These Spicy Venison Jalapeño Snack Sticks are an absolute game-changer for anyone who loves a high-protein, flavorful snack with a bit of zesty heat! Packed with lean venison, juicy jalapeños, and a blend of bold spices, each bite brings a satisfying kick that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re prepping for a weekend adventure or just looking for a savory treat to share with friends, these snack sticks deliver on taste, texture, and that oh-so-addictive smoky aroma. Trust me, once you make a batch of Spicy Venison Jalapeño Snack Sticks, your snack game will never be the same.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Spicy Venison Jalapeño Snack Sticks Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, high-quality ingredients are the secret behind these unforgettable Spicy Venison Jalapeño Snack Sticks. Every element in the recipe has its place—bringing tenderness, flavor, a little punch, and a visually enticing finish to each stick.

Ground Venison (3 lbs): Lean, rich, and perfect for creating snack sticks that are packed with flavor but not weighed down by fat.
Fresh Jalapeño Peppers (3, finely chopped): These add vibrant flecks of green and just the right amount of spicy heat. Deseed them for a milder bite!
Ice-Cold Water (1 cup): Essential for keeping the mixture moist and workable; it also helps in binding the spices evenly.
Kosher Salt (2 tsp): Brings out the natural flavors and helps preserve the snack sticks.
Garlic Powder (1 tbsp): Adds a kick of aromatic, savory depth that complements the meat beautifully.
Onion Powder (1 tbsp): Slight sweetness and tang, rounding out the spice profile perfectly.
Smoked Paprika (1 tsp): Delivers a smoky warmth and gorgeous color.
Black Pepper (1 tsp): Adds a gentle heat and brightness to balance out the chili’s spice.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (1 tsp, optional): Toss these in for an extra fiery punch if you dare.
Mustard Seeds (1 tsp): Brings a subtle, earthy burst of flavor in every bite.
Curing Salt (1/2 tsp, optional): Helps with long-term storage and keeps your sticks looking appetizingly pink.
Collagen Casings: Give your snack sticks their classic shape and satisfying snap—easy to find at specialty markets or online.

How to Make Spicy Venison Jalapeño Snack Sticks

Step 1: Prepare the Venison Mixture

Grab that big mixing bowl and invite all our key ingredients to the party—ground venison, those vibrant chopped jalapeños, salt, garlic and onion powders, smoked paprika, black pepper, crushed red pepper if you’re feeling bold, mustard seeds, and the optional curing salt. Add in the ice-cold water and dig in (clean hands work best here!). You’ll want to mix until the blend looks sticky and uniform; this step ensures that every snack stick bursts with flavor and has the right, juicy texture.

Step 2: Stuff the Casings

Carefully rinse your collagen casings under cold water for a few minutes to make them more pliable. Load them onto your sausage stuffer and, with steady hands, begin filling each casing with the venison mixture. Try to create slender, uniform sticks by controlling the pressure and twisting or tying off the ends as you go. Take your time—making sure there’s minimal air inside ensures every Spicy Venison Jalapeño Snack Stick looks and tastes amazing.

Step 3: Refrigerate

Resting time is flavor time! Lay the finished sticks on a baking tray, making sure they don’t touch, and slide them into the fridge for at least 12 hours (overnight works wonders). This gives the spices and jalapeños time to infuse the meat, and the curing salt (if used) to work its preserving magic. You’ll notice the aroma intensifies and the texture firms up, setting you up for snack stick success.

Step 4: Smoke or Bake

Now for the transformation! Preheat your smoker to 170°F (75°C) and arrange the sticks on the grates so air can circulate freely. Let them smoke for 3–4 hours—you’re aiming for an internal temperature of 150°F (65°C). If you don’t have a smoker, no worries; an oven set to the same low temperature will work. Add a dash of liquid smoke for that authentic flavor! Low and slow is key, creating snack sticks that are both tender and satisfyingly chewy.

Step 5: Cool and Store

Once your Spicy Venison Jalapeño Snack Sticks hit the perfect doneness, let them cool on a rack. This helps prevent sogginess and keeps their bite just right. After cooling, cut them into portable portions and tuck them into an airtight container. They’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for snacking far into the future.

Step 6: Enjoy!

Dig in! Your Spicy Venison Jalapeño Snack Sticks are ready to wow friends and family. They’re perfect on hikes, at game days, or as a rewarding kitchen experiment. The bold flavors and satisfying chewiness truly hit the spot!

How to Serve Spicy Venison Jalapeño Snack Sticks

Garnishes

For a fun finishing touch, arrange your snack sticks on a platter with a scattering of extra sliced jalapeños, sprigs of fresh cilantro, or a sprinkle of coarse salt and pepper on top. A dip or two—like creamy ranch or zippy honey mustard—lets everyone tailor every bite to their own tastes. These little extras don’t just add color and flair; they also ramp up the flavor!

Side Dishes

Pair your Spicy Venison Jalapeño Snack Sticks with crunchy pickles, crisp veggie sticks, or a cool pasta salad for a delightfully balanced snack plate. For a heartier spread, offer up some sharp cheddar cubes or a batch of homemade cornbread. Each side dish brings a different vibe, so mix and match to suit your mood—or your party guests!

Creative Ways to Present

If you really want to impress, thread snack stick pieces onto skewers with cherry tomatoes and cheese cubes for a playful twist on classic kabobs. Or, slice them up and add to charcuterie boards with crackers, dried fruit, and nuts for a sophisticated, wild-game spin. Spicy Venison Jalapeño Snack Sticks are also fantastic chopped and tossed into salads or scrambled eggs for a quick flavor upgrade.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, stash leftover snack sticks in an airtight container or zip-top bag. Kept in the refrigerator, they’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to one week. Just be sure to separate layers with parchment for easy grabbing!

Freezing

For long-term storage, wrap sticks in foil or freezer paper and place them in a freezer bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. They’ll keep perfectly for up to three months, making it easy to pull out a batch whenever snack cravings strike. Thaw them overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Want to bring back that just-made zest? Loosely wrap snack sticks in foil and pop them in a low oven (about 275°F) for 10–15 minutes. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the oven helps maintain that irresistible snap and prevents them from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use another type of meat for these snack sticks?

Absolutely! While venison provides a distinctly bold flavor and lean texture, you can substitute ground beef, pork, elk, or even turkey, adjusting the seasoning as needed. The key is choosing a meat with enough structure to hold up well in the casings.

How spicy are these snack sticks?

There’s a definite kick, thanks to the jalapeños and optional red pepper flakes, but you can easily dial the heat up or down. Removing the jalapeño seeds or skipping the pepper flakes will mellow things out, while leaving them in brings the fire!

Do I have to use curing salt?

Curing salt is optional and mostly necessary if you want to store snack sticks for longer periods or maintain their rosy color. If you plan on eating them within a week or so and keeping them refrigerated, you can safely skip it.

How do I prevent the casings from splitting during stuffing?

Make sure your venison mixture is well-chilled and don’t overfill the casings. Moving slowly and evenly, without applying too much pressure, is the secret to intact, picture-perfect snack sticks.

Can I double or halve the recipe?

This recipe is super flexible—simply scale the ingredients up for a big batch, or halve them for a smaller amount. Just ensure that you keep the ratios consistent and adjust your cooking times slightly for different stick sizes.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like homemade Spicy Venison Jalapeño Snack Sticks—bold, spicy, and hearty, with a smoky charm that draws everyone in. Whether you’re a seasoned venison lover or just looking to spice up your snack game, I can’t recommend this recipe enough. Give it a try and see just how easy and satisfying homemade snack sticks can be!

Spicy Venison Jalapeño Snack Sticks Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 25 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 28 hours
Yield: Approximately 30 snack sticks 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Spicy Venison Jalapeño Snack Sticks are a delicious homemade snack that combines the rich flavor of venison with the heat of jalapeños, making for a perfect on-the-go treat or party appetizer.

Instructions

Prepare the Venison Mixture – In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground venison, finely chopped jalapeños, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, mustard seeds, and curing salt (if using). Add ice-cold water and thoroughly mix until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are well combined. The ice water helps keep the mixture moist and easier to work with.
Stuff the Casings – Rinse the collagen casings with cold water and load them onto a sausage stuffer. Carefully stuff the venison mixture into the casings, making thin, even snack sticks. Twist or tie the ends as needed. Make sure the casings are evenly filled, with minimal air pockets.
Refrigerate – Lay the stuffed snack sticks on a baking sheet and refrigerate them for 12-24 hours. This allows the flavors to develop and, if using curing salt, helps preserve the snack sticks. The refrigeration period enhances the texture and taste, making them more flavorful.
Smoke or Bake – Preheat your smoker to 170°F (75°C). Place the snack sticks on the smoker grates and smoke for 3-4 hours, or until they reach an internal temperature of 150°F (65°C). If you don’t have a smoker, you can bake them in the oven at the same temperature. Add liquid smoke to the recipe for a similar smoky flavor. Slow, low-temperature cooking is essential to achieve the perfect texture and taste.
Cool and Store – Once the snack sticks have finished cooking, let them cool completely. Cut them into snack-sized pieces and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the sticks in sealed containers or freezer bags.
Enjoy! – Your spicy venison jalapeño snack sticks are now ready to be enjoyed! Whether at home or on the go, these snacks offer a perfect combination of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Category: Snack
Method: Smoking, Baking
Cuisine: American