Javelina Breakfast Sausage
Javelina Recipe
1Setup & Prepare
About This Recipe
Homemade breakfast sausage using javelina and pork fat with sage, pepper, and warm spices—Southern morning staple.
Cultural Context
(135 words) Breakfast sausage represents American morning tradition, particularly beloved in the South and Southwest where hearty breakfasts fuel demanding days. While pork dominates commercial breakfast sausage, wild game versions have long been staple at hunting camps and rural tables. Javelina makes exceptional breakfast sausage when supplemented with pork fat for proper texture and moisture. The lean meat accepts seasonings beautifully, creating flavorful links or patties perfect alongside eggs and biscuits. This preparation has become popular among Southwestern hunters as practical use for trim and less tender cuts. The grinding process eliminates toughness concerns while bold seasoning creates distinctive flavor. Homemade breakfast sausage connects eaters to food sources while providing preservative-free, sustainable protein. It's practical preparation that yields freezer-ready breakfast meat with superior flavor to commercial options.
2Ingredients
Shopping List
3Cooking Instructions
- Cut javelina and pork fat into 1-inch cubes. Freeze for 30 minutes until very cold but not frozen.
- Combine all spices and seasonings in bowl.
- Grind meat and fat through medium plate (ÂĽ-inch) of grinder, or pulse in food processor to coarse grind.
- Add spice mixture to ground meat and mix thoroughly with hands or stand mixer until evenly distributed.
- Fry small test patty to check seasoning. Adjust salt, pepper, or spices as desired.
- Form into 2-ounce patties (about 2 tablespoons each) or stuff into hog casings for links.
- Refrigerate overnight for flavors to develop—this step significantly improves taste.
- To cook: heat skillet over medium heat. Cook patties for 4-5 minutes per side until browned and internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Serve hot with scrambled eggs, biscuits and gravy, and hash browns for classic Southern breakfast.
4Chef's Notes & Pairings
Chef's Notes
- Pork fat is essential—don't use lean meat only or sausage will be dry.
- Cold meat grinds cleanly; warm meat smears and creates poor texture.
- Overnight aging dramatically improves flavor as spices penetrate meat.
- Fresh sage provides superior flavor to dried sage.
- Make large batches and freeze for convenient breakfast throughout year.
Wine Pairing
Fresh Coffee or Bloody Mary – Strong black coffee is traditional morning pairing, or try spicy Bloody Mary for brunch.
Nutrition Facts
(per serving, 2 patties) Calories: 285 | Protein: 24g | Fat: 20g | Carbohydrates: 3g | Iron: 3.2mg
