If you’re making your own sausage at home, getting the seasoning just right is crucial. Too little and you’ll end up with bland boring sausage. Too much, and the flavor will be overpowering. Finding the ideal amount of seasoning takes some trial and error. But when it comes to popular brands like Legg’s sausage seasoning, there are some general guidelines to follow. In this article, we’ll look at how much Legg’s seasoning you should use per pound of meat.
For over 75 years, Legg’s Old Plantation has been making high-quality sausage seasonings and mixes. Based in Alabama, they offer a wide array of pork, poultry, and beef blends for making various types of sausage. Some of their most popular products include:
- 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 quality spices, herbs and ingredients to craft authentic sausage flavors. Their seasoning blends are beloved by professional butchers and home cooks alike. But when using Legg’s products to make fresh sausage, how much should you use per pound of meat? Let’s find out.
General Guideline for Legg’s Seasonings Per Pound
Legg’s provides a general guideline for their sausage seasonings. According to their website:
The recommended amount is 1 rounded tablespoon of seasoning per pound of meat.
This ratio will produce a well-balanced sausage flavor. It provides enough seasoning to adequately complement the meat without becoming overly salty or strong.
So if you are making 5 pounds of sausage you would use approximately 5 rounded tablespoons of Legg’s seasoning. For 10 pounds of sausage use 10 rounded tablespoons, and so on.
This 1 tablespoon per pound is a baseline ratio. But you can adjust it up or down to your taste preferences. Some people prefer more robust seasoning, while others like it on the milder side.
Adjusting the Seasoning Amount in Smaller Batches
When making sausage in batches of 5 pounds or less, that 1 tablespoon per pound ratio can be tricky to measure. This is where weighing your seasoning and meat comes in handy.
Here is a more precise guideline for smaller batches:
- Use 0.4 to 0.5 ounces of seasoning per pound of meat.
So if you were making 2 pounds of sausage, you would use 0.8 to 1 ounce of Legg’s seasoning. For 3 pounds of sausage, use 1.2 to 1.5 ounces of seasoning.
Weighing the seasoning ensures you get the right amount for the batch size. It also allows you to easily double or halve the recipe.
Factor in Any Additional Ingredients
One thing to keep in mind is that Legg’s seasoning blends are just that – blends. Many recipes call for adding additional ingredients like brown sugar, powdered milk, or cure.
Be sure to factor in any extra ingredients into the total seasoning amount. The Legg’s blend should make up the majority, with smaller amounts of the other components.
For example, a breakfast sausage may use:
- 1 oz Legg’s Sage Sausage Seasoning
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp powdered milk
Per pound of meat. The Legg’s still makes up the bulk of flavoring.
Consider the Type of Meat and Fat Content
The leaner the meat, the more seasoning it will require. Very lean ground turkey or chicken breast, for instance, won’t have as much inherent flavor as higher-fat pork shoulder.
With leaner meats, consider using:
- Up to 1.5 tablespoons Legg’s per pound
- Or up to 0.6 ounces Legg’s per pound
Fattier cuts like pork butt or beef chuck have more flavor built in. You may be able to use slightly less seasoning:
- Around 1 tablespoon per pound
- Or 0.3 to 0.4 ounces per pound
The meat you choose will play a role in how much seasoning is needed. Adjust to suit the particular protein.
How to Properly Mix the Seasoning into the Meat
Once you’ve weighed out the appropriate amount of Legg’s seasoning per pound of meat, it’s time to mix them together. Evenly distributing the seasoning is critical for properly flavored sausage.
Make sure your meat is very cold before adding the seasoning. Cold meat allows the seasoning to adhere. Then choose one of these mixing methods:
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Hand mixing: Thoroughly knead the seasoning into the meat with your (very clean!) hands until well incorporated.
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Stand mixer: Use the paddle attachment on low speed to evenly distribute the seasoning throughout the meat.
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Food processor: Pulse the meat and seasoning in batches in the bowl of a food processor. Be careful not to overprocess.
Mix just until the seasoning is distributed; don’t overwork the meat. Stuff into casings or form into patties soon after mixing.
Testing the Seasoning Level
When trying a new Legg’s blend or making a sausage recipe for the first time, it’s smart to fry test the seasoned meat before stuffing casings.
Cook a small patty of the mixture in a skillet. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. It’s much easier to add more Legg’s before stuffing than after.
The fry test also helps ensure you’ve mixed the seasoning in evenly throughout the meat. Make any adjustments necessary.
Tips for Success with Legg’s Sausage Seasoning
Here are a few extra tips for using Legg’s sausage seasonings successfully:
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Always use fresh spices and meat for the best flavor.
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Keep notes on which blends you like at certain ratios.
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Add supplements like citrus zest, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, etc. to complement different seasoning blends.
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Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors outside the traditional breakfast sage and Italian profiles.
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Consider making a master batch of base seasoning without salt to add your own salt after mixing.
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Mix up a bulk batch of seasoned meat to freeze in 1 pound portions for later use.
With some trial and error, you’ll find your ideal Legg’s seasoning ratio per pound of meat. Just use the guidelines above, adjust to taste, and have fun crafting your own homemade sausage masterpieces!
Frequently Asked Questions About Legg’s Seasoning per Pound
To summarize, here are answers to some common questions about how much Legg’s seasoning to use:
How much Legg’s seasoning per pound of meat?
The general guideline is 1 rounded tablespoon or 0.4 to 0.5 oz per pound of meat.
Do you add anything else besides Legg’s seasoning?
Some recipes may call for adding small amounts of things like brown sugar, powdered milk, citrus, or cure along with the Legg’s blend.
How much Legg’s for 5 pounds of sausage?
Approximately 5 rounded tablespoons or 2 to 2.5 oz.
How much for 10 pounds?
About 10 rounded tablespoons or 4 to 5 oz.
How can you adjust for smaller batches?
For batches under 3 pounds, it’s best to weigh the seasoning at 0.4 to 0.5 oz per pound.
Should you use more or less for lean meats versus fattier cuts?
Lean meats will need more like 1.5 tbsp/0.6 oz per pound. Fattier cuts may only need 1 tbsp/0.3 oz per pound.
What’s the best way to mix the seasoning evenly into the meat?
Use hand mixing, a stand mixer on low, or a food processor to distribute evenly.
Should you fry test before stuffing sausages?
Yes, cook a small patty and taste before stuffing casings to ensure the flavoring is correct.