Homemade Mild Italian Sausage Recipe

Save time with this incredibly flavorful homemade mild Italian sausage recipe using ground pork! Inspired by Emeril Lagasse, this recipe skips the cayenne pepper for a milder taste that's perfect for the whole family. Learn how to make delicious, juicy Italian sausage from scratch in just 45 minutes. Perfect for pasta dishes, sandwiches, or grilling!

Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 45 mins

Calories 1048.7 kcal

Protein 172g

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The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Homemade Mild Italian Sausage

2 lbs ground pork
4 cloves minced garlic
2 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp fennel seeds
1 tsp salt
Cracked Black Pepper
(omitted per Emeril's suggestion)
Ground Aniseed
Fresh Italian Parsley
Dry Red Wine
Casing

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How to Make Homemade Mild Italian Sausage

In a large bowl, combine 2 lbs ground pork, 4 cloves minced garlic, 2 tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp fennel seeds, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp anise seeds, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and 1/4 cup dry red wine. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight (up to 24 hours) to allow the flavors to meld.
If using sausage casings, prepare them according to package instructions. Alternatively, skip this step and proceed to shaping into patties.
To test the seasoning, heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Cook 2 teaspoons of the sausage mixture. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or other spices to your preference.
If using casings, stuff the meat into the casings using a sausage stuffer or a piping bag fitted with a large tip. Twist and tie the casings to create 4-inch sausages.
Alternatively, shape the sausage mixture into 1/2 inch thick patties.
Cook the sausages in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through (about 8-10 minutes for patties, 12-15 minutes for sausages). Ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) using a meat thermometer.
For a richer flavor, you can brown the sausages in a skillet before adding to your favorite sauce or dish.
Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Italian sausage!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

108 g

Sugar

Fat

124g

Carbs

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)

Main Courses Main Dish / Dinner Pork Recipes European Italian Mediterranean The Americas American Gluten Free Grilling & Bbq

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Homemade Mild Italian Sausage?

Homemade Mild Italian Sausage takes about 65 minutes from start to finish — roughly 20 minutes to prepare and 45 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Homemade Mild Italian Sausage?

Homemade Mild Italian Sausage has approximately 1048.7 calories per serving, with about 172 g protein, 2 g carbohydrates and 110 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Homemade Mild Italian Sausage?

The key ingredients for Homemade Mild Italian Sausage are Pork Butt, Garlic, Paprika, Fennel Seeds, Salt, Cracked Black Pepper. See the full list with measurements above.