Homemade Summer Sausage Recipe
Ingredients:
- 5 lbs of ground hamburger (use regular, not lean)
- 5 Tbsp of liquid smoke (located near the BBQ sauce in most stores)
- 5 Tbsp of Morton’s Tender Quick salt (available in the spice aisle)
- 2 Tbsp of coarsely ground black pepper
- 2 Tbsp of minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp of mustard seeds
Directions:
- Mixing: In a sizable mixing bowl, combine the ground hamburger with liquid smoke, Tender Quick salt, ground black pepper, minced garlic, and mustard seeds. Use your hands to mix the ingredients thoroughly, just as if you were preparing meatloaf.
- Marinate: Once mixed, cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator to marinate for 24 hours. This step is crucial for the flavors to meld together.
- Shape: After the marination period, remove the mixture from the refrigerator. Knead the mixture once more to ensure the ingredients are well integrated. Then, divide and shape the mixture into 4 logs, each measuring approximately 14 inches in length and 2 inches in diameter.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 300°F. Place the sausage logs on a cookie sheet with sides to catch any drippings. Bake in the preheated oven for 3 hours.
- Wrap: Once baked, remove the sausage logs from the oven. Wrap each log first in wax paper, then securely in aluminum foil. This helps retain the moisture and flavors during chilling.
- Chill: Refrigerate the wrapped sausage logs until they are thoroughly chilled. This step ensures the sausage firms up and slices easily.
- Serve: To enjoy, slice the summer sausage into thin or thick slices as preferred. It can be served alone or paired with crackers and cheese for a delightful snack or appetizer.
This Homemade Summer Sausage brings a delightful homemade touch to your snack table, perfect for gatherings, picnics, or a savory treat at any time. The rich flavors and simple preparation make it a satisfying project with delicious results.