If you’re a fan of spicy sausages, chances are you’ve heard of Earl Campbell’s Hot Links. But have you ever wondered where they’re made?
The answer might surprise you. Despite being named after the legendary football player, the company behind these delicious sausages is actually located in Waelder, Texas.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the history of Earl Campbell Meat Products and explore the process behind making their famous hot links. So grab a plate and get ready to learn more about one of Texas’ most beloved sausage brands.
Where Is Earl Campbell Sausage Made?
As mentioned earlier, Earl Campbell’s Hot Links are made in Waelder, Texas. The company was founded in 1990 by a group of investors, including Earl Campbell himself. Since then, they’ve become a staple in many Texas households and are even sold in supermarkets across the country.
The process of making these sausages starts with selecting high-quality cuts of pork. The meat is then ground and mixed with a blend of spices, including salt, pepper, and garlic. One of the key ingredients that sets Earl Campbell’s Hot Links apart is the addition of onions, which give the sausages a unique flavor profile.
Once the meat is seasoned, it’s stuffed into natural casings and smoked over hickory wood for several hours. This gives the sausages their signature smoky flavor and helps to seal in the juices.
After smoking, the sausages are packaged and shipped out to retailers. Earl Campbell Meat Products also offers a variety of other sausage products, including breakfast links and smoked sausage.
The History Of Earl Campbell Meat Products
Earl Campbell Meat Products has a rich history that spans over 30 years. The company was founded in 1990 by a group of investors, including Earl Campbell, who wanted to create high-quality sausage products that reflected the flavors and traditions of Texas.
Initially, the company faced some challenges, including financial difficulties and bankruptcy. However, with the help of a sausage manufacturer in Flatonia, Texas, Earl Campbell was able to get back on his feet and continue producing his signature hot links.
Over the years, Earl Campbell Meat Products has grown to become one of the largest sausage companies in the United States. They have expanded their product line to include a wide range of sausage products, including smoked sausage and breakfast links.
Despite their success, Earl Campbell Meat Products remains committed to using only the highest quality ingredients and traditional smoking methods to create their sausages. They continue to be a beloved brand in Texas and beyond, with fans praising their delicious flavor and unique blend of spices.
From Farm To Table: The Making Of Earl Campbell Hot Links
The journey of Earl Campbell Hot Links from farm to table starts with the selection of high-quality pork cuts. The company sources its meat from trusted local farms that follow ethical and sustainable practices. The pigs are raised on a natural diet and are never given antibiotics or hormones.
Once the meat is brought to the processing facility in Waelder, it undergoes a rigorous quality control check to ensure that it meets the company’s standards. The meat is then ground and mixed with a blend of spices that are carefully measured to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
The next step is stuffing the seasoned meat into natural hog casings. These casings are sourced from reputable suppliers and are carefully inspected to ensure that they meet the company’s strict standards for quality and safety.
After stuffing, the sausages are smoked over hickory wood for several hours. The smoking process not only imparts a smoky flavor but also helps to preserve the sausages and prevent spoilage.
Once the smoking process is complete, the sausages are packaged and shipped out to retailers across the country. Earl Campbell Meat Products takes great care in ensuring that their products are delivered fresh and ready to be enjoyed by customers.
The Secret To Earl Campbell’s Signature Spice Blend
Earl Campbell’s Hot Links are known for their delicious and unique flavor, which comes from a special spice blend used in the seasoning process. While the exact recipe is a closely guarded secret, we do know some of the key ingredients that make up this signature blend.
One of the most important ingredients is paprika, which adds a deep, smoky flavor to the sausages. Other spices commonly used in the blend include cayenne pepper, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, which give the sausages their characteristic heat.
In addition to these spices, Earl Campbell’s Hot Links also contain a blend of herbs, including thyme and oregano. These herbs add a subtle earthy flavor to the sausages and help to balance out the spiciness of the peppers.
Finally, as mentioned earlier, onions are a key ingredient in Earl Campbell’s Hot Links. The onions are finely diced and mixed into the spice blend before being added to the meat mixture. This gives the sausages a slightly sweet and savory flavor that sets them apart from other hot links on the market.
Earl Campbell’s Impact On The Texas Sausage Industry
Earl Campbell’s impact on the Texas sausage industry cannot be overstated. His name and reputation as a football legend have helped to bring attention and recognition to his sausage company, Earl Campbell Meat Products. The popularity of his sausages has grown over the years, with many Texans considering them to be some of the best in the state.
Campbell’s involvement in the company has also been a significant factor in its success. He has been actively involved in the creation and development of the sausages, from coming up with the original recipe to helping to promote and sell them. His dedication to producing high-quality products has helped to establish Earl Campbell Meat Products as a trusted brand in the sausage industry.
Furthermore, Campbell’s success as a businessman and entrepreneur has inspired others in Texas to start their own food-related businesses. His story of starting over after bankruptcy and rebuilding his company from the ground up serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of Texans.
