Homemade Italian Sausage Seasoning

This is an easy way to make your own homemade Italian sausage seasoning that will result in an even tastier ground sausage than you can get at the supermarket!

This recipe is so important to have in your arsenal. If you want more specifics on sausage recipes, you might want to check out myItalian Sausage and Peppers,orItalian Ring Sausage (Chevalatta).

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Why Make Your Own Ground Sausage

It's so easy to make your own homemade Italian Sausage Seasoning. I like to do this when I can't get my sausage from a butcher. A lot of the big brand sausages can have a very distinct "hot dog" flavor, and I know making my own sausage seasoning is a million times better.

Once a year, we like to make and stuff our own sausages. You can follow our How to Make Homemade Italian Sausage guide. Having control of the ingredients means if you want to have less fennel or garlic you can!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• Ground Pork. Most ground pork you get in the supermarket will be somewhere around 70-80% lean, which is exactly what you want for sausage. You want enough fat for the sausage to have flavor.
• Fennel. Fennel is the flavor of sausage that reminds you of sausage. But some people don't like a lot of this licorice flavor. You can experiment with more or less of it.
• Salt. Salt makes up 1-2% of the weight of the sausage. This is important if you are stuffing sausage because the salt is what makes the sausage hold its shape.
• Parmesan cheese. You can substitute pecorino romano or substitute other cheeses like provolone.

*Please see the recipe card below for more information on the ingredients.

How to make ground Homemade Italian Sausage

Making your own homemade ground sausage is so simple. Simply combine all of the ingredients listed below in the ingredients card.

Once combined, it's best to cover with plastic wrap and marinate overnight, but not necessary. If I'm in a pinch, I'll use it right away. But the flavor will penetrate the meat better if it has time to sit and marinate.

What to make with your homemade sausage

The list is ongoing, but here are some classics you could use this for!

• Pasta! So many of my pasta recipes have ground sausage in them. Try it with Italian Pink Sauce with Sausage, Authentic Italian Baked Ziti, or Farfalle with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe.
• Soup! A nice hearty soup is usually filled with sausage. Try this sausage with Rustic Italian Tortellini Soup with Sausage, Broccoli Rabe and Tortellini Soup, or Zuppa Toscana.
• Stuffing your own sausage? Try this with our Italian Sausage and Peppers.
• One of my favorites is to have it with our Italian Sausage Bread or use it on Thanksgiving for Rice Dressing with Sausage or Baked Italian Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms.

Recipe FAQs

Why do I need to marinate the sausage overnight?

The salt will help bring out the flavors and firm up the sausage. This way if you put it in homemade sausage, the meat will hold its shape.

Can I just cook the ground meat?

Yes, we use this as ground sausage all the time. It's great for pasta!

Need the Ingredients on Hand?

You can purchase my Italian Sausage Seasoning from Selefina. It's the perfect way to have these seasonings on hand so you can just easily mix them in with your ground pork. Just take 2 tablespoon per pound of ground pork and save time! It's also a great seasoning for whole chickens!