If you’re looking for a flavor-packed, protein-rich breakfast, this venison breakfast sausage recipe is a perfect choice! It combines lean venison, a balanced blend of herbs and spices, and just the right amount of pork fat to create a juicy and flavorful sausage.
Unlike store-bought sausages that often contain preservatives and fillers, this venison breakfast sausage recipe is all-natural and completely customizable. Whether you like it spicy, sweet, or smoky, you can easily tweak it to fit your taste!
As someone who loves homemade sausage, I’ve also experimented with a Homemade Jimmy Dean Breakfast Sausage Recipe—a great pork-based alternative if you’re looking to switch things up.
How I Discovered the Perfect Venison Breakfast Sausage
I never planned to create a venison breakfast sausage recipe. It all started on a cold, stormy morning deep in the mountains, where I found myself soaked, exhausted, and starving after a long hunt.
That day, I had tracked a beautiful whitetail deer for hours. The moment I took my shot, the skies erupted into a downpour. By the time I dragged the deer back to the small cabin I had rented, my clothes were drenched, my hands were frozen, and my stomach was growling. I needed something warm, filling, and satisfying—but I wanted to try something new.
As I skinned and butchered the deer, I found an old cookbook tucked inside a dusty drawer. Flipping through the pages, I stopped at a recipe for homemade breakfast sausage. It called for pork, but I had venison—and an idea.
I chopped the venison, mixed in fresh sage and thyme, and added just enough pork fat, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes for balance. Grinding the meat by hand was tough, but as I cooked the first patties in a cast-iron skillet, the rich, smoky aroma filled the tiny cabin.
The first bite? Absolute perfection. Juicy, savory, with just the right hint of spice.
That’s when I knew—I had to share this recipe. If I could create something this delicious in a storm, imagine how incredible it would be in your kitchen.
And that’s why I’m writing this now. Because everyone deserves a breakfast this good. 🔥
Why Venison Sausage? The Benefits of Using Venison
Compared to traditional pork sausage, venison breakfast sausage offers several benefits:
✔️ Lower in fat – Venison is naturally leaner, making it a healthier choice.
✔️ Higher in protein – A great source of muscle-building protein while being low in calories.
✔️ Rich in vitamins & minerals – Packed with iron, B vitamins, and omega-3s.
✔️ Sustainable & all-natural – If you hunt, this is one of the best ways to utilize wild game meat.
Many people don’t realize that venison is actually healthier than beef and pork. According to Healthline, venison is significantly lower in fat while being higher in key nutrients, making it a great alternative for anyone looking to eat cleaner.
If you’re looking for more creative ways to cook with breakfast sausage, check out these Delicious Recipes with Breakfast Sausage to add even more variety to your meals.
Ingredients for Venison Breakfast Sausage
To make 5 pounds of homemade venison sausage, you’ll need the following:
Essential Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground Venison | 3 ½ lbs |
| Pork Fatback (for moisture) | 1 ½ lbs |
| Kosher Salt | 3 tbsp |
| Fresh Sage (chopped) | 3 tbsp |
| Fresh Thyme Leaves | 1 tbsp |
| Garlic (minced) | 4 cloves |
| Black Pepper | 2 tsp |
| Red Pepper Flakes | ½ tsp |
| Brown Sugar | 2 tsp |
| Ground Cloves | ¼ tsp |
| Ice Cold Water (for binding) | ½ cup |
Many home cooks struggle with grinding venison correctly, which can affect the final texture of the sausage. If you’re new to this process, I highly recommend reading this MeatEater Guide on Grinding Venison for expert tips on achieving the best results.
Pro Tip: Want a sweeter sausage? Swap the brown sugar for 3 tablespoons of maple syrup! 🍁
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Venison Breakfast Sausage Recipe
1. Preparing the Venison and Fat
✅ Trim any silver skin and sinew from the venison (this prevents toughness).
✅ Cut the venison and pork fat into 2-inch cubes.
✅ Place the cubes on a baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes (this makes grinding easier).
Keeping the meat cold prevents smearing and helps maintain a great sausage texture!
2. Mixing the Seasonings
✅ In a large bowl, combine salt, black pepper, sage, thyme, cloves, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes.
✅ Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the chilled venison and pork fat.
✅ Mix well with your hands to ensure even flavor distribution.
Pre-mixing the seasonings before grinding ensures each bite is packed with flavor!
3. Grinding the Meat
✅ Set up your meat grinder with a coarse grinding plate.
✅ Grind the venison and pork fat into a chilled metal bowl (keeping the meat cold is key!).
✅ If a smoother texture is desired, grind the mixture a second time.
✅ If the meat feels warm, chill it again for 20 minutes before proceeding.
For those who love cooking on a griddle, you can also explore some Breakfast Griddle Recipes for alternative ways to cook and enjoy your sausage.
4. Binding the Sausage Mixture
✅ Slowly add ice-cold water while mixing the sausage by hand (or in a stand mixer with a paddle attachment).
✅ Mix for 2-3 minutes until the meat becomes slightly sticky and binds together.
✅ If making patties, form them by hand. If making links, use a sausage stuffer to fill casings.
Thorough mixing ensures the sausage holds together when cooking!
5. Cooking Venison Sausage
🔥 For Patties:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook 3-4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
🌭 For Links:
- Poach sausages in simmering water (160°F) for 10-15 minutes.
- Sear in a pan for a crispy finish.
🔥 For a smoky flavor:
- Smoke at 200°F for 2-3 hours until internal temp reaches 160°F.
Always cook venison sausage to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure food safety!
Final Thoughts
Making homemade venison breakfast sausage is a game-changer—it’s healthier, tastier, and fully customizable! Whether you prefer spicy, sweet, or smoky flavors, this easy-to-follow recipe ensures perfect results every time.
🔥 Have you tried this recipe? Let us know your favorite seasoning tweaks in the comments! 🚀