Description
This homemade venison breakfast sausage is lean, flavorful, and packed with a perfect balance of spices. With the natural richness of venison complemented by aromatic seasonings, this sausage is a healthier alternative to store-bought versions. It’s perfect for breakfast alongside eggs, biscuits, or pancakes, and it freezes well for meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs ground venison
- 1/2 lb ground pork (or pork fat) (for moisture)
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp ground sage
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp ground allspice
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 cup ice-cold water
Instructions
- Prepare the mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground venison and ground pork.
- Add seasonings: Sprinkle all spices and seasonings evenly over the meat mixture. If using brown sugar or maple syrup, add it at this stage.
- Mix thoroughly: Using your hands or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, mix everything together until well combined. Add ice-cold water to help bind the ingredients.
- Rest the mixture: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to allow the flavors to meld.
- Shape the sausage: Form into small patties or leave as bulk sausage.
- Cook: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes per side or until browned and cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F/71°C).
- Serve: Enjoy hot, or let them cool and freeze for later use.
Notes
- Venison is naturally lean, so adding pork or pork fat helps improve texture and juiciness.
- Adjust seasoning based on your preference—more sage for a classic sausage taste, more red pepper for spice.
- For a sweeter variation, increase the brown sugar or use maple syrup.
- You can shape the mixture into patties or keep it as bulk sausage for crumbles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Pan-fried
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 oz (85g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg