Bulk Italian Sausage

For a leaner sausage, you can substitute some of the pork fat with lean pork meat.

If your meat grinder has different settings, use a medium or coarse setting. Finely ground sausage will become more mushy.

Keep the meat and fat cold before grinding to prevent the fat from melting and resulting in a greasy sausage.

Try different spice blends or additional ingredients like fennel seeds.

Make sure to cook a small patty of the sausage mixture before forming it or freezing, to adjust the seasonings if needed.

If you don't have pork fat, you can use bacon as a substitute for added flavor.

If you plan on stuffing the sausage into casings, use natural hog casings.

What does trimming and cubing the pork shoulder do for the sausage?

Trimming and cubing the pork shoulder allows for more uniform grinding and distribution of fat throughout the sausage. You can include any trimmed fat in the 1/2 pound of cubed pork fat.

Why is pork fat used in the recipe?

Pork fat adds moisture and richness to the sausage, resulting in a juicy and flavorful end product. The pork shoulder alone doesn't contain enough fat so you need to add some to get the right texture.

Can I adjust the amount of spices used in the recipe?

Yes, feel free to adjust the seasoning as desired. You can add more or less of any spice.

Is it necessary to use a meat grinder to make the sausage?

A meat grinder is preferred for achieving the right texture, but you can also ask your butcher to grind the pork shoulder and pork fat for you if you don't have a grinder at home.

Can I use ground pork instead of grinding my own meat and fat?

You can use ground pork if you don't have access to a meat grinder. Just make sure it has a good fat content for flavor.

What is the purpose of the water added to the seasoned pork?

The water helps to keep the mixture moist and makes it easier to mix and distribute the seasonings evenly.

Meat Grinder: For grinding the pork shoulder, pork fat, and garlic to create the perfect texture for the sausage. Be sure to alternate ingredients as you grind for even distribution of ingredients.

Large Bowl: For mixing the seasoned pork with the other ingredients before grinding.

Knife: For trimming and cubing the pork shoulder and pork fat before grinding.

Homemade Pizza: top your pizza with crumbled cooked Italian sausage for an authentic and flavorful topping that will take your pizza game up a notch. The spices in the sausage will add to the overall flavor of the pizza.

Pasta Carbonara: toss some cooked and crumbled Italian sausage into your carbonara for a hearty and savory twist on this classic dish. The richness of the sausage will complement the creamy sauce and pasta perfectly.

Stuffed Bell Peppers: stuff your bell peppers with a mixture of Italian sausage, rice, and cheese for a satisfying and balanced meal. The bold flavors of the sausage will infuse the peppers with deliciousness.

Eggplant Parmesan: layer cooked Italian sausage in between slices of eggplant and marinara sauce for a hearty and comforting dish. The sausage will add a meaty element to the dish, making it extra satisfying.