Beef summer sausage can be eaten in many ways, including:
As a snack: Slice it thin and pair it with wine or beer, plus your favorite cheese. You can also slice it on a cracker with cheese, dice it in salads, or use it as a pizza topping.
In sandwiches: Slice it and eat it in sandwiches. Some Southerners like to make post-holiday sandwiches with summer sausage.
In casseroles: Fry it up or toss it in a casserole.
With cheese: Summer sausage pairs well with cheese. Since sausage is typically spicy, a mild cheese like Cheddar, Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, Gouda, or Muenster goes well.
With fruit: Fruits such as apples are good as they add a sweet to the spicy.
With raw vegetables: Crunchy raw vegetables like broccoli, celery, and carrot sticks are good.
Summer sausage is typically semi-dry, semi-hard, salty, smoky, and tangy from the lactic acid fermentation. It's fully cooked, ready to slice and serve, and can be eaten at room temperature.