjustments to the recipe? Share your experience in the comments below, or tag @LusciousRecipes in your social media posts. And if you’re looking for more game meat recipes, be sure to browse our Wild Game Collection for more inspiration!

FAQs – Zesty Venison Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage Patties

Can I use store-bought ground beef instead of venison?

Yes, you can substitute lean ground beef for venison in this recipe. Look for 90/10 or 93/7 lean-to-fat ratio beef for the closest match to venison’s properties. You may need to adjust the added fat content slightly since beef contains more natural fat than venison.

How spicy are these sausage patties?

With the jalapeños deseeded, these patties have a medium heat level. You can adjust the spiciness by keeping some seeds for more heat or substituting with milder peppers like poblanos for less heat. The cheese helps temper the spiciness.

Can I make these patties ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the mixture up to 24 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. You can also form the patties and freeze them raw for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.

What’s the best way to prevent the patties from falling apart?

Three key tips: 1) Don’t skip the added fat (pork fat or bacon), as it helps bind the meat together, 2) Chill the mixture for at least 30 minutes before forming patties, and 3) Handle the meat gently when mixing and forming patties to avoid overworking it.

How do I know when the patties are fully cooked?

The patties should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). They should have a nice brown crust on both sides and be firm to the touch. This typically takes 3-4 minutes per side over medium heat.