Description
Venison Jalapeño Cheddar Summer Sausage combines the rich, gamey flavor of venison with spicy jalapeños and creamy cheddar cheese. This homemade sausage is perfect for snacking, charcuterie boards, or sandwiches. Follow this easy recipe to create a flavorful and protein-packed treat that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
- 5 lbs ground venison
- 1 lb ground
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 3–4 jalapeños, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon cracked black pepper
- 1 tablespoon mustard seed
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon curing salt (Prague Powder #1)
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
- 1 cup ice-cold water
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground venison, pork, diced jalapeños, shredded cheddar, and all seasonings. Mix thoroughly.
- Shape the Sausage: Stuff the mixture into casings or form into logs. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then tie with butcher’s twine.
- Cure the Sausage: Refrigerate the sausage logs for at least 24 hours to allow flavors to meld and curing salt to work.
- Cook the Sausage: Preheat your oven or smoker to 170°F (75°C). Place sausages on a rack and cook until they reach an internal temperature of 155°F (68°C).
- Cool and Store: Allow sausages to cool completely before slicing. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
- Cheese Substitutions: Try using pepper jack for extra spice or gouda for a smoky flavor.
- Meat Options: You can mix in some beef or use all pork if venison isn’t available.
- Storage: Sausages can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Cooking Tip: Cook slowly at a low temperature to maintain a tender texture.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours
- Category: Appetizers, Snacks
- Method: Cured, Smoked or Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 slices (approx. 2 oz)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
