Venison Breakfast Sausage Recipe: A Flavorful, Lean Option

Venison breakfast sausage is a delicious, lean, and protein-packed way to start your morning. Made from ground venison, which is naturally low in fat, this sausage recipe is seasoned with a blend of spices to create a savory, slightly sweet flavor perfect for breakfast. Whether you hunt your own venison or buy it from a trusted source, this homemade sausage is a great way to enjoy this healthy and versatile meat.

In this blog post, I’ll walk you through a simple recipe for venison breakfast sausage, share tips for perfecting the flavor, and answer common questions to ensure your sausage turns out amazing every time.

Why You’ll Love This Venison Breakfast Sausage Recipe

• Lean and healthy: Venison is a naturally lean meat, making it a healthier alternative to pork sausage.
• Customizable flavor: Adjust the seasoning to your liking, whether you prefer a sweeter or spicier sausage.
• Versatile: Perfect for breakfast patties, sausage links, or even crumbled sausage for casseroles and frittatas.
• Freezer-friendly: Make a big batch and freeze for easy meal prep.
• Homemade goodness: Skip the preservatives and additives in store-bought sausage and enjoy a cleaner, fresher option.

If you’re looking for more ways to enjoy venison, try our Slow Cooker Venison Roast for a comforting dinner option.

Ingredients for Venison Breakfast Sausage

For the Sausage Mix:

• 2 lbs ground venison
• 1 lb ground pork or pork fat (optional, for moisture and flavor)
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried sage
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 2 tbsp maple syrup or brown sugar (for a touch of sweetness)
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

Optional Additions:

• 1 tsp crushed fennel seeds for a subtle, savory note.
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes if you prefer spicier sausage.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Venison

If you’re grinding your own venison, ensure the meat is clean and free of silver skin or sinew. Grind the venison using a meat grinder with a coarse plate, then mix it with ground pork or pork fat to balance the leanness.

Step 2: Combine the Seasonings

In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, sage, thyme, cayenne pepper, maple syrup, and nutmeg. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.

Step 3: Mix the Sausage

Place the ground venison (and pork, if using) in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the meat. Use your hands or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment to mix thoroughly. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture.

Step 4: Test the Flavor

Before forming the sausage, cook a small patty in a skillet over medium heat to taste the seasoning. Adjust the spices, salt, or sweetness as needed.

Step 5: Form the Sausage

Shape the sausage mixture into patties, links, or leave it as a loose crumble, depending on your preference. For patties, use about 2-3 tablespoons of sausage mix per patty.

Step 6: Cook the Sausage

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil if needed.
2. Cook the sausage patties or links for 3-4 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F).

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the venison breakfast sausage with eggs, toast, or your favorite breakfast sides. It’s also great crumbled into breakfast burritos or casseroles.

Why Add Pork to Venison Breakfast Sausage?

Venison is incredibly lean, which is great for those looking for a low-fat protein option. However, the lack of fat can result in dry sausage if cooked alone. Adding ground pork or pork fat balances the texture and enhances the flavor, creating a juicier and more satisfying sausage. If you’re looking to keep the recipe leaner, consider using a small amount of olive oil or butter while cooking to compensate for the moisture loss.

Venison Breakfast Sausage for Meal Prep

This sausage recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can make a large batch of patties or links, cook them, and store them in airtight containers for quick breakfasts throughout the week. Uncooked patties or links can also be frozen individually on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. This way, you can thaw and cook only what you need, saving time while keeping the rest fresh.

You can pair it with hearty meals like Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti for an easy, protein-packed meal.

Using Spices to Customize Your Venison Sausage

The beauty of making homemade sausage is the ability to customize the flavor. For a bold and smoky sausage, add extra paprika or a dash of liquid smoke. If you enjoy a sweeter breakfast sausage, increase the maple syrup or brown sugar. Don’t be afraid to experiment with herbs like rosemary, parsley, or chives to find your favorite combination. Adjusting the seasoning to your liking ensures a one-of-a-kind sausage tailored to your taste.

Cooking Methods for Venison Breakfast Sausage

Venison breakfast sausage is versatile and can be cooked in a variety of ways. While pan-frying is the most common method, you can also bake the sausage on a sheet pan at 375°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Grilling is another great option, especially for links. Grilling over medium heat adds a smoky flavor to the sausage and works particularly well during warmer months when you’re cooking outdoors.

Incorporating Venison Breakfast Sausage into Recipes

Venison breakfast sausage isn’t just for patties or links. You can crumble it into recipes for a flavorful twist. Try using it in breakfast casseroles, omelets, or breakfast burritos. It’s also a great addition to biscuits and gravy or as a topping for breakfast pizza. The rich, spiced flavor of venison sausage adds depth to any breakfast dish.

Tips for Making the Best Venison Breakfast Sausage

1. Add fat for moisture: Venison is very lean, so adding ground pork or pork fat helps prevent the sausage from drying out. If you want a lower-fat option, you can skip this step but be mindful of the texture.
2. Chill the mixture: Keep the meat and seasonings cold throughout the process to ensure easy handling and a better texture.
3. Taste before cooking: Always cook a small test patty to adjust the seasoning before forming the rest of the sausage.
4. Use fresh herbs and spices: Fresh, high-quality spices make a big difference in flavor. Check your spice cabinet for expiration dates before starting.
5. Freeze for later: Shape the sausage into patties or links, then freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag.

Variations to Try

1. Sweet and Spicy Sausage: Add 1 tsp red pepper flakes and increase the maple syrup to 3 tbsp for a bold, sweet-heat combo.
2. Herb-Infused Sausage: Add fresh parsley, rosemary, or chives for a unique flavor.
3. Garlic-Lovers Sausage: Increase the garlic powder to 2 tsp or add minced fresh garlic for a robust, savory flavor.
4. Apple-Sage Sausage: Mix in 1/4 cup of finely diced apples for a touch of sweetness that pairs perfectly with sage.
5. Smoky Sausage: Use 1/2 tsp liquid smoke for a hint of smoky flavor, perfect for grilling or breakfast sandwiches.

What to Serve with Venison Breakfast Sausage

Venison breakfast sausage pairs well with many breakfast classics. For a light, savory side, try our Sweet Potato Puffs or Lipton Onion Soup Potatoes, both of which add texture and balance to your plate. For a sweeter pairing, check out our Peach Cobbler Egg Rolls, which are perfect for breakfast or dessert.

FAQs About Venison Breakfast Sausage

Nutritional Information (Per Patty, Approx.)

Why Venison Breakfast Sausage Is Worth Trying

Homemade venison breakfast sausage is a healthier, fresher alternative to store-bought options. The lean, protein-rich venison combined with customizable seasonings ensures a sausage that’s full of flavor and perfect for any breakfast spread. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal after a hunt or a clean, preservative-free option for your mornings, this recipe delivers.

Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the satisfaction of making sausage from scratch!

Venison Breakfast Sausage

---

• Author: Marina Recipes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 16 patties 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Venison breakfast sausage is a delicious, lean, and protein-packed way to start your day. Made from ground venison and seasoned with a flavorful blend of spices, this recipe is perfect for breakfast patties, sausage links, or crumbled sausage for casseroles. Naturally low in fat, this homemade sausage is a healthier alternative to store-bought options, allowing you to enjoy clean, preservative-free goodness with every bite. Perfect for meal prep or family breakfasts, this versatile recipe is a must-try for venison lovers!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Sausage Mix:

• 2 lbs ground venison
• 1 lb ground pork or pork fat (optional, for moisture and flavor)
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried sage
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 2 tbsp maple syrup or brown sugar (for a touch of sweetness)
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

Optional Additions:

• 1 tsp crushed fennel seeds (for a savory note)
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (if you prefer spicier sausage)

---

Instructions

• Prepare the Venison
  If grinding your own venison, ensure the meat is clean and free of silver skin or sinew. Grind the venison using a coarse plate, and mix with ground pork or pork fat for added moisture.

• Combine the Seasonings
  In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, sage, thyme, cayenne pepper, maple syrup, and nutmeg. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.

• Mix the Sausage
  Place the ground venison (and pork, if using) in a large bowl. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the meat. Use your hands or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment to combine thoroughly, being careful not to overmix.

• Test the Flavor
  Cook a small test patty in a skillet over medium heat to taste the seasoning. Adjust spices, salt, or sweetness as needed.

• Form the Sausage
  Shape the sausage mixture into patties, links, or leave it as a loose crumble. For patties, use about 2-3 tablespoons of sausage mix per patty.

• Cook the Sausage
  Heat a skillet over medium heat, adding a small amount of oil if needed. Cook patties or links for 3-4 minutes per side or until browned and cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F).

• Serve and Enjoy
  Serve your venison breakfast sausage with eggs, toast, or other breakfast sides. It’s also great crumbled into breakfast casseroles or burritos.

Notes

• Customizable Flavor: Add more cayenne for heat, increase maple syrup for sweetness, or try fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley for a unique twist.
• Freezer-Friendly: Freeze uncooked patties individually on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag for easy meal prep.
• Cooking Tips: Keep the meat mixture cold during preparation for the best texture and ease of handling.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 patty
• Calories: 120 kcal
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Protein: 15g