Is Summer Sausage the Greatest Snack Food of All Time?

In my most humble opinion, no two words in the English language go together better than “summer” and “sausage.” 

First, we have “summer,” a season that reminds me to be carefree and happy and spend time outdoors. And then comes “sausage,” a salty, fatty, encased meat with a satisfying snap.

On their own, they’re superb; put them together, and they turn into one of the world’s greatest snack foods: the summer sausage.  

But does summer sausage have anything to do with summer? Let’s find out. 

What is summer sausage? 

Summer sausage is a type of cured meat that was developed in Europe prior to refrigeration and brough to the United States in the late 1800s by German immigrants.

It’s made from a mixture of ground meat, typically beef or pork, combined with a variety of spices and seasonings, and then stuffed into a casing to give it its characteristic shape. It is left to ferment and cure at a controlled temperature and humidity, resulting in a unique texture and incredibly hearty and robust flavor. Summer sausages are often smoked to further add depth and complexity to their taste profile.

Is summer sausage related to summer? 

Don’t be fooled by its name! Summer sausage is not exclusively consumed during the summer season. The name is believed to have originated from the time when people made and preserved sausages for later consumption. The curing and fermenting process made it an ideal food source during long winters or when fresh meat was scarce. By using all these preservation methods, Europeans created a product that was not only delicious but could be kept without refrigeration...even in the summer months.

When do you normally eat it? 

Summer sausage is perhaps the most versatile of all the cured meats. Its portability, long shelf life, and rich flavor make it a convenient and satisfying snack option for those on the go. It travels extremely well, so it’s perfect during outdoor activities such as picnics, hikes, and camping trips. Breaking out the summer sausage at a barbecue, where it’s the star of many charcuterie boards, also never fails. 

What do you eat with summer sausage? 

Now comes the fun part. Summer sausage is incredibly versatile when it comes to pairing it with other foods. The salty and smoky flavors go well with creamier cheeses like havarti and muenster. Nuttier cheeses like cheddar or Swiss also perfectly complement the smoke and acidity of the snappy sausage. For a heartier snack, use a vessel like crackers or bread to hold the sausage and cheese. Adding your favorite mustard and pickles provides a tangy and briny contrast that elevates the overall taste experience.

Summer sausage is the perfect meat to spice up any cheese or charctuerie platter. It can play a supporting role, or be the star of the show, no matter the season.