Venison Breakfast Sausage Recipe: Easy Homemade Guide

If you’re looking for a hearty, protein-packed meal to start your day, this venison breakfast sausage recipe is perfect for you. This homemade sausage combines lean venison with the right blend of spices, making it flavorful and nutritious. Whether you’re a hunter wanting to use your game meat or someone who loves trying new recipes, this guide will help you create the best venison breakfast sausage recipe.

For more breakfast options, check out our Healthy Breakfast Curry Recipe for a tasty and nutritious start to your day.

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Why Choose This Venison Breakfast Sausage Recipe?

Making your own venison breakfast sausage recipe gives you control over the ingredients, allowing you to avoid preservatives, additives, and excess fat found in store-bought versions. This homemade sausage is healthier, using the natural leanness of venison and complementing it with herbs and spices that create a delicious flavor.

Benefits of Venison Breakfast Sausage:

1. Low in Fat: Venison contains significantly less fat compared to pork sausages.
2. Nutrient-Dense: Packed with iron, B vitamins, and omega-3s, venison is ideal for anyone looking to boost protein intake. Check out the Nutritional Benefits of Wild Game to learn more.
3. Sustainable Choice: Consuming venison promotes wildlife conservation. Learn more about sustainability from Sustainable Meat Practices.

For those new to meat grinding, this grinding guide offers useful tips to perfect your venison breakfast sausage recipe.

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Ingredients for Your Venison Breakfast Sausage Recipe

The secret to making great venison breakfast sausage is balancing the lean meat with fat. Because venison is naturally low in fat, adding pork fat ensures the sausage is juicy and flavorful.

Key Ingredients for Venison Breakfast Sausage:

• 1 pound ground venison: This lean, rich meat is the star of the recipe.
• ½ pound ground pork or pork fat: Adds fat to keep the sausage from drying out.
• 1 tablespoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors.
• 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor.
• 1 teaspoon ground sage: A traditional herb used in breakfast sausage.
• ½ teaspoon ground thyme: Complements the sage for a classic breakfast sausage taste.
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup: Adds sweetness to balance the savory herbs.
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a touch of heat.
• 1 clove garlic, minced: Brings depth and richness to the sausage.
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves: Adds a warming spice note.

By adjusting the amount of pork fat and spices, you can customize this venison breakfast sausage recipe to suit your taste.

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Step-by-Step Guide for Your Venison Breakfast Sausage Recipe

1. Preparing the Meat for Your Venison Breakfast Sausage Recipe

To get started, combine your venison and pork fat. If you have a meat grinder, grind the two together for the best texture. If you’re using pre-ground meat, simply mix the pork fat into the ground venison.

• Grind the Meat: Use the coarse setting on your meat grinder for the first pass, and if desired, grind again on a finer setting.
• Season the Meat: Add the salt, pepper, sage, thyme, garlic, maple syrup, and cloves to the ground meat. Mix thoroughly, but avoid overworking the mixture, as this can make the sausage tough.
• Add Liquid (Optional): Some people like to add cold water or milk to help bind the meat and keep the sausage tender. Drizzle in a small amount and mix gently.

2. Form Patties or Sausage Links for Your Venison Breakfast Sausage Recipe

Once your meat is seasoned, it’s time to shape it into patties or stuff it into sausage casings.

• Forming Patties: Divide the sausage mixture into even portions and form patties about ¾-inch thick.
• Stuffing into Casings: If you’re making sausage links, use casings and a sausage stuffer or a grinder with a stuffing attachment. Be careful not to overfill the casings, as they can burst during cooking.

3. Cooking or Freezing Your Venison Breakfast Sausage Recipe

At this point, you can cook the sausage immediately or freeze it for later use.

Cooking Instructions for Your Venison Breakfast Sausage Recipe:

1. Skillet Method: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of oil. Cook the patties or links until browned on both sides and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. An instant-read thermometer is handy for checking the temperature.
2. Baking Method: Alternatively, bake the patties or links on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a preheated 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes, or until fully cooked through.

Freezing Instructions:

1. Freezing Uncooked Sausages: Lay uncooked patties or links on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until solid (1-2 hours), then transfer to freezer bags. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
2. Freezing Cooked Sausages: Cook the sausages as directed, allow them to cool completely, and then freeze. Wrap each sausage in parchment paper and place in a freezer bag. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

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Tips for the Best Venison Breakfast Sausage Recipe

To ensure your venison breakfast sausage recipe is moist and flavorful, keep these tips in mind:

1. Use Enough Fat

Because venison is very lean, it’s essential to add fat to your sausage mixture. A 70/30 venison to pork fat ratio is ideal for a juicy sausage. If you prefer a leaner sausage, you can go with an 80/20 ratio, but keep in mind that it may be slightly drier.

2. Avoid Overcooking

Venison sausages can dry out quickly, so it’s important not to overcook them. Cooking over medium heat and using an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F will give you perfectly cooked sausages.

3. Experiment with Flavors in Your Venison Breakfast Sausage Recipe

Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices. You can add rosemary, marjoram, or even cranberries for a holiday-inspired sausage.

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Serving Suggestions for Venison Breakfast Sausage Recipe

There are many ways to enjoy your homemade venison breakfast sausage. Here are a few ideas:

1. Classic Breakfast: Serve your sausage with scrambled eggs, hash browns, and toast for a hearty morning meal.
2. Breakfast Sandwiches: Use the sausage patties in a breakfast sandwich with eggs, cheese, and a toasted English muffin or biscuit.
3. Sausage Gravy: Crumble the cooked sausage into a skillet, add flour, and whisk in milk to create a savory sausage gravy to pour over biscuits.
4. Gourmet Twist: Pair the sausage with pancakes and drizzle with maple syrup for a sweet and savory breakfast treat.

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Storing and Freezing Your Venison Breakfast Sausage Recipe

Proper storage ensures that your sausages stay fresh and delicious for later use.

Storing in the Refrigerator:

Cooked sausages can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.

Freezing:

• Uncooked Sausages: Uncooked patties or links can be frozen for up to 3 months. Stack them with parchment paper between to prevent sticking.
• Cooked Sausages: Cooked sausages can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure they’re completely cooled before freezing to preserve their texture and flavor.

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FAQs About Venison Breakfast Sausage Recipe

What’s the best ratio of venison to pork fat for this venison breakfast sausage recipe?

A 70/30 ratio of venison to pork fat is ideal for juicy, flavorful sausage. For a leaner option, you can use an 80/20 ratio, but the sausage may be slightly drier.

How do I reduce the gamey flavor of venison?

To reduce the gamey flavor, add herbs like sage and thyme or sweeteners like maple syrup to balance out the rich, earthy flavors of venison. You can also soak the meat in milk or buttermilk for a few hours before grinding to further mellow the gamey taste.

Should venison sausage be pink in the middle?

It’s normal for venison sausage to have a slight pink hue, but always ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.

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Conclusion

This venison breakfast sausage recipe is a perfect way to enjoy the lean, nutrient-packed benefits of wild game. With the right balance of spices and fat, this homemade sausage is sure to become a staple at your breakfast table. Whether you’re serving it with eggs and toast or using it in a hearty breakfast sandwich, this sausage will bring rich flavor and nutrition to your mornings.

For more unique breakfast ideas, don’t forget to try out our Healthy Breakfast Curry Recipe. Enjoy cooking and experimenting with your own take on this versatile recipe!