Grandpa's Old-Fashioned Holiday Sausage
Inspired by the cherished memories of Christmas past, this traditional homemade sausage recipe captures the essence of festive family gatherings. It blends savory flavors with a hint of smokiness. Ideal for serving with crackers and a selection of cheeses as a delightful appetizer. Although the original recipe was penned decades ago, this adaptation retains the beloved nostalgia while inviting modern cooks to make it their own. Whether you're commemorating family traditions or creating new ones, this sausage is sure to become a seasonal favorite.
2
Servings
2500
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
5 lbs (uncooked)
mustard seeds
2.5 teaspoons (whole)
peppercorns
2.5 teaspoons (crushed)
hickory smoke salt
1 teaspoon (fine grain)
liquid smoke
1.5 teaspoons (liquid)
water
1/2 cup (room temperature)
quick salt
5 teaspoons (fine grain)
garlic salt
2.5 teaspoons (fine grain)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, mustard seeds, peppercorns, hickory smoke salt, liquid smoke, water, quick salt, and garlic salt.
2
Mix all ingredients thoroughly until evenly distributed.
3
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
4
The following day, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
5
Divide the sausage mixture into two equal portions.
6
Shape each portion into a loaf and wrap tightly in aluminum foil.
7
Place the foil-wrapped loaves on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 1.5 hours.
8
Remove the loaves from the oven and allow them to cool completely before unwrapping and serving.
9
Slice the sausage into thick pieces and enjoy alongside your favorite crackers and cheeses.
Nutrition Information
10g
Carbs
200g
Protein
7500mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Grandpa's Old-Fashioned Holiday Sausage?
It is a traditional homemade beef sausage recipe with smoky flavors, specifically designed as a holiday appetizer to be served with crackers and cheese.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses 5 lbs of uncooked ground beef as the primary protein source.
How many sausage loaves does this recipe make?
The recipe yields two equal-sized sausage loaves.
What is the recommended refrigeration time?
The mixture should be covered and refrigerated overnight to allow the seasonings and flavors to meld properly.
At what temperature should the sausage be baked?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
How long does the baking process take?
The foil-wrapped sausage loaves need to bake for 1.5 hours in the preheated oven.
Is liquid smoke required for this recipe?
Yes, 1.5 teaspoons of liquid smoke are used to provide the signature smoky flavor without a smoker.
What role does quick salt play in the recipe?
Quick salt acts as a curing agent, which is essential for the texture and preservation of traditional homemade sausage.
How should the peppercorns be prepared?
The recipe calls for 2.5 teaspoons of crushed peppercorns rather than whole or finely ground pepper.
What are the serving suggestions for this sausage?
It is best served sliced into thick pieces alongside a variety of crackers and cheeses.
Does the sausage need to cool before serving?
Yes, the loaves must cool completely before they are unwrapped and sliced to ensure they hold their shape.
What kind of mustard is used?
The recipe uses 2.5 teaspoons of whole mustard seeds for flavor and texture.
What is the total calorie count for the recipe?
The entire recipe contains approximately 2500 calories.
How much protein is in this holiday sausage?
The recipe provides a high protein content of approximately 200g.
What is the sodium content of this dish?
Due to the curing salts and seasonings, the recipe contains approximately 7500mg of sodium.
Do I need to wrap the sausage in foil?
Yes, the portions should be shaped into loaves and wrapped tightly in aluminum foil before being placed on a baking sheet.
What is the carbohydrate count?
This is a low-carb recipe with only 10g of carbohydrates in the total yield.
What spices provide the garlic flavor?
The recipe uses 2.5 teaspoons of fine grain garlic salt.
Can I use room temperature water?
Yes, 1/2 cup of room temperature water is specified to help mix the ingredients thoroughly.
Is this considered a Christmas recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a traditional Christmas and holiday family recipe.
What is the preparation style for the hickory smoke salt?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of fine grain hickory smoke salt.
How should the ingredients be mixed?
All ingredients should be combined in a large mixing bowl and mixed thoroughly until evenly distributed.
Is there any fiber in this recipe?
No, the recipe contains 0g of fiber.
Is there any sugar in this sausage?
The recipe does not contain any added sugar.
What is the category of this dish?
It is primarily categorized as an appetizer and a comfort food.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, because it requires overnight refrigeration and a cooling period, it is an ideal make-ahead dish.
How many ingredients are in the recipe?
There are a total of 8 ingredients including the meat, water, and seasonings.
What tags describe the flavor profile?
The flavor profile is described as smoky, savory, and traditional.
Is the beef cooked before mixing with spices?
No, the ground beef is mixed while uncooked and then baked in the oven.
Can this recipe be customized?
Yes, the description encourages modern cooks to adapt the recipe and make it their own while retaining the nostalgic base.