Homemade Italian fennel sausage recipe (from scratch) -

This homemade Italian fennel sausage recipe is truly the best! Made with ground pork, chopped chicken, and spices it’s simply amazing!

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Homemade Italian Fennel Sausage with roasted potatoes, bread, and fresh red tomatoes.

You’ll adore this homemade Italian fennel sausage recipe if you’re a fan of authentic flavors from Italy. Using ground pork, chopped chicken fillets, aromatic herbs, and flavorful spices, it truly embodies the essence of traditional Italian cuisine.

Serving a baked Italian fennel sausage on a bed of crunchy bruschetta is a wonderful choice. You can also simply put them in soft burger buns, just like you do with regular burgers. It’s an incredibly tasty twist on the classic!

What is salsiccia?

In Italy, the classic sausage is known as “salsiccia.” There are numerous recipes and variations of it.

An artisanal or homemade Italian sausage with fennel is all about amazing flavors! It’s a true superstar in local cuisine, loved for its bold taste and how well it fits in different dishes. Actually, fresh salsiccia is a common ingredient found in lots of Italian recipes.

It comes in a few delicious variations, each offering a slightly different twist on the classic flavors.

The two main varieties are:

Sweet Italian Fennel Sausage: It’s milder, with herbs and spices that enhance the natural sweetness of pork and the aroma of fennel. Perfect for those who enjoy a more delicate flavor.
Hot Italian Fennel Sausage: It’s spicier, featuring red pepper flakes that add a kick. The fiery spiciness blends with the anise-like flavor of fennel, creating a delicious contrast.

A traditional salsiccia is typically prepared using only ground pork. However, I chose to introduce a touch of lightness by deviating from the classic version. Made from a mixture of pork and chicken, this recipe offers a leaner twist on the traditional salsiccia. Whether you’re baking, grilling, tossing it with pasta, adding it to stuffed peppers, or putting it on a pizza, this homemade Italian fennel sausage steps up the flavor game impressively.

Why make a homemade Italian fennel sausage?

I understand what you’re thinking: Why bother making your own Italian fennel sausage when you can just buy it from a store?

Creating your own Italian fennel sausage at home offers numerous advantages not typically found in store-bought options. Trust me, it’s a total game-changer!

Here are several advantages to making sausages at home from scratch:

Add Your Personal Touch: Crafting sausages at home turns you into the chef! You decide the spices, ingredients, and flavors. Want some zest? Add it! Fancy sweetness? Easy!
No Hidden Surprises: Concerned about allergens or secret ingredients in store-bought sausages? Don’t worry! Creating sausages at home means you’re fully aware of every ingredient. You can choose high-quality meats, spices, and seasonings, avoiding preservatives, artificial flavors, and excessive sodium that might be present in store-bought sausages. Safe and delicious, just as it should be!
Ultimate satisfaction: The pride you’ll feel from making your own sausages is unparalleled. With every bite, you’ll recognize the love, care, and creativity you’ve invested in each and every link. It’s a wonderful sense of achievement!
Saving Money: Creating your own sausages can save you money, especially if you purchase meat in bulk and prepare bigger batches.

I don’t deny that making sausages at home requires some tools (like a sausage stuffer and meat grinder) and a bit of time and effort. But the outcome is definitely worth it.

How to season sausages

Seasoning Italian sausage can be unique for each family. After trying out various combinations, I’ve developed my go-to blend.

Here’s the mix of herbs and spices I use to season salsiccia:

½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried basil
½ tsp ground paprika or crushed red pepper flakes
½ tsp ground black pepper
2 Tbsp mustard paste
2 Tbsp dried fennel seeds

For more intense flavors, you can also put in 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon of onion powder.

Now, let’s take a look at what you’ll need for this recipe.

Ingredients

4 lbs (2 kg) ground pork (the more fat it has, the better)
2 lbs (1 kg) chicken fillet (cut into small pieces)
sausage casing (I always use natural hog casings, but you can also choose synthetic collagen ones)
1 cup + 2Tbsp (250 ml) of cold water
2Tbsp mustard (paste, not seeds or powder)
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried basil
½ tsp ground paprika or crushed red pepper flakes
½tsp of ground black pepper
2Tbsp of dried fennel seeds
4tsp of salt (you can adjust the amount based on your taste)

How to make Italian fennel sausage from scratch

1. Chop the chicken fillet into small pieces.

Chopping chicken fillet into small pieces.

2. Combine minced pork and chopped chicken fillet with seasonings, including salt, pepper, dried fennel seeds, oregano, basil, paprika, and mustard. Don’t forget to add water.

Mixing minced pork and chopped chicken fillet with seasonings.

3. Mix everything thoroughly by hand, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it marinate in the fridge overnight.

Blend of ground meat and spices mixed thoroughly for homemade sausages.

4. The following day, stuff the casings with the meat and spice mixture (I use a hand meat grinder with a sausage stuffer attachment). Secure the sausages with threads.

Now it’s your choice: You can either use the sausages for grilling or baking immediately, or you can place the uncooked sausages in the freezer (they can be stored this way for up to 6-8 months). When you’re ready to cook, just thaw the desired number of sausages and grill or bake them in the oven.

Homemade Italian salsiccia, ready for grilling or baking.

How to make baked Italian sausage

Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the sausages on top.

Before baking, use a fork to prick each sausage in several places – this will let any excess fat escape and prevent the sausages from cracking while they bake.

Heat the oven to 180°C (350°F) beforehand, and then bake the sausages for 1 hour.

Enjoy!

Aside from grilling and baking in the oven, you have the option of cooking your homemade sausages through pan-frying.

Here’s the method: Use a fork to create small punctures in the sausages, which will help prevent them from bursting. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Put the sausages in the skillet, making sure there’s some space between each one. Cook for several minutes on both sides, turning them from time to time, until they acquire a browned hue. The cooking duration can differ (usually around 10-15 minutes). You’ll know they’re ready when the interior is no longer pink and the exterior has a satisfying brown appearance.

How to serve it

Salsiccia has a distinctive flavor that pairs well with a variety of side dishes.

Enjoy it in a sandwich with sautéed peppers and onions, in pasta dishes by mixing with sauce and pasta, as a topping for pizza, in a sausage and peppers skillet, or even in breakfast alongside eggs.

Here are some other options:

Polenta. The combination of savory sausage with creamy polenta creates a hearty and comforting dish.

Mashed carrots and potatoes. It’s one of my favorite choices. Salsiccia provides a hearty texture that complements the creamy and smooth consistency of mashed carrots and potatoes, creating a delightful contrast.

Salad. Salads pair excellently with homemade Italian fennel sausage, offering a combination of protein and richness from the sausage, alongside vitamins, minerals, and fiber from the salads. This creates a well-rounded and nutritious meal. Consider trying them with delightful options such as a Mediterranean watermelon salad, a refreshing arugula and tomato salad, or even a nutritious beet and feta salad. A warm salad is also a great choice.

Risotto. Adding salsiccia to risotto is a fantastic idea! Consider using it as a substitute for bacon in this Purple Risotto. It will introduce delightful flavors and textures to the dish. Furthermore, you can pair them with sautéed mushrooms, roasted asparagus, or spicy potatoes. Alternatively, enjoy them with a slice of Mediterranean bread.

FAQ

Can I freeze sausages?

Yes, you can definitely freeze them (they can be stored this way for up to 6-8 months). When you’re ready to use them, remember to thaw them in the refrigerator before cooking.

What can I use as a substitute for fennel seeds?

If you don’t have fennel seeds, you can try using anise seeds instead. They have a similar licorice-like flavor that can give your salsiccia a similar taste. Use the same amount of anise seeds as the recipe calls for fennel seeds. Just keep in mind, that anise seeds can be a bit stronger in taste, so you might want to use a little less if needed.

I hope you enjoy this homemade Italian fennel sausage recipe as much as we do. It’s incredibly flavorful and scrumptious, pairing perfectly with any meal. Bon appétit!

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