Homemade Sausages: Where to Buy Your Casings and Recipes

The art of making homemade sausages has a long and rich history, with countless enthusiasts bringing this hobby to life each year. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, sourcing the right materials is crucial. Below, we explore where to buy your sausage casings, discuss the different types available, and share some popular homemade sausage recipes.

Where to Buy Your Sausage Casings

When it comes to buying sausage casings, you have several options. Some prefer natural casings, while others opt for synthetic alternatives. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks.

Natural Casings

Natural casings are often made from animal intestines, primarily those from cows, sheep, or lambs. They come in various thicknesses and are available in both natural and salted forms. Salted casings, such as pork or lamb casings, are vacuum-packed and should be soaked in water to soften them before use. This process makes them ready for stuffing your homemade sausages.

Local butchers or specialty meat suppliers in your region may offer a variety of natural casings. If you're particularly picky about the quality, visiting a local butcher shop can be a good choice. However, for higher volume purchases or tighter budgets, online suppliers can be more convenient and cost-effective.

Synthetic Casings

Synthetic casings, often referred to as artificial casings, are made from materials like collagen or cellulose. They are a popular choice for those who want a more affordable and consistent option. These casings are often sold in bulk and are easier to handle. Amazon and other online retailers offer synthetic casings at competitive prices, making them a popular choice for home sausage makers.

A notable advantage of synthetic casings is that they are easier to use and do not require the same extensive soaking and steeping as natural casings. This can save you valuable time in the kitchen without compromising on the quality of your sausages.

Popular Homemade Sausage Recipes

Bratwurst

Bratwurst is a traditional German sausage that is both flavorful and easy to make. It typically includes ingredients like crushed fennel seeds, coriander, and spices. Here's a basic recipe:

1.5 pounds ground pork or a pork/veal blend 2 tablespoons crushed fennel seeds 1 teaspoon ground coriander 2 teaspoons garlic powder 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon sugar

Combine the ground meat and spices in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly to ensure the spices are well distributed. Ensure that the mixture is not overworked to avoid a tough texture. Using your chosen casings, stuff the mixture into them with a sausage stuffer. Seal the ends and cook the sausages in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally, until browned on the outside and cooked through inside.

Kielbasa

Kielbasa, a popular Polish sausage, is made with a mixture of pork and beef and flavored with various spices. Here's a simple recipe:

1.5 pounds ground pork and beef blend 1 tablespoon paprika 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Mix the ground meat and spices in a large bowl. As with the Bratwurst, stuffing the mixture into casings and cooking the sausages in a skillet until they are browned on the outside and fully cooked inside is the next step.

Summer Pepperoni

Cooked pepperoni is a popular ingredient in pizza toppings and as a snack. Making homemade cooked pepperoni is a bit more involved but can be rewarding. Here’s a basic recipe:

1.5 pounds ground beef 1 teaspoon garlic powder 2 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon sugar 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1/2 cup milk or water

Combine the ground meat, garlic powder, salt, sugar, pepper, and red pepper flakes in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly to ensure the spices are well distributed. Boil the milk or water in a separate pan. Add the mixture to the boiling liquid, stirring constantly to prevent burning, until the mixture thickens and cooks through. Stuff the mixture into casings, seal the ends, and cook in a skillet over medium heat until browned on the outside and fully cooked inside.

Breakfast Sausage

Breakfast sausages are a hearty and flavorful breakfast option. Here's a basic recipe:

1.5 pounds ground pork 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon sage 2 cloves minced garlic

Combine the ground meat and spices in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly to ensure the spices are well distributed. Using your chosen casings, stuff the mixture into them and seal the ends. Cook the breakfast sausages in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown and fully cooked inside.

Conclusion

Whether you're making a traditional German Bratwurst, a flavorful Polish Kielbasa, a spicy Summer Pepperoni, or a hearty Breakfast Sausage, sourcing the right ingredients, including casings, is essential. Whether you prefer the natural flavors of natural casings or the affordability and ease of synthetic casings, you have options. Visit your local butcher or explore online suppliers to find the best casings for your homemade sausages.

Enjoy experimenting and perfecting your homemade sausage recipes!