Homemade Breakfast Sausage

Craving a hearty, homemade breakfast? Skip the store-bought options and create your own delicious breakfast sausage patties from scratch.

This recipe combines the perfect blend of fresh herbs and spices with quality ground pork and bacon, resulting in juicy, flavorful sausages that will elevate your morning meal.

Ingredients List

Creating perfect breakfast sausages requires quality ingredients and a balanced blend of spices. Here’s everything you’ll need:

Main Ingredients

• 1½ pounds ground pork
• 3 slices bacon, diced
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup (optional)
• 1 tablespoon canola oil

Spice Mixture

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage leaves
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
• ½ teaspoon fennel seeds, crushed
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Required Kitchen Tools

To prepare these breakfast sausages efficiently, you’ll need:

1. Large Mixing Bowl: For combining ingredients
2. Cast Iron Skillet: For optimal cooking and browning
3. Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate portioning
4. Small Bowl: For mixing spices
5. Spice Grinder or Mortar and Pestle: For crushing fennel seeds

Spice Mixture Preparation

The secret to exceptional breakfast sausage lies in the perfect blend of herbs and spices. Follow these steps to create a well-balanced seasoning mix:

Creating the Spice Blend

1. In a small bowl, combine:
   • Fresh chopped sage
   • Fresh chopped thyme
   • Crushed fennel seeds
   • Red pepper flakes (if using)
   • Ground nutmeg
   • 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
   • 1 teaspoon black pepper
2. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of all spices
3. Set aside until ready to combine with meat

Mixing the Sausage

The key to juicy, flavorful sausage patties is proper mixing technique. Here’s how to combine your ingredients:

Combining Ingredients

1. Place ground pork in a large mixing bowl
2. Add diced bacon pieces
3. If using maple syrup, drizzle it over the meat
4. Sprinkle the prepared spice mixture evenly across the meat

Mixing Tips

• Use clean hands to gently mix ingredients
• Avoid overworking the meat mixture, which can lead to tough sausages
• Mix just until ingredients are evenly distributed
• The mixture should be uniform in color and texture
• Keep ingredients cold while mixing for best results

Shaping the Sausage Patties

Proper shaping ensures even cooking and professional-looking results. Here’s how to form perfect patties:

Patty Formation Technique

1. Scoop ¼ cup (approximately 2 ounces) of meat mixture
2. Gently roll into a ball
3. Press to flatten, forming 2½ to 3-inch wide patties
4. Create a slight dimple in the center of each patty to prevent bulging
5. Continue until all mixture is used (yields about 16 patties)

Pro Tips for Shaping

• Keep hands slightly wet to prevent sticking
• Maintain consistent size for even cooking
• Place shaped patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet
• If not cooking immediately, separate layers with wax paper

Cooking Instructions

Achieving the perfect golden-brown crust while maintaining juicy centers requires proper cooking technique:

Cooking Method

1. Heat canola oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat
2. Once oil is shimmering, carefully add patties (don’t overcrowd)
3. Cook for 2-3 minutes on first side until nicely browned
4. Flip and cook additional 2-3 minutes on second side
5. Internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C)

Cooking Tips

• Work in batches if necessary
• Don’t press patties while cooking
• Maintain consistent heat for even browning
• Allow space between patties for proper browning

Serving Suggestions

Fresh homemade breakfast sausages can be served in various delicious ways:

Immediate Serving

• Serve hot alongside eggs and toast
• Pair with pancakes or waffles
• Include in breakfast sandwiches
• Complement with hash browns or home fries

Garnish Options

• Fresh herbs (sage or thyme)
• Warm maple syrup drizzle
• Hot sauce or pepper jelly
• Caramelized onions

Storage Instructions

Proper storage ensures you can enjoy your homemade sausages for days to come:

Fresh Storage

• Refrigerate cooked patties in airtight container for up to 3 days
• Store raw patties for up to 24 hours before cooking
• Keep separated with parchment paper

Freezing Method

1. Place uncooked patties on parchment-lined baking sheet
2. Freeze until solid (about 2 hours)
3. Transfer to freezer bags
4. Store for up to 3 months
5. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before cooking

Conclusion

Making your own breakfast sausage allows you to control quality, ingredients, and flavoring while creating a superior product to store-bought alternatives.

This versatile recipe can be adjusted to your taste preferences by modifying the spice blend or maple syrup content.

With practice, you’ll master the technique of creating perfectly seasoned, juicy sausage patties that will elevate any breakfast spread.