Apple Venison Sausage Recipe for Delicious Homemade Flavor

There’s something truly special about combining the rich, gamey flavor of venison with the crisp sweetness of apples. This apple venison sausage recipe strikes the perfect balance, making it a delicious choice for those who appreciate bold, rustic flavors with a touch of natural sweetness.

Whether you’re an experienced hunter wanting to make the most of your venison or a curious foodie looking to experiment with new sausage varieties, this recipe will guide you through the process of creating juicy, flavorful sausages that are perfect for breakfast, grilling, or adding to your favorite dishes.

Using fresh apples, savory herbs, and carefully balanced spices, these sausages are packed with flavor and have a wonderful texture that’s both hearty and tender. Plus, making your own sausages at home means you control every ingredient, ensuring a wholesome, preservative-free product.

Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that celebrates the natural goodness of venison and apples in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This apple venison sausage recipe shines because it highlights the lean, rich qualities of venison while introducing a subtle sweetness from fresh apples. The combination is not only tasty but also nutritious, offering a protein-packed meal with less fat than traditional pork sausages.

What makes this recipe stand out is its versatility and homemade charm. You can customize the herbs and spices to suit your taste, and the sausages freeze well for future meals.

Plus, making sausages from scratch is a rewarding culinary experience that lets you appreciate every step of the process.

Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, these sausages bring a gourmet touch to your table. They’re perfect for breakfast with eggs, grilled alongside veggies for dinner, or sliced up in pasta dishes.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds venison shoulder or leg, trimmed and cubed
• 1/2 pound pork fat or bacon fat (for moisture and flavor)
• 1 medium apple (such as Granny Smith or Fuji), peeled and finely grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a kick)
• 1/4 cup cold apple cider
• Natural hog casings (soaked and rinsed, about 10-12 feet)

Equipment

• Meat grinder (or pre-ground venison and pork fat from your butcher)
• Sausage stuffer (manual or electric)
• Large mixing bowl
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Kitchen scale (optional but helpful)
• Refrigerator for chilling meat and sausages
• Skillet or grill pan for cooking
• Butcher twine (optional, for tying links)

Instructions

1. Prepare the meat and fat: Cut the venison and pork fat into 1-inch cubes. Place them in the freezer for about 30 minutes to firm up, making grinding easier and cleaner.
2. Grind the meat: Using a chilled meat grinder fitted with a medium grinding plate, grind the venison and pork fat into a large bowl. If you don’t have a grinder, ask your butcher to grind for you.
3. Mix the ingredients: To the ground meat, add the finely grated apple, minced garlic, chopped onion, sage, thyme, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and red pepper flakes if using. Pour in the cold apple cider. Mix everything thoroughly by hand or with a sturdy spoon until well combined and sticky. This helps bind the sausage.
4. Prepare the casings: Rinse the natural hog casings thoroughly under cold water, flushing the inside to remove salt and impurities. Soak them in warm water for about 30 minutes before stuffing.
5. Stuff the sausages: Fit your sausage stuffer with the prepared casing. Carefully feed the meat mixture into the stuffer and fill the casing evenly, taking care not to overstuff or leave air pockets. Twist the sausages into 6-inch links, tying with butcher twine if desired.
6. Chill the sausages: Place the sausages in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to firm up and allow the flavors to meld.
7. Cook the sausages: Heat a skillet over medium heat or prepare your grill. Cook the sausages for about 10-12 minutes, turning frequently until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and are browned on all sides.
8. Serve and enjoy: Let the sausages rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them hot with your favorite sides.

Tips & Variations

“Keep your meat and equipment cold throughout the process to ensure the best texture and ease of handling. This makes a huge difference when making sausages!”

• Apple choice: Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a sharper contrast, or sweeter varieties like Fuji for a milder sweetness.
• Herbs and spices: Experiment with adding fennel seeds, smoked paprika, or ground coriander for different flavor profiles.
• Meat variations: If you can’t find pork fat, beef suet or lamb fat can be a good substitute to add moisture.
• Cooking methods: These sausages are excellent grilled, pan-fried, or baked. For an extra smoky flavor, try cooking over wood chips.
• Storage: Fresh sausages keep in the fridge for 2-3 days or freeze well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These apple venison sausages are incredibly versatile. For a hearty breakfast, serve them alongside scrambled eggs, sautéed mushrooms, and roasted potatoes.

They also make a fantastic addition to a rustic pasta dish—slice and toss with creamy mustard sauce and fresh herbs. For a lighter meal, pair them with a crisp green salad featuring apple slices, walnuts, and a tangy vinaigrette.

Grilled sausages served on a toasted bun with caramelized onions and a smear of whole grain mustard make for a delicious and satisfying sandwich option.

If you’re interested in other hearty, flavorful recipes, check out our Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping or dive into something exotic with the Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious.

For quick and tasty meal ideas, don’t miss our Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious.

Conclusion

Making your own apple venison sausages at home is a rewarding way to enjoy the rich flavors of wild game with a touch of sweet freshness from apples. This recipe offers a perfect balance of lean meat, flavorful herbs, and natural sweetness that makes each bite memorable.

The process may require some preparation, but the results are well worth it, giving you delicious, wholesome sausages free from preservatives and fillers.

Whether you’re cooking for a weekend brunch or preparing an impressive dinner, these sausages will add a gourmet twist to your menu. Plus, the ability to customize the seasoning allows you to tailor the flavors exactly to your liking.

So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the art of sausage-making with this delightful apple venison sausage recipe. Happy cooking!

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