Oh my goodness, friends! Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with one of my all-time favorite recipes: Spicy Venison Sausage with Cheese. This dish isn’t just any ordinary sausage; it’s a flavor-packed delight that whisks you away on a culinary adventure. I can still remember the first time I tried venison sausage. I was at a local farmers’ market, drawn in by the rich aroma, and I knew I had to learn how to make it myself. The warm, savory flavors combined with the kick of spice quickly turned it into a staple in my kitchen.
The beauty of this recipe is that it combines lean venison with just the right amount of pork fat, creating a juicy sausage that’s wonderfully spiced. Plus, the ooey-gooey melted cheese just takes it to the next level! Whether you’re grilling for a backyard barbecue or looking for something special to serve at your next gathering, these sausages are bound to impress. Let’s dive into what makes this spicy delight so irresistible!
What’s in Spicy Venison Sausage with Cheese?
Ground Venison: This is the star of the show! Venison is leaner than beef, which means you’re getting a flavorful protein that isn’t too heavy. I love using venison from local hunters or my own outdoor adventures, but you can find it at specialty meat shops if you’re not in the hunting scene.
Pork Fat (or Pork Shoulder): This ingredient is crucial for keeping our sausages juicy! I often opt for ground pork fat, but pork shoulder works great too. It gives a lovely richness that balances the lean venison.
Kosher Salt: A must-have for enhancing flavor. It’s important to get your seasoning just right, and kosher salt does a fantastic job!
Black Pepper: This adds a warm, spicy kick. Feel free to adjust according to your taste!
Cayenne Pepper: This is where the spice factor comes in! You can easily adjust the amount based on your heat preference. If you’re feeling adventurous, you might even want to throw in a bit more—just be ready to sip some water!
Smoked Paprika: A sprinkle of this brings a lovely smokiness to the mix. It’s one of those ingredients that can completely transform the flavor profile of your sausage.
Garlic: Because who doesn’t love the smell of garlic cooking? It adds depth and richness you simply can’t resist.
Thyme & Parsley: Fresh herbs bring a vibrant, aromatic freshness. I particularly adore thyme, but if you’re in a pinch, dried thyme will do just fine!
Shredded Cheese: Who can have too much cheese? I love using sharp cheddar for its bold flavor, but you can swap it out for your favorite cheese.
Sausage Casings: Unless you want to make patties (which, trust me, you can totally do!), you’ll need casings to stuff the mixture into. Just remember to soak them according to the instructions before using.
Is Spicy Venison Sausage with Cheese Good for You?
Oh, absolutely! This dish packs plenty of goodness, especially with the lean protein from the venison. Ground venison is lower in fat than traditional beef and is loaded with iron and B vitamins, which are essential for energy. Isn’t that a bonus?
However, like any indulgent treat, moderation is key. The added pork fat does increase the calorie content, so I recommend enjoying these spicy sausages as an occasional treat rather than an everyday staple. And hey, you can always serve them alongside a fresh salad or grilled veggies to balance things out a bit.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs ground venison
– 1/2 lb pork fat (or pork shoulder), ground
– 2 tsp kosher salt
– 1 tsp black pepper
– 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
– 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
– Sausage casings (natural or synthetic, soaked according to package instructions)
*Serves: About 6-8 sausages or patties depending on size.*
How to Make Spicy Venison Sausage with Cheese?
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground venison and pork fat. Mix until well combined.
2. Add kosher salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, minced garlic, and thyme to the meat mixture. Mix well to distribute all those flavors.
3. Rinse and prepare the sausage casings if using, then load them into a sausage stuffer. Fill the casings with the meat mixture—just don’t overstuff! Twist into your desired sausage lengths and tie off the ends.
4. If you’re going for a simpler route, shape the mixture into 4-ounce patties instead.
5. Preheat your grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. Grill the sausages for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally until they’re browned and cooked through.
6. For patties, simply cook each side for about 5-7 minutes, or until you reach your preferred level of doneness.
7. In the last few minutes of cooking, sprinkle cheese on top of the sausages or patties and cover to let it melt deliciously.
8. Once done, let the sausages rest for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
9. Serve hot with your favorite sides, a dipping sauce, or in a bun if you like.
Sizzling Suggestions for Serving!
There are so many ways to enjoy these delectable sausages! You can serve them with a zesty mustard or homemade barbecue sauce, add them to a vibrant grain bowl with veggies, or just enjoy them as they are alongside warm, crusty bread. You can even throw some grilled onions and peppers on top for a fantastic twist!
So there you have it, my friends! I hope you try this Spicy Venison Sausage with Cheese recipe and bring a little of that warm, cozy, spiced goodness to your next meal. I’d love to hear how yours turns out, so feel free to share your experiences or any twists you made. Happy cooking!
