3 lbs. ground pork
3 tbsp. red wine vinegar
1 1/4 tbsp. dried parsley
1 tbsp. garlic powder
1 tbsp. onion powder
1 tbsp. dried basil
1 tbsp. salt
1 tbsp. black pepper
2 tsp. paprika
2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes, or to taste
3/4 tsp. ground fennel seed
1/4 tsp. brown sugar
1/8 tsp. dried oregano
1/8 tsp. dried thyme

  • grind pork with meat ginder or food processor
  • combine spices and mix well
  • add pork, vinegar, and spice mixture to a large bowl and mix well by hand
  • divide into thirds and fill sausage casings, or roll into logs in ziplock bags to get a nice tube shape
  • chill at least 12 hours before cooking

source: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/216319/homemade-sweet-italian-sausage-mild-or-hot/

4/21/25: i made these a few weeks ago and didn’t have fennel seed (or star anise which is the main substitute i saw recommended). they taste good, but apparently fennel is what makes italian sausage taste like italian sausage, so i bought some fennel seed for next time.