Almost time to make some sausage- but need some help

[Richard S]

OK, I am getting close to Sausage Quest 2025 and am looking form some recommendations.
I want to try a batch this weekend if I can pull it together. I have the grinder being delivered and a stuffer ready to go.

Please provide any help you can with the following items-
Blend- I am looking at some pork shoulder and what else would be good to add?
Casings- What recommendations do you have? How big of difference does it make in the final product?
Batch size- How big should I go for my first attempt?
Seasonings- I want to put a lot of smoke in these sausages. What seasonings and how much to use is a good starting point?

My plan is to do some breakfast patties as well as more traditional sausages.

Thanks!

 

[Randy]

The only advice I could give you it would be too do a couple of small batches of the flavors you're looking for and test them, make a small Patty cook it up and eat it see what you think you can tweak it before you stuff. Some folks like to season before grinding. I like to season after grinding.

 

[Brett-EDH]

The only advice I could give you it would be too do a couple of small batches of the flavors you're looking for and test them, make a small Patty cook it up and eat it see what you think you can tweak it before you stuff. Some folks like to season before grinding. I like to season after grinding.

yeah, always cook a small patty for flavor and texture tasting before making the final batch. this will deliver the best final product you can produce.

 

[AndyK]

Hi Richard,
I find that Chuds bbq channel on YouTube has some great vids on it.
I think either him or the bearded butchers channel is a good way to study up and plan.

Explaining a step by step imo is easier done via video.
Our local outfitter store has several different flavor kits for sausage.
Maybe a kit with spice packets might work best at first?
Good luck to ya and if you get a chance show some pics .

One of my goals this summer is to build a smoke hut that is about 3’x3’ x 5-6’ with a separate fire pit.