Venison Sausage Recipes: Delicious and Easy Ways to Cook Wild Game

Let's talk venison sausage, folks! Now, I know what you're thinking: "Wild game? Sounds a bit… adventurous, right?" And you're not wrong, but honestly, venison sausage is a real treat. It's got a fantastic flavour and it's surprisingly easy to cook. We're not talking Michelin-star chef stuff here, just simple, down-to-earth recipes that anyone can manage. Plus, it's a brilliant way to make use of that venison from your last hunting trip, if you're lucky enough to be a hunter!

Part 1: Getting to Know Venison Sausage

Let's start with the basics. Venison sausage has a distinctive, slightly gamey flavour that some people adore, while others find it a bit off-putting. But that's where the magic of cooking comes in. You can absolutely mellow out that gamey taste, and I'll be sharing some of my favourite tricks throughout this article.

The Different Types of Venison Sausage

There are quite a few different types of venison sausage out there. The most common ones are:

1. Fresh venison sausage: This is your standard sausage, ready to be cooked. It's typically made with ground venison, spices, and sometimes breadcrumbs. This is the most versatile type, perfect for a variety of recipes.
2. Smoked venison sausage: You can instantly tell this one by its smoky aroma and flavour. It's been smoked during processing, giving it a distinctive taste and aroma. It's fantastic for grilling or frying, but also works well in hearty stews and soups.
3. Dry venison sausage: This is cured and dried, giving it a long shelf life. It's usually enjoyed as a snack or as an ingredient in dishes, adding a rich, salty flavour. Think of it like a salumi or cured sausage.

Part 2: The Basics of cooking venison Sausage

Now, onto the fun part! Cooking venison sausage is really quite simple. Here's a rundown of the most common methods:

1. Pan-Frying: Quick and Easy

Pan-frying is a classic way to cook venison sausage and it's super quick and easy. You'll need a heavy-bottomed skillet or frying pan. Here's how to do it:

1. Heat a tablespoon of oil in your pan over medium heat.
2. Add your sausage links to the hot pan and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they're nice and golden brown and cooked through.
3. Remove the sausages from the pan and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Tip: You can add a little bit of butter to the pan in the last minute of cooking for a richer flavour.

2. Grilling: That Smoky Goodness

Grilling is a great way to add that extra layer of smoky flavour to your venison sausage. Here's the lowdown:

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2. Place your sausage links directly onto the grill grates.
3. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they're cooked through.

Tip: If you're using a gas grill, you can add a few wood chips to the grill to create that extra smoky flavour.

3. Baking: A Less Messy Option

For a less messy cooking experience, baking is your best bet. Here's how to do it:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place your sausage links on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they're cooked through.

Tip: If you're feeling adventurous, try adding a little bit of honey or maple syrup to the sausage before baking. The sweetness really complements the gamey flavour.

Part 3: Classic Venison Sausage Recipes

Okay, now we're getting to the fun stuff! Here are a few of my favourite and tried-and-true venison sausage recipes. These are guaranteed to impress, whether you're a seasoned hunter or a complete novice in the kitchen.

1. Venison Sausage and Sauerkraut: Hearty and Comforting

This is a real crowd-pleaser, perfect for a cold winter night. You'll need:

• 1 pound venison sausage
• 1 (16-ounce) jar sauerkraut
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Here's how to make it:

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown your venison sausage. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until it's nice and softened. Stir in the sauerkraut, apple cider vinegar, caraway seeds, and black pepper.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover the skillet, and cook for 20-30 minutes, or until the sauerkraut is tender.
4. Serve hot with mashed potatoes or some crusty bread.

Tip: To add a touch of sweetness and acidity, try adding a tablespoon of brown sugar or a splash of lemon juice to the sauerkraut mixture.

2. Venison Sausage and Apple Stuffing: A Classic with a Twist

This recipe takes inspiration from classic sausage and apple stuffing, but with a venison twist. You'll need:

• 1 pound venison sausage
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can chicken broth
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup chopped apple (such as Granny Smith)
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon sage

Here's how to make it:

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown your venison sausage. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the onion, celery, and apple, and cook until they're softened.
3. Stir in the cranberries, walnuts, bread crumbs, salt, pepper, and sage.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the stuffing is heated through.
5. Serve hot as a stuffing or a side dish.

Tip: For a more decadent stuffing, add a tablespoon of butter or a splash of cream to the mixture before cooking.

3. Venison Sausage and Pepper Jack Quesadillas: A Modern Twist

For a more modern and flavorful take on the classic quesadilla, try this recipe. You'll need:

• 1 pound venison sausage
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped jalapeno pepper (optional, adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 (8-ounce) package pepper jack cheese, shredded
• 6 large flour tortillas
• 1/4 cup salsa
• Sour cream (optional)

Here's how to make it:

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown your venison sausage. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the onion, green pepper, and jalapeno (if using), and cook until they're softened.
3. Spread a thin layer of the sausage mixture on one side of each tortilla. Sprinkle with pepper jack cheese. Top with another tortilla, cheese-side down.
4. Cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the tortillas are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
5. Serve immediately with salsa and sour cream, if desired.

Tip: For extra flavour, try grilling the quesadillas on a hot griddle or cast iron skillet.

Part 4: Tips for Making Venison Sausage More Appealing

Okay, so you might be thinking, "I'm a bit hesitant about that gamey taste." I get it! Don't worry, I've got a few simple tips to help you make venison sausage more palatable, even if you're new to wild game.

1. The Soaking Method

Soaking your venison sausage in milk or buttermilk for a few hours can really help to mellow out the gamey flavour. It's a simple trick, but it makes a big difference. The milk or buttermilk helps to break down some of the proteins that contribute to the strong flavour.

2. Flavor-Boosting Ingredients

Using bold flavours like onions, garlic, ginger, and herbs can help mask the gamey taste. Think about the classic flavours that pair well with sausage, like sage, rosemary, and thyme.

3. Don't Overcook It!

Overcooked venison can become dry and tough, which can actually accentuate the gamey flavour. Cooking it to a medium level of doneness will help keep it juicy and tender, which also helps with the flavour.

4. Serve with Complementary Sides

Pairing your venison sausage with complementary sides is a great way to create a balanced dish. Think about sides that will cut through the gamey flavour, like sweet potatoes, applesauce, or cranberry sauce.

Part 5: Venison Sausage: Beyond the Classics

You're starting to get the hang of it, right? But don't stop there! There's a whole world of venison sausage recipes waiting to be explored. Let's delve into some more adventurous, yet still delicious, ideas.

1. Venison Sausage Shepherd's Pie: A Hearty Twist

This dish is a delicious twist on the classic shepherd's pie, using venison for a richer, more complex flavour. You'll need:

• 1 pound venison sausage
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups mashed potatoes

Here's how to make it:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown your venison sausage. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic, and cook until softened.
4. Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover the skillet, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
6. Pour the sausage mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with the mashed potatoes. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown.
7. Let the shepherd's pie stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Tip: To add a bit of richness, you can swirl a knob of butter on top of the mashed potatoes before baking.

2. Venison Sausage and wild rice soup: A Hearty and Flavorful Soup

This soup is both hearty and flavorful, using wild rice for a unique twist. You'll need:

• 1 pound venison sausage
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup wild rice
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Here's how to make it:

1. In a large pot or dutch oven over medium heat, brown your venison sausage. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic and cook until softened.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, wild rice, parsley, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
5. Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional parsley, if desired.

Tip: For a creamier soup, add a cup of heavy cream or half-and-half to the soup in the last 10 minutes of cooking.

3. Venison Sausage and Sweet Potato Chili: A Sweet and Savory Delight

A twist on the classic chili, this recipe incorporates sweet potato for a unique and delicious flavour. You'll need:

• 1 pound venison sausage
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can beef broth
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Here's how to make it:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, brown your venison sausage. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the onion, green pepper, and garlic, and cook until softened.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, sweet potato, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 30-45 minutes, or until the sweet potato is tender.
5. Serve the chili hot, garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped cilantro, if desired.

Tip: For a spicier chili, add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.

Part 6: Venison Sausage: Going Beyond the Plate

Let's be honest, sometimes you crave something a little different from the usual sausage recipes. Venison sausage is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas for going beyond the plate:

1. Venison Sausage Breakfast Burritos: A Savory Start

Start your day with a delicious and satisfying breakfast burrito. scrambled eggs, cheese, and venison sausage wrapped in a warm tortilla? It's a breakfast dream!

2. Venison Sausage Pizza: A Unique Twist on a Classic

Forget pepperoni and sausage, venison is the way to go! It adds a unique and flavorful twist to your favorite pizza.

3. Venison Sausage stuffed peppers: A Delicious and Visually Appealing Dish

bell peppers stuffed with a savoury venison sausage mixture are both delicious and visually appealing. They make a hearty and flavorful main course.

4. Venison Sausage Dip: A Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer

Transform venison sausage into a tasty dip for your next party. Combine cooked venison sausage with cream cheese, sour cream, and your favorite seasonings for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

5. Venison Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms: A Bite-Sized Appetizer

A bite-sized appetizer that is perfect for a party. Stuff mushroom caps with a mixture of venison sausage, breadcrumbs, and herbs.

Part 7: FAQs: Your Venison Sausage Questions Answered

I've been there, asking all the questions. So, let's address some common concerns and queries about venison sausage:

1. Is Venison Sausage Safe to Eat?

Absolutely! Venison sausage is safe to eat as long as it's been properly processed and handled. Look for sausages that are sealed and refrigerated, and always cook them thoroughly.

2. How Long Does Venison Sausage Last?

Fresh venison sausage will last for 1-2 days in the refrigerator. You can also freeze venison sausage for several months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or freezer paper before freezing.

3. How Do I Know if Venison Sausage is Cooked Through?

The internal temperature of venison sausage should reach 160°F (71°C) to ensure it's cooked through. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.

4. What are the Health Benefits of Eating Venison Sausage?

Venison is a lean meat that's low in fat and calories, making it a healthier option than some other types of sausage. It's also a good source of protein and iron.

5. Where Can I Buy Venison Sausage?

You can find venison sausage at some grocery stores, especially those in rural areas. You can also try specialty meat markets or online retailers. If you're lucky enough to know a hunter, they might be happy to share some of their spoils!

Part 8: Final Thoughts

There you have it! Venison sausage is a fantastic, versatile ingredient that is worth exploring. So, grab some venison sausage, get creative in the kitchen, and enjoy the taste of the wild!