A well-made Homemade Italian Sausage brings depth and richness to countless dishes. Infused with aromatic herbs, warm spices, and just the right amount of heat, this flavorful sausage is a kitchen essential. Whether you’re adding it to pasta, pizzas, or enjoying it on its own, crafting your own Italian sausage allows for perfect seasoning and superior taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Rich & Savory Flavor – A perfectly balanced blend of herbs and spices creates a deeply flavorful sausage.
Customizable Heat – Adjust the spice level to your preference for mild or spicy variations.
No Preservatives – Fresh, homemade sausage without any unnecessary additives.
Versatile & Delicious – Perfect for pasta, pizzas, sandwiches, and more.
Total Time & Servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground pork
- 1 ½ tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fennel seeds
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground pork with salt, pepper, fennel seeds, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic, parsley, oregano, basil, and onion powder. Pour in the red wine vinegar and olive oil, then mix thoroughly until the seasonings are evenly distributed.
Step 2: Shape the Sausage
For bulk sausage, keep the mixture loose for crumbling into dishes. If making sausage patties, shape them into rounds about ½ inch thick. To make sausage links, use natural casings and stuff the mixture evenly.
Step 3: Cook the Sausage
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Cook the sausage for 4-5 minutes per side, or until fully browned and cooked through. For crumbled sausage, break it up with a spatula while cooking.
Expert Tips for the Best Italian Sausage
Use High-Quality Pork – Opt for fresh, well-marbled pork for the juiciest, most flavorful results.
Toast the Fennel Seeds – Lightly toasting the fennel seeds enhances their flavor and adds depth to the sausage.
Let It Rest – Allowing the sausage mixture to sit for 30 minutes before cooking deepens the flavors.
Pair It With
Classic Marinara Sauce – A rich tomato sauce enhances the sausage’s savory depth.
Rustic Italian Bread – Serve alongside warm, crusty bread for a simple yet satisfying meal.
Creamy Polenta – A smooth and comforting base that pairs beautifully with the bold flavors.
Storing & Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store uncooked sausage in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Cooked sausage can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Raw sausage can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Italian Sausage brings bold, authentic flavors to your kitchen with minimal effort. Whether you’re using it in a favorite pasta dish, layering it on pizza, or enjoying it on its own, this simple recipe ensures a perfectly seasoned, high-quality sausage every time. Enjoy the rich flavors and the satisfaction of making it from scratch!
