Summer Sausage FAQ
At Hickory Farms, we’re known for our award-winning summer sausage. Over the years we’ve heard quite a few questions about our summer sausage, summer sausage in general, and the best way to enjoy this savory snack. Check out these frequently asked questions to learn more about summer sausage!
What is Summer Sausage?
Summer sausage is a type of cured meat. It was invented before refrigeration technology as a way to make a sausage that wouldn’t spoil in warmer weather, hence the name summer sausage. Summer sausage comes in many flavors and varieties, from beef, pork, and turkey, spicy or mild, there’s a summer sausage variety that’s sure to please every palate.
Does Summer Sausage Need to Be Refrigerated?
Our summer sausage varieties are shelf-stable, meaning they’re safe to keep in your pantry until you’re ready to open them. We do suggest refrigerating our summer sausage, especially turkey summer sausage, before slicing for the best experience. It’s easier to cut when it’s cold. Once you’ve opened and sliced summer sausage, it will need to be refrigerated to keep from spoiling.
What Makes Hickory Farms’ Summer Sausage So Special?
Our Signature Beef Summer Sausage is award-winning and has been recognized with the American Masters of Taste Gold Medal for best-tasting summer sausage in the nation since 2011. It’s made with 100% premium North American beef, hickory smoke, a hint of mustard seed, and a dash of pepper, making it delicious on its own or as part of a meat and cheese board. In fact, our famous Sweet Hot Mustardwas developed specifically to be the perfect savory complement to Signature Beef Summer Sausage. Try this combo next time to make a charcuterie board.
How Should I Eat Summer Sausage?
Summer sausage is a versatile snack that can be enjoyed many ways. You can eat summer sausage on its own, in a sandwich, paired with cheese and crackers as a snack, or as part of a charcuterie board. Our summer sausage also tastes great grilled and served with mustard. You can even add summer sausage to scrambled eggs, queso dip or nachos for a game day party, or casseroles and pasta salad. There’s no wrong way to eat summer sausage, really!
For more serving tips and to shop our collection of meat and cheese gifts, visit hickoryfarms.com.