How to Can Breakfast Sausage: A Step-by-Step Guide
Canning breakfast sausage is a fantastic way to preserve the delicious flavor of this breakfast staple for months. Whether you’re a hunter looking to store excess game meat or a homesteader aiming for self-sufficiency, learning how to can breakfast sausage can be a valuable skill. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of canning breakfast sausage, from preparation to preservation.
1. Gather Your Materials
Before you start canning breakfast sausage, you’ll need to gather all the necessary materials. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
– Breakfast sausage
– Canning jars (quart or pint size, depending on the amount of sausage you’re canning)
– Lids and rings
– Water bath canner
– Jar lifter
– Tongs
– Funnel
– Clean cloths or paper towels
– Canning salt (optional)
2. Prepare the Sausage
Start by trimming any fat or casing from the breakfast sausage. You want to have clean, unseasoned meat for canning. If you have bulk sausage, you can cut it into smaller pieces for easier processing.
3. Sterilize the Jars and Lids
Sterilizing your jars and lids is crucial to prevent contamination during the canning process. You can do this by boiling the jars and lids in water for about 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can use a canning pot with a steam sterilization method.
4. Fill the Jars
Using a funnel, fill the sterilized jars with the prepared breakfast sausage. Leave about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top of each jar to allow for expansion during processing.
5. Process the Jars
Once the jars are filled, place them in the water bath canner. Make sure the water level is at least 1 inch above the top of the jars. Bring the water to a rolling boil and process the jars for 75 minutes for pints and 90 minutes for quarts, depending on your altitude.
6. Remove and Cool the Jars
After processing, use the jar lifter to remove the jars from the canner. Place them on a towel or cooling rack and let them cool for 12-24 hours. Once the jars are cool, check the seals by pressing on the center of the lids. If they don’t move, the jars are sealed properly.
7. Store and Enjoy
Store your canned breakfast sausage in a cool, dark place. It should last for up to 12 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply heat the sausage in a pan or microwave until it’s hot.
Canning breakfast sausage is a rewarding and cost-effective way to preserve this delicious breakfast meat. With this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to enjoy the convenience of home-canned sausage whenever you want. Happy canning!
