14 Summer Sausage Recipes That Go Beyond Cured Meat Boards

Nettie Moore

Wed, July 17, 2024 at 6:20 PM UTC

6 min read

Summer sausage originated in Europe as a way to preserve sausages during the hot summer months without refrigeration.
Summer sausage can be made at home using ground chuck, mustard seeds, and other spices, and does not need refrigeration until opened.
Different types of summer sausages, such as salami and chorizo, can be frozen for up to three months and enjoyed as snacks or in various recipes.

Hundreds of years ago, summer sausagewas created in Europe and immigrants continued making summer sausages when they came to America. The Germans expertly made fermented sausages and many varieties of summer sausages were thus created. Today, the summer sausage is known as a cured meat that came about in Europe before they had any type of refrigeration. Europeans created different techniques that preserved sausages, so they wouldn't spoil in the hot summer months without being on ice or in a refrigerator—hence the name: summer sausage.

Related: Best Summer Dinner Ideas

What Is Summer Sausage?

Summer sausage is delicious all year round. Whether eating it on a charcuterie platter , straight from one of those holiday gift baskets or in your favorite pasta dish , casserole, pizza or salad; it's a delicious savory treat loved by all.

Does Summer Sausage Need to Be Refrigerated?

Summer Sausage does not need refrigeration until it has been opened. This mildly-spiced sausage is a wonderful snack paired with cheese chunks or eaten plain in slices. Making ground beef summer sausage at home is easier than you may think. It takes a bit of time, but you will be saving some big bucks; store-bought summer sausage is pricey these days.

Why Do Some Summer Sausage Recipes Ask For One Tablespoon Tender Quick Per One Pound of Meat?

It's a quick way of curing the meat right in your own home. The sausage will have a tasty cured flavor and a pinkish color.

How to Make Summer Sausage

If you aren't able to order summer sausage online, making it at home is always better than store-bought summer sausage anyway. Because you know what the ingredients are going in the sausage! Use extra-lean ground chuck for the best results, so that there's much less grease and fat in the recipe when doing so. Using freshly-cracked mustard seeds also adds a wonderful fresh flavor, giving it that tangy old-fashioned taste, plus it looks so pretty!

If your family enjoys a spicy sausage, feel free to add some chopped jalapeños. Adding chunks of cheese to the summer sausage is also very popular, as is serving it with wine. Summer sausage is great on a sandwich with all of your favorite sandwich toppings. If you are like me and like knowing the ingredients that go into summer sausage, you will love that no artificial preservatives are added when you make it at home. A perfect amount of blended spices can be added as well. Summer sausage is a great low-carb, gluten-free and sugar-free keto appetizer (or snack!) if you're trying to follow one of these diets.

Related: Easy Kielbasa Recipes

Different Types of Summer Sausage

There are many types of summer sausages that you may know and love today, such as salami, pepperoni and chorizo, but a traditional German-style summer sausage is softer and not as dry as the other meats. Their summer sausage didn't have as much water removed to stay fresh in the summer.

Can Summer Sausages Be Frozen?

Yes, just wrap them tightly with plastic wrap then again with aluminum foil or store them in an airtight container. They will last up to three months in the freezer. Take them out of the freezer on the day you want to dig in and let them defrost. Your summer sausage will taste just as fresh as the day it was made!

Best Summer Sausage Recipes

Summer sausage is great as a snack—for picnics and on charcuterie boards. Slice it thin and pair it with wine or beer, plus your favorite cheese. We love it on sandwiches and in casseroles, but the best part is you can eat it anytime and at room temperature. Having a few sticks of summer sausage in the freezer is a great way to know when you don't have anything in the house, you still have meal options for making lunches. You need to slice some cheese, use your lettuce, get some crackers or bread and lunch is done!

The best beef summer sausage is very simple to make and I know that once you try to make it, you will be hooked! There's no need for any special equipment, it's great as a gift and especially delicious as a party snack, lunch or afternoon happy hour treat.