There’s something special about recreating favorite flavors at home, and the Blue and Gold Sausage holds a cherished place in my culinary memories. Whether it’s the first bite at a local fest or a family gathering, this sausage never fails to bring smiles.
I always thought, why not bring this delightful taste into my own kitchen? With my copycat recipe, you can enjoy the perfect blend of savory spices and juicy goodness just like the original. It’s simpler than you might think, and I’ll guide you through every step to ensure it turns out delicious every time.
Ingredients
Recreating the Blue and Gold Sausage at home is easier than you might think. Here are the ingredients you’ll need for both the sausages and the creamy blue cheese sauce.
Sausage Ingredients
- 2 pounds pork shoulder, coarsely ground
- 1 pound beef chuck, coarsely ground
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup cold water
- Natural hog casings, soaked and rinsed
Blue Cheese Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 6 ounces crumbled blue cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small shallot, finely minced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Tools and Equipment
To recreate the delicious Blue and Gold Sausage at home, having the right tools makes all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need:
Meat Grinder
I use a sturdy meat grinder to achieve the perfect texture for my sausage. Freshly ground meat ensures maximum flavor and juiciness.
Sausage Stuffer
A quality sausage stuffer is essential for filling the natural hog casings smoothly. It helps maintain the sausage’s shape and consistency.
Mixing Bowls
Multiple mixing bowls are necessary for combining the meat with spices and for preparing the blue cheese sauce. Choose bowls that are large enough to handle generous portions.
Kitchen Scale
Precision is key when measuring your ingredients. A kitchen scale ensures you get the perfect balance of flavors every time.
Sharp Knives
A set of sharp knives facilitates efficient chopping and slicing of ingredients, making the preparation process quicker and safer.
Measuring Spoons and Cups
Accurate measurements of spices and liquids are crucial. Invest in a reliable set of measuring spoons and cups for consistency.
Cutting Board
A spacious cutting board provides a safe and clean workspace for all your prep tasks. It helps keep your ingredients organized and your workspace tidy.
Large Pot
A large pot is needed to simmer the sausage and blend the flavors perfectly. It allows enough space for the ingredients to combine without spilling.
Frying Pan or Grill
Depending on your preferred cooking method, a heavy-bottomed frying pan or a grill is necessary to cook the sausages evenly and achieve that perfect sear.
Thermometer
A meat thermometer ensures your sausages reach the ideal internal temperature, guaranteeing they are cooked through and safe to eat.
Storage Containers
Proper storage containers are important for keeping your sausages fresh if you plan to make them ahead of time. Airtight containers help maintain their flavor and texture.
Having these tools and equipment on hand will streamline your cooking process and help you achieve professional-quality results with your Blue and Gold Sausage copycat recipe.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Preparing the Blue and Gold Sausage in advance can save you time and ensure a stress-free cooking experience. Here’s how I like to make-ahead both the sausages and the blue cheese sauce:
Preparing the Sausage Mixture
- Combine Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, blend the pork shoulder, beef chuck, and all the spices until evenly distributed.
- Soak Casings
- Rinse the natural hog casings thoroughly under cold water. Soak them in warm water for 30 minutes to make them pliable.
- Stuff the Sausages
- Using a sausage stuffer, carefully fill the casings with the sausage mixture. Ensure there are no air pockets.
- Freeze or Refrigerate
- Refrigerate: Place the stuffed sausages on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Freeze: Arrange the sausages in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Preparing the Blue Cheese Sauce
- Mix Ingredients
- In a mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, sour cream, crumbled blue cheese, and other sauce components. Stir until smooth.
- Store Properly
- Transfer the sauce to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Cooking the Sausages Ahead of Time
- Grill or Pan-Fry
- Cook the sausages thoroughly using your preferred method. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Cool and Store
- Let the sausages cool completely. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Quick Reference Table
| Task | Refrigerator Duration | Freezer Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Stuffed Sausages | 2 days | 3 months |
| Blue Cheese Sauce | 5 days | 2 months |
| Cooked Sausages | 4 days | 2 months |
By following these make-ahead steps, you can enjoy the rich flavors of Blue and Gold Sausage anytime without the hassle of last-minute preparation.
Directions
I’m thrilled to help you recreate the mouthwatering Blue and Gold Sausage right in your kitchen. Follow these steps to achieve that perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Prepare the Sausages
- Mix the Meat: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 pounds of pork shoulder and 1 pound of beef chuck. Use your hands to ensure the meats are evenly distributed.
- Add Spices: Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of salt, 1 tablespoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly until the spices are well incorporated.
- Soak the Casings: Rinse the natural hog casings under cold water to remove any salt. Soak them in a bowl of warm water for about 30 minutes until they become pliable.
- Grind the Meat: Pass the mixed meat through a meat grinder using a medium grind setting, ensuring a uniform texture for the sausages.
- Stuff the Sausages: Attach your sausage stuffer to the grinder. Fill the casings with the meat mixture, twisting them into 4-inch links as you go. Avoid overfilling to prevent bursting during cooking.
- Refrigerate: Place the stuffed sausages on a tray and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the casings to firm up.
Cook the Sausages
- Preheat the Grill or Pan: Heat your grill to medium-high or place a large frying pan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Cook the Sausages: Place the sausages on the grill or in the pan. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure they are evenly browned and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Rest the Sausages: Once cooked, transfer the sausages to a plate and let them rest for a few minutes to retain their juices.
Make the Blue Cheese Sauce
- Prepare Ingredients: In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of sour cream, and 1/2 cup of crumbled blue cheese.
- Heat the Sauce: Place the saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until the blue cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste, and optionally, a dash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.
- Keep Warm: Keep the sauce warm on low heat until ready to serve.
Assemble and Serve
- Plate the Sausages: Arrange the cooked Blue and Gold Sausages on a serving platter.
- Drizzle with Sauce: Generously spoon the warm blue cheese sauce over the sausages, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
- Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives for a touch of color and added freshness.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy your homemade Blue and Gold Sausages with your favorite side dishes, such as grilled vegetables or a crisp salad.
Conclusion
Creating the Blue and Gold Sausage at home has been a rewarding experience for me. There’s something truly satisfying about crafting a dish that brings back fond memories and tastes just like the original.
I hope this recipe inspires you to try it out in your own kitchen. Whether you’re preparing it for a family gathering or a special meal, I’m sure it will become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy the rich flavors and the joy of homemade goodness!
