Description
Master the art of making homemade summer sausage with our simple recipe. Perfect for snacks, gifts, and parties. Try it now!
Ingredients
Scale
- 5 lb ground hamburger (no lean burger)
- 5 Tbsp liquid smoke (found near barbecue sauce)
- 5 Tbsp Morton Salt Tender Quick (found in the spice aisle)
- 2 Tbsp coarse ground pepper
- 2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp mustard seeds
Instructions
- Mixing Ingredients: Begin by combining all the ingredients in a large bowl. Using your hands, mix everything thoroughly, just as you would when preparing meatloaf. This ensures that the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the meat.
- Refrigeration: Once mixed, cover the bowl and refrigerate for 24 hours. This step is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld together and the meat to absorb the seasonings fully.
- Shaping: After the refrigeration period, knead the meat mixture one more time. Then, divide it into four equal parts, rolling each into a log approximately 14 inches in length and 2 inches in diameter. It’s important to knead and shape the logs tightly to prevent any cracks from forming during the baking process.
- Baking: Preheat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the meat logs on a cookie sheet and bake for 3 hours. This low and slow cooking method ensures that the sausage cooks evenly while retaining its moisture.
- Cooling and Wrapping: Once baked, remove the sausages from the oven and let them cool slightly. Wrap each sausage first in wax paper and then in aluminum foil. This helps to preserve the sausage’s flavors and textures.
- Final Refrigeration: Refrigerate the wrapped sausages until well chilled. This not only helps in setting the sausage’s shape but also enhances its flavor.
Notes
- Meat Variations: For a leaner option, consider using a mix of venison and hamburger. Ensure that the total fat content remains sufficient to keep the sausage moist and flavorful.
- Seasoning Swaps: Feel free to experiment with additional spices such as paprika, red pepper flakes, or fennel seeds to tailor the flavor to your liking.