If you want to make delicious homemade sausages, getting the seasoning just right is key. Legg’s is one of the most trusted names in sausage seasonings. Their blends lend incredible flavor to breakfast, Italian smoked and other sausage varieties. But when using Legg’s products, how much seasoning should you use per pound of meat? Let’s break it down.
An Overview of Legg’s Sausage Seasonings
With over 75 years of experience, Alabama-based Legg’s Old Plantation offers high-quality seasonings and mixes for homemade sausage. Their lineup includes
- Legg’s Sage Sausage Seasoning
- Legg’s Tennessee Pride Sausage Seasoning
- Legg’s Cajun Style Pork Sausage Mix
- Legg’s Italian Style Sausage Seasoning
- Legg’s Breakfast Sausage Seasoning
Legg’s uses the optimal blend of spices, herbs, and other ingredients to create authentic sausage flavors. From professional butchers to home cooks, Legg’s seasoning blends have a stellar reputation. But how much should you use per pound when making fresh sausage?
General Guidelines for Legg’s Seasonings Per Pound
Legg’s provides a baseline recommendation for their sausage seasonings:
- Use 1 rounded tablespoon of seasoning per pound of meat.
This ratio delivers a nicely balanced sausage flavor. It’s enough to season the meat without becoming overly salty or strong.
So for 5 pounds of sausage, use about 5 rounded tablespoons of seasoning. For 10 pounds, use 10 tablespoons, and so on.
Consider this 1 tablespoon per pound a starting point. Adjust up or down based on your preferences. Some like more robust seasoning, while others prefer it milder.
Adapting the Ratio for Smaller Batches
When making less than 5 pounds of sausage, that 1 tablespoon per pound can be difficult to measure precisely. This is where weighing the seasoning and meat helps.
For smaller batches, follow this more exact guideline:
- Use 0.4 to 0.5 ounces of seasoning per pound of meat.
If making 2 pounds of sausage, use 0.8 to 1 ounce of seasoning. For 3 pounds, use 1.2 to 1.5 ounces. Weighing ensures the right amount for any batch size.
Accounting for Other Ingredients
Keep in mind that Legg’s blends are seasoning combos. Recipes often call for extras like brown sugar, powdered milk, or curing salts.
Factor these into the total seasoning amount. The Legg’s blend should make up the majority, with smaller amounts of the other ingredients.
For example, 1 pound breakfast sausage may use:
- 1 oz Legg’s Sage Sausage Seasoning
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp powdered milk
Meat Type and Fat Content
Leaner meats like turkey and chicken need more seasoning than fattier cuts. Consider using:
- Up to 1.5 tablespoons Legg’s per pound
- Or up to 0.6 ounces per pound
For fattier pork shoulder or beef chuck, you may need slightly less:
- Around 1 tablespoon per pound
- Or 0.3 to 0.4 ounces per pound
Mixing the Seasoning into the Meat
Once you’ve measured the Legg’s seasoning, mix it evenly throughout the meat. Keep the meat very cold so the seasoning adheres. Use hand mixing, a stand mixer, or food processor.
Don’t overwork the meat. Stuff casings or form patties soon after mixing.
Testing the Seasoning Level
When trying a new blend or recipe, fry test a small patty first. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed before stuffing.
The fry test also verifies even mixing. Make any corrections necessary.
Tips for Success with Legg’s
Here are some tips for great results with Legg’s sausage seasonings:
- Use fresh spices and meat for optimal flavor.
- Make notes on ideal ratios for different blends.
- Complement blends with ingredients like citrus, hot sauce, etc.
- Experiment with non-traditional flavors beyond breakfast and Italian.
- Consider making a master base without salt to add your own later.
- Mix up bulk seasoned meat to freeze in 1 pound portions.
With some trial runs, you’ll discover your perfect Legg’s ratio per pound. Follow the guidelines, adjust to taste, and have fun crafting phenomenal homemade sausages!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Legg’s seasoning amounts:
How much Legg’s per pound of meat?
The general guideline is 1 rounded tablespoon or 0.4 to 0.5 oz per pound.
Should you add anything else besides Legg’s seasoning?
Some recipes call for small extra amounts of ingredients like brown sugar, powdered milk, or cure.
How much Legg’s for 5 pounds of sausage?
About 5 rounded tablespoons or 2 to 2.5 oz.
How much for 10 pounds?
Around 10 rounded tablespoons or 4 to 5 oz.
How can you adjust for smaller batches?
For under 3 pounds, weigh the seasoning at 0.4 to 0.5 oz per pound.
More or less for lean versus fatty meats?
Lean meats may need up to 1.5 tbsp/0.6 oz per pound. Fattier cuts can use around 1 tbsp/0.3 oz per pound.
What’s the best mixing method?
Hand mixing, a stand mixer, or food processor will distribute the seasoning evenly.
Should you fry test before stuffing sausages?
Yes, cook a small patty first to ensure the flavoring is right before stuffing.
Making Sausage Better Than the Store Bought
With the proper amount of Legg’s seasoning per pound, you can easily craft sausage better than anything you’ll find pre-packaged at the grocery store. Get ready for incredible homemade breakfast sausage, smoky links, zesty Italian, and more!
