Chicago-Style Homemade Italian Sausage
Inspired by 25 years of living in Chicago, this Homemade Italian Sausage recipe captures the authentic flavors of the Windy City’s beloved sausage. By blending savory spices with fresh ground pork, this recipe ensures a robust and peppery flavor profile that enhances deep dish pizzas and other Italian dishes. The sausage is easy to prepare and can be made in bulk, allowing for convenient freezing for future culinary creations. Experience a taste of Chicago, no matter where you are.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (None)
Paprika
3 1/2 teaspoons (None)
Garlic Powder
2/3 teaspoon (None)
Fennel Seed
2/3 teaspoon (None)
Ground Black Pepper
1 teaspoon (None)
Red Pepper Flakes
1/4 teaspoon (None)
Oregano
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Sage
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Basil
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Thyme
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Ground Lean Pork
1 lb (None)
Instructions
1
In a medium mixing bowl, combine salt, paprika, garlic powder, fennel seed, black pepper, red pepper flakes, oregano, sage, basil, and thyme. Stir well until all spices are evenly mixed.
2
In a large bowl, add the ground pork and gradually incorporate the spice mixture. Use clean hands to work the spices into the meat until thoroughly combined, ensuring an even distribution of flavor.
3
Cover the seasoned pork mixture with plastic wrap or transfer it to a sealed container, then refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and develop.
4
When ready to use, remove the sausage from the refrigerator. You can use it immediately, or portion it into smaller amounts to freeze for later use. For deep dish pizza, simply crumble the sausage over the sauce before baking.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chicago-Style Homemade Italian Sausage?
It is a robust and peppery sausage blend inspired by authentic Chicago flavors, typically used in deep dish pizzas and other Italian dishes.
What are the primary ingredients in this sausage?
The main ingredients include ground lean pork, salt, paprika, garlic powder, fennel seed, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and a blend of dried herbs like oregano, sage, basil, and thyme.
How long should the sausage mixture refrigerate?
For the best flavor development, the mixture should be refrigerated for at least 8 hours or overnight.
Can I freeze this homemade sausage?
Yes, this recipe is freezer-friendly and can be portioned into smaller amounts for convenient future use.
Is this sausage recipe spicy?
It has a peppery flavor profile due to the black pepper and red pepper flakes, but the heat level can be adjusted to your preference.
How do I prepare the sausage for deep dish pizza?
Simply crumble the raw, seasoned sausage over the pizza sauce before baking.
What kind of pork should I use?
This recipe calls for 1 lb of ground lean pork.
Do I need to use sausage casings?
No, this recipe is for bulk sausage meat which can be crumbled or formed into patties without the need for casings.
How much fennel seed is included?
The recipe uses 2/3 teaspoon of fennel seed to provide that classic Italian sausage aroma.
Can I make this recipe in bulk?
Yes, the recipe is easy to scale up for bulk cooking and storage.
What is the best way to mix the spices into the meat?
Use clean hands to work the spice mixture into the ground pork until the flavor is evenly distributed.
Does this recipe contain garlic?
Yes, it includes 2/3 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
No, this specific Chicago-style recipe does not include sugar.
What herbs are used in the spice blend?
The blend uses dried oregano, sage, basil, and thyme.
How much salt is needed for 1 lb of pork?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt.
What role does paprika play in the recipe?
Paprika adds color and a mild earthy sweetness, with 3 1/2 teaspoons used in the mix.
Can I use this sausage in pasta sauce?
Absolutely, it is an excellent choice for enhancing the flavor of Italian pasta sauces.
Should I grind the fennel seeds?
The recipe uses whole fennel seeds, but you can lightly crush them if you prefer a more integrated flavor.
Can I cook the sausage immediately after mixing?
While you can, it is highly recommended to let it sit for 8 hours to allow the flavors to meld properly.
How much black pepper is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As written with meat and spices, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Can I substitute the pork with other meat?
While ground pork is traditional for Chicago-style sausage, you could experiment with ground turkey or beef, though the flavor and texture will differ.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The recipe produces approximately 1 lb of sausage; serving sizes depend on the final dish it is added to.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 total ingredients, including the meat and all spices.
Is this recipe considered authentic?
Yes, it is inspired by 25 years of living in Chicago to capture the specific flavor profile of the city's sausage.
How should I store the raw seasoned meat?
Store it in a sealed container or covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator.
Can I omit the red pepper flakes?
Yes, if you prefer a very mild sausage, you can reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
How do I use this for a sausage patty?
After the flavors have melded, simply shape the ground meat into patties and pan-fry until cooked through.
What is the prep time for the spice mix?
Mixing the spices takes only a few minutes before incorporating them into the meat.
Does this sausage contain preservatives?
Because it is homemade, it contains no artificial preservatives or nitrates commonly found in commercial sausages.