Homemade Italian sausage is a versatile and flavorful sausage that can be used in a variety of dishes, from pasta to pizza to sandwiches. Unlike store-bought sausages, homemade Italian sausage can be customized to your liking, allowing you to control the spice level, the type of meat used, and the addition of other ingredients like herbs, cheese, and vegetables. In this article, we'll provide three delicious recipes for homemade Italian sausage, each with a unique flavor profile: a classic Italian sausage, a spicy Calabrian sausage, and a sweet and savory fennel sausage. Whether you're a seasoned sausage maker or a beginner, these recipes will guide you through the process of making delicious and authentic Italian sausage at home.
Here are our top 12 tried and tested recipes!
HOMEMADE SWEET ITALIAN SAUSAGE (MILD OR HOT)
This is a very versatile Italian sausage which can be used in many different ways. You can take it from mild to hot and it's very easy to use. There are also different options for type of meat to use, like ground chuck or ground turkey (do not use ground beef). If using ground turkey, you'll have to coat your skillet with a little olive or veggie oil before cooking as it has very little fat and will stick to skillet.
Provided by Michelle Leigh Gossman
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Time 12h20m
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Place the pork and red wine vinegar in a mixing bowl. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, basil, paprika, red pepper flakes, fennel seed, brown sugar, oregano, and thyme. Knead until flecks of spice are evenly distributed through the sausage.
- Divide the sausage into thirds, and form into 3 logs; wrap each in plastic wrap. Place wrapped sausage into a freezer bag before freezing, or store in refrigerator for at least 12 hours before cooking.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 243.1 calories, Carbohydrate 2.3 g, Cholesterol 73.6 mg, Fat 16.4 g, Fiber 0.7 g, Protein 20.5 g, SaturatedFat 6.1 g, Sodium 640.3 mg, Sugar 0.5 g
HOMEMADE ITALIAN SAUSAGE
One of my earliest and most vivid food memories was when my uncle Bill would make his famous dried Italian sausage every Christmas Eve. They'd be fried after Midnight Mass and served on bread with roasted red peppers. This fresh version was inspired by those. If you can manage not to eat them right away, letting them dry for a day or two really deepens the flavor, and firms up the texture as well, in true Uncle Billy fashion.
Provided by Chef John
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Time P1DT9h30m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Cut pork shoulder into cubes. Place in a bowl and refrigerate while preparing the other ingredients.
- Grind garlic with a pinch of salt in a mortar to make a paste. Add fennel, anise, and black pepper. Bruise spices lightly with a pestle to release the flavors. Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, oregano, marjoram, coriander, mustard, allspice, sugar, and a splash of water. Stir to combine.
- Add the spice paste to the pork cubes. Mix thoroughly by hand. Add the remaining salt. Cover and refrigerate until flavors meld, 8 hours to overnight.
- Process the cold pork through a meat grinder on the slowest speed.
- Push a casing onto the stuffing tube of your meat grinder. Feed the sausage meat through the filling tray. Run the meat through the casing on the slowest speed until all the casing is used up. Tie casing at the end into a knot. Pinch and twist the meat to create links if desired.
- Place sausage onto a wire rack set over a sheet pan. Refrigerate uncovered for 24 hours.
- Preheat a charcoal grill for medium heat. Separate the links and grill them until browned, about 5 minutes per side.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 194.4 calories, Carbohydrate 4.2 g, Cholesterol 74.4 mg, Fat 10.4 g, Fiber 1.3 g, Protein 20.4 g, SaturatedFat 3.8 g, Sodium 1464.5 mg, Sugar 1.7 g
HOMEMADE ITALIAN TURKEY SAUSAGE
Pens Joyce Haworth from Des Plaines, Illinois, "When the stores in my area stopped carrying our favorite turkey sausage, I was desperate! I went to the library for some books on sausage-making...and was surprised to learn how easy it is! We use this sweet spicy sausage on pizza, in spaghetti sauce, casseroles and breakfast patties."
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 20m
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- In a bowl, combine the turkey, garlic powder, fennel seed, sugar, salt, oregano and pepper. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight. Shape into eight patties. Cook in a nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray for about 3 minutes on each side or until a thermometer reads 165°. Or crumble turkey into a nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray. Cook and stir for about 4 minutes or until meat is no longer pink.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 92 calories, Fat 5g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 45mg cholesterol, Sodium 347mg sodium, Carbohydrate 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 10g protein. Diabetic Exchanges
HOMEMADE ITALIAN SAUSAGE STEW
One day when I was preparing Italian sausages, I decided to do something different. After browning them, I put the sausages in a pot and added other ingredients, ending up with this stew that my husband and I like very much. We have four grown children and will soon celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary!
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 1h40m
Yield 6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- In a Dutch oven, over medium heat, brown sausage; drain. Add the water, potatoes, carrots, celery, onions, Worcestershire sauce and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and cook over low heat for 1 hour or until sausage is no longer pink and vegetables are tender. , Add the ketchup, green pepper and parsley; cook 12-15 minutes longer or until pepper is tender. Discard bay leaf. , Combine cornstarch and cold water until smooth; gradually stir into stew. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.
Nutrition Facts :
HOMEMADE MILD ITALIAN SAUSAGE
Provided by Food Network
Categories side-dish
Time 8h45m
Yield about 3 pounds of sausage
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Combine the pork butt, garlic, paprika, fennel seeds, salt, pepper, cayenne, anise, parsley, and red wine in a large bowl and toss well to coat. Refrigerate covered overnight or up to 24 hours.
- Pass the mixture through a meat grinder fitted with a medium die. (Alternately, transfer to a food processor in 2 batches and process until finely ground.) To test the seasoning, heat 1 teaspoon oil in a small skillet, and cook about 2 teaspoons of the mixture. Adjust seasonings, to taste.
- Using the sausage attachment on a mixer, stuff the meat into the casings, if being used. Twist and tie off to make 4-inch sausages. Alternately, shape into patties. Cook sausage in usual manner, making sure the internal temperature of the sausage links reaches at least 150 degrees F. Uncooked sausage can be stored in the refrigerator up to 3 days or freeze and use within 3 months.
HOMEMADE VENISON ITALIAN SAUSAGE
We really like this recipe. If you like milder sausage cut back on the cayenne and red pepper. If you want a fattier sausage add more pork and less venison. Hope you like this as much as we do.
Provided by Dixie from Kansas
Categories Deer
Time 35m
Yield 10 pounds, 30 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- mix together all spices and vinegar.
- add to the ground meat.
- stuff in hog casings or freeze in bulk.
HOMEMADE ITALIAN SAUSAGE PATTIES
If you need Italian sausage, add this seasoning to ground pork and make your own homemade Italian sausage.
Provided by thedailygourmet
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Time 15m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Combine parsley, salt, fennel, black pepper, garlic, Italian seasoning, minced onion, and red pepper flakes in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. Grind until all seasonings are finely crushed.
- Place pork in a large bowl and add seasoning mix. Mix with your hands until well combined. Roll into a log and slice into four 1/2-inch thick sausage patties.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook sausage patties for 4 minutes. Turn patties and finish cooking for 4 more minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 160 degrees F (73 degrees C).
Nutrition Facts : Calories 269.2 calories, Carbohydrate 1.3 g, Cholesterol 73.6 mg, Fat 19.8 g, Fiber 0.7 g, Protein 20.4 g, SaturatedFat 6.5 g, Sodium 785.9 mg, Sugar 0.2 g
ROBERT'S HOMEMADE ITALIAN SAUSAGE
Robert's Homemade Italian Sausage is easy to make and very tasty. Extra lean meat, low sodium, low sugar, and full flavor in every bite. Use in any recipe that calls for Italian sausage.
Provided by Robert
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Time 8h25m
Yield 24
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Pour the chilled red wine into a large bowl. Whisk in the sugar and salt until dissolved. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, oregano, black pepper, paprika, fennel seed, anise seed, parsley flakes, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, minced onion, coriander seed, and mace. Mix in the turkey breast and pork with your hands. Mix thoroughly so the seasonings are evenly distributed in the meat mixture.
- Line two or three baking sheets with plastic wrap. Roll the meat mixture into 1/4 cup balls, flatten to 1/2 inch thick, and place in a single layer on the baking sheet. Cover with another layer of plastic, and freeze until solid. Once solid, place patties into a resealable plastic bag to store.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 101.8 calories, Carbohydrate 1.2 g, Cholesterol 40.2 mg, Fat 5.6 g, Fiber 0.3 g, Protein 11 g, SaturatedFat 1.8 g, Sodium 50 mg, Sugar 0.6 g
HOMEMADE TOMATO SAUCE WITH ITALIAN SAUSAGE AND RED WINE
I used Mario Batali's recipe for basic tomato sauce and added the flavors I love. That means crumbled italian sausage and red wine (my favorite italian flavors). I love the taste of this sauce because it uses thyme as the main flavor. It seems that others like it too, as I am always having to give the recipe out. I especially like to use it in my lasagna. Hope you enjoy!
Provided by aHardDaysNight
Categories Sauces
Time 1h5m
Yield 6 cups, 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Saute 1 lb. sweet italian sausage until light pink, almost done.
- Add olive oil, onion and garlic and cook on medium until soft and golden brown, about 8-10 minutes.
- Add the thyme and carrot and cook 5 minutes more, until the carrot is soft.
- Add the red wine and cook for one minute.
- Add the canned tomatoes and bring to a boil, stirring often.
- Lower the heat and simmer for 30 minutes until consistensy is thick.
- Season with salt if desired (I usually don't need to) and serve.
- You can substitute 1 tablespoon dried thyme for the fresh thyme.
- Try adding 2 cups of grated fresh zucchini at the same time as the tomatoes for a fresh summer sauce.
- Try adding one pound of fresh sliced mushrooms at the same time as the carrots.
HOMEMADE BULK ITALIAN SAUSAGE, CHICAGO STYLE
After having lived in Chicago for over 25 years, I crave Italian sausage and of course it is not available in Denmark, so I have adapted this recipe from one I found on grouprecipes.com. This is excellent to use on deep dish Chicago style pizzas and it also freezes well.
Provided by Dan-Amer 1
Categories Pork
Time 15m
Yield 3 pizzas, 3 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Blend together all of the ingredients with the exception of the ground pork until they are thoroughly and uniformly mixed.
- With your clean hands blend the mixture of seasonings into the ground pork until it is well and uniformly blended inches
- Place the sausage in the refrigerator overnight in a covered container so that the flavors can blend before use.
- When I make I usually use 1/3 of it rather quickly on a deep dish pizza and freeze the rest for later use.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 412.8, Fat 32.6, SaturatedFat 12, Cholesterol 109.1, Sodium 1250.4, Carbohydrate 2.9, Fiber 1.5, Sugar 0.3, Protein 26.2
HOMEMADE ITALIAN SAUSAGE SANDWICHES
Perfect for the summer grilling season, this flavorful and hearty Italian sausage sandwich will be a picnic favorite for sure! -Mariela Petroski, Helena, Montana
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 30m
Yield 6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Place sausages in a large saucepan; add beer. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes or until meat is no longer pink., Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute green peppers and onion in oil until tender. Add garlic, cook 1 minute longer. Add the tomato, salt and pepper; heat through., Drain and discard beer. Grill sausages, covered, over direct medium heat for 4-5 minutes or until browned, turning occasionally. Serve on buns with green pepper mixture and cheese.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 555 calories, Fat 32g fat (12g saturated fat), Cholesterol 65mg cholesterol, Sodium 1469mg sodium, Carbohydrate 41g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 28g protein.
HOMEMADE ITALIAN SAUSAGE BEAN SOUP
My family loves this soup, so I make it often in the winter. For a little more heat, use spicy Italian sausage. - Lora Gross, Carson City, Nevada
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 40m
Yield 16 servings (4 quarts).
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Crumble sausage into a Dutch oven or soup kettle. Cook over medium heat until no longer pink, drain. Add the carrots, celery, onion, garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook and stir for 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Add tomatoes and Italian seasoning; cook 10 minutes longer., Add the broth, beans, water, wine or additional broth, macaroni, tomato sauce and salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cook, uncovered until macaroni is tender, about 10 minutes. Serve with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 231 calories, Fat 14g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 32mg cholesterol, Sodium 748mg sodium, Carbohydrate 15g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 11g protein.
Tips:
- Choose high-quality pork: Opt for pork shoulder or butt with a good ratio of meat to fat, around 80% lean and 20% fat, to ensure a flavorful and juicy sausage.
- Grind the meat coarsely: This will result in a better texture and allow the seasonings to distribute evenly throughout the sausage.
- Use fresh herbs and spices: Dried herbs can be used, but fresh herbs will provide a more vibrant flavor. Fennel seeds are a classic Italian sausage ingredient, but you can adjust the seasonings to your preference.
- Season the sausage well: Don't be afraid to be generous with the seasonings. Italian sausage is typically well-seasoned, so don't hold back on the salt, pepper, garlic, and fennel.
- Mix the sausage thoroughly: This will help to evenly distribute the seasonings and ensure that the sausage is well-blended.
- Chill the sausage before stuffing: This will help to firm up the sausage and make it easier to handle.
- Use a sausage stuffer or a piping bag fitted with a large tip to stuff the sausage into casings.
- Cook the sausage thoroughly: Fresh Italian sausage should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure that it is safe to eat.
- Enjoy the sausage fresh or freeze it for later use.
Conclusion:
Homemade Italian sausage is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. With careful preparation and attention to detail, you can create flavorful and authentic Italian sausage at home. Experiment with different seasonings and techniques to find your favorite combination. Whether you choose to grill, fry, or bake your sausage, you'll be rewarded with a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to impress your family and friends. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to create your own homemade Italian sausage adventure!
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