Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients for Cheddar Jalapeño Summer Sausage
Meat & Dairy:
- 2 lbs ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 cup high-temperature cheddar cheese, diced or shredded
Spices & Seasonings:
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp mustard seeds
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
Jalapeños & Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 fresh jalapeños, finely diced (or ¼ cup pickled jalapeños)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp liquid smoke (for deeper smoky flavor)
Curing & Binding Agents:
- 1 tsp pink curing salt (Prague Powder #1)
- ¼ cup ice water
Casings:
- Collagen or natural sausage casings (optional for stuffing)
Instructions
Instructions for Making Cheddar Jalapeño Summer Sausage
1. Prepare the Meat Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat, cheddar cheese, and diced jalapeños.
- In a separate small bowl, mix all spices, curing salt, and seasonings together.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the meat mixture and mix well until fully incorporated.
2. Add Liquid Ingredients
- Pour in the ice water, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke.
- Mix thoroughly for about 5 minutes until the meat becomes sticky and binds together.
3. Shape or Stuff the Sausage
- If using casings: Soak them in warm water for about 30 minutes, then stuff the meat mixture into the casings using a sausage stuffer.
- If not using casings: Shape the mixture into logs or rolls, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
4. Cure the Sausage
- Refrigerate the sausage for at least 12-24 hours to allow the flavors to develop.
5. Smoking & Cooking
- Preheat your smoker to 160-180°F (70-80°C).
- Smoke the sausages slowly for 4-6 hours, increasing the temperature gradually to internal 155°F (68°C).
- If using an oven, bake at 175°F (80°C) for about 4 hours until fully cooked.
6. Cooling & Storing
- Once done, let the sausages cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Refrigerate for up to 3 weeks or vacuum seal and freeze for up to 3 months.
Enjoy your homemade cheddar jalapeño summer sausage in sandwiches, charcuterie boards, or as a protein-packed snack! 🔥🥩🧀