Jalapeño Summer Sausage

Introduction

Jalapeño Summer Sausage is a flavorful and spicy twist on traditional summer sausage, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their snacks. This homemade sausage combines ground beef and pork sausage with the bold flavors of pickled jalapeños, garlic, onion, and a blend of spices. The addition of liquid smoke gives it that authentic, smoky taste that summer sausage is known for. Whether you’re serving it with cheese and crackers, in sandwiches, or simply on its own, this Jalapeño Summer Sausage is sure to become a favorite.

What You’ll Need

Essential Equipment

To prepare this delicious Jalapeño Summer Sausage, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:

  • Large Mixing Bowl: For combining the meat and seasonings.
  • Plastic Wrap: To cover the mixture while it chills and allows the flavors to meld.
  • Baking Sheet: Lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  • Parchment Paper: For lining the baking sheet.
  • Meat Thermometer: To ensure the sausage reaches the correct internal temperature for safe consumption.

Key Ingredients

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients that make this summer sausage so flavorful:

  • 2 lbs Ground Beef: Provides a rich, hearty base for the sausage.
  • 1 lb Pork Sausage: Adds flavor and fat, which keeps the sausage moist.
  • 1/4 Cup Pickled Jalapeños, Diced: Brings a tangy, spicy kick to the sausage.
  • 1/4 Cup Ice Water: Helps to mix the spices evenly and keep the meat mixture moist.
  • 2 tsp Curing Salt: Essential for preserving the sausage and adding that distinct cured flavor.
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor that complements the other spices.
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder: Enhances the savory taste of the sausage.
  • 1 tsp Paprika: Adds a mild, smoky flavor and a touch of color.
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper: Provides a hint of heat and spice.
  • 1/2 tsp Liquid Smoke: Gives the sausage a smoky flavor, reminiscent of traditional smoked sausage.
  • 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper: Adds an extra layer of heat for those who like their sausage spicy.
  • 1/4 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Enhances the spiciness and adds texture.

Ingredient Preparation

Preparing the Meat Mixture

  1. Combine the Meats: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and pork sausage. This combination provides a balanced texture and flavor, with the pork adding necessary fat to keep the sausage juicy.
  2. Add the Seasonings: To the meat mixture, add the pickled jalapeños, ice water, curing salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, liquid smoke, cayenne pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. The ice water helps to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the meat mixture.
  3. Mix Thoroughly: Using your hands or a sturdy spoon, mix the ingredients together until everything is well combined. Ensure that the spices and jalapeños are evenly distributed throughout the meat.

Instructions

Chilling and Shaping the Sausage

  1. Chill the Mixture: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. This chilling period allows the flavors to meld together and makes the mixture easier to shape.
  2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) as you prepare to bake the sausage.
  3. Shape the Sausage: After chilling, remove the meat mixture from the refrigerator. Shape the mixture into two long logs, approximately the same size, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Baking the Sausage

  1. Bake the Sausage: Place the baking sheet with the sausage logs in the preheated oven. Bake for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature of the sausage reaches 160°F (71°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure the sausage is fully cooked and safe to eat.
  2. Cool the Sausage: Once the sausage is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. This cooling period allows the sausage to firm up, making it easier to slice.

Serving Suggestions

  1. Slice and Serve: Once the sausage has cooled, slice it into thin pieces. Serve it on its own as a snack, or pair it with cheese and crackers for a delightful appetizer. It also works wonderfully in sandwiches or as part of a charcuterie board.

Tips and Variations

Additional Tips

  • Adjusting the Heat: If you prefer a milder sausage, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper and crushed red pepper flakes. For those who enjoy more spice, feel free to increase the jalapeños or add extra pepper flakes.
  • Storage: Store the sliced sausage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it for longer storage.

Variations

  • Cheesy Jalapeño Sausage: Add 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the meat mixture for a cheesy twist.
  • Herb-Infused Sausage: Incorporate fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme for added flavor and freshness.

Conclusion

Jalapeño Summer Sausage is a deliciously spicy and smoky treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a snack, pairing it with cheese and crackers, or adding it to a sandwich, this homemade sausage is sure to impress with its rich flavors and satisfying heat. With just a few simple steps, you can create this flavorful sausage at home and enjoy it fresh or store it for later use. Give this recipe a try and bring a touch of spice to your culinary creations!

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