Posted: 7/19/2026 1:36:31 PM EDT
[Last Edit: medicmandan][Edited]
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I want to get into cured meats but let's start with something simple. (I really want to do soppressata.) I have a long weekend next weekend so I thought I would do some basic Italian sausage. I'll get pork butt from Sam's or Costco. Probably throw a few on the smoker while I'm at it. I need some recommendations for a grinder and a stuffer. They don't need to be top of the line. Manual stuffer is fine. Available on Amazon is great. I think I have a few gift cards. What are good quality casings? Share your recipes with me. I like garlic and a little heat. My wife doesn't care for the heat. Is an all in one machine a good or bad idea? |
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As far as equipment goes, dedicated grinder and stuffer will get you better results. 4 lb of pork butt, grind once through a 3/16 plate. 2 Tablespoons of whole fennel seed, grind up in a small food processor or coffee grinder 2 Tablespoons of canning salt 2 Tablespoons of crushed red pepper, grind up with the fennel. You can reduce or omit this to adjust the heat. 1 Tablespoon of fine garlic powder 1 teaspoon of black pepper I leave it fresh & either patty it or stuff it in brat size casings. If you want to smoke it you need to put appropriate amount cure in also. I use it in spaghetti sauce, pizza topping, & breakfast |
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I buy good ground pork, add fennel seed, garlic, and some salt and pepper. That's good for patties and sausage meatballs or you can brown it, add tomato sauce and make a sausage ragu. It could be worth trying to make sausage that way to see how you like it before you spend a couple hundred bucks on a grinder, stuffer, and casings. And depending on your other cooking needs, you might think about a mixer like a Kitchenaid with grinder and stuffer attachments. |
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I went the Arfcom way of go big or go home and bought a grinder and a stuffer. Found a recipe/YouTube video that uses toasted black pepper, fennel, red pepper, and coriander. Then add some garlic, salt, Italian seasoning, paprika, sugar, red wine vinegar, water, and milk powder (as a binder) STX International Turboforce 3000 MightyBite 5 lb Sausage Stuffer And because it seemed fun I bought a mortar and pestle to grind up my spices. |
 I Don't Buy Sausage Anymore! Making Italian Sausage From Scratch At Home |