Wake up to an irresistible aroma with this delightful Homemade Breakfast Sausage recipe. Perfectly spiced and incredibly easy to make, this recipe showcases savory delights that will turn your regular mornings into an absolute treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Homemade Goodness: Skip the preservatives with this fresh and flavorful homemade option.
- Customizable Spice Level: Adjust the spice to your liking, making it perfect for everyone at the table.
- Quick and Easy: From grinding to frying, you’ll have delicious sausage patties in just under an hour.
- Versatile: Perfect for breakfast sandwiches, alongside eggs, or on its own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating a delicious batch of Homemade Breakfast Sausage is all about the balance of flavors. These simple yet essential ingredients come together to craft an unforgettable taste and texture that’s sure to make your mornings special.
- Pork Shoulder: Opt for high-quality pork shoulder for a juicy, flavorful sausage.
- Fresh Sage and Thyme: These herbs bring a fresh and earthy flavor that sets our sausage apart.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Adjust the heat to your liking with this spicy addition.
- Garlic: Finely grate garlic for a subtle yet powerful flavor boost.
- Paprika and Nutmeg: These spices add depth and a warm hue to your sausage.
Variations
This Homemade Breakfast Sausage is incredibly adaptable! Whether you’re catering to dietary preferences or simply want to change things up a bit, here are some delightful variations to consider.
- Herb Blend: Swap out thyme and sage for rosemary and parsley to create a new herbal twist.
- Spice It Up: Add cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to increase the heat level to your preference.
- Sweet and Savory: Incorporate maple syrup or honey for a touch of sweetness against the savory spices.
How to Make Homemade Breakfast Sausage
Step 1: Chill the Pork
If you’re grinding meat from scratch, start by trimming the pork shoulder from the bone and cutting it into 1-inch chunks. Place these into the freezer or fridge for about 15-20 minutes. This slight chill helps the meat grind smoothly. If you’re using pre-ground pork, you can skip straight to adding spices.
Step 2: Grind and Season
Run the cold, cubed pork through your grinder using the medium-sized dye into a bowl. Add your minced herbs, red pepper, paprika, nutmeg, garlic, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until every piece of pork is coated with this aromatic blend of spices.
Step 3: Shape and Test
Form a small patty and fry it in a pan to test the seasoning. Adjust according to taste—this step ensures your Homemade Breakfast Sausage hits the palate just right. Then shape the remaining mixture into patties about 2 ½” to 3” in diameter.
Step 4: Cook the Sausages
Add a tablespoon of cooking oil to a non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Fry the patties for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until they are browned and cooked thoroughly. Serve them warm for the best experience.
Pro Tips for Making Homemade Breakfast Sausage
- Freezing the Pork: Cold pork, but not frozen, makes grinding easier and prevents the fats from melting.
- Mixing for Consistency: Mix the spices evenly for a consistent taste throughout each patty.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Give your patties space in the pan to ensure that they brown nicely and cook evenly.
- Test and Adjust: Always fry a small piece first to perfectly adjust the seasoning before cooking the entire batch.
How to Serve Homemade Breakfast Sausage
Garnishes
Enhance these tasty sausage patties with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives, or a delicate sprinkle of cracked black pepper for a hint of heat. These little touches go a long way in making the sausage irresistible.
Side Dishes
These sausages are best accompanied by buttery scrambled eggs, golden toast, or a fresh salad. For something heartier, consider pairing them with crispy roasted potatoes or a fluffy pancake stack.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not serve these sausages as part of a vibrant breakfast board? Arrange them with cheeses, fruits, and pastries for a visually appealing spread that will surely impress friends and family. Or slide them inside freshly baked biscuits for the ultimate breakfast sandwich!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your sausages fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will typically last up to 3 days. Be sure to let them cool to room temperature before storing.
Freezing
If you plan on making a large batch, consider freezing them. Layer each sausage with parchment paper to prevent sticking and store in a freezer-friendly container for up to 2 months. Thaw thoroughly before reheating.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat these sausages in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. This method helps to retain their crispy exterior and juicy interior.
FAQs
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Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of pork?
Yes, ground chicken or turkey are great leaner alternatives to pork. Keep in mind that you might need to adjust the seasoning, as these meats can be milder in flavor.
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What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
Dried herbs can be used in a pinch. Remember to use about one-third of the amount of dried herbs in place of fresh herbs to avoid overpowering the dish.
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How do I prevent the sausages from being too dry?
Using pork shoulder which has a good fat content is key to juicy sausages. Also, be cautious not to overcook them, as this can dry them out.
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Can I prep the mixture in advance?
Absolutely! Prepare your sausage mixture up to a day in advance, storing it in the fridge. This can enhance the flavors as the spices meld together.
Final Thoughts
Crafting your own Homemade Breakfast Sausage is such a rewarding experience, and it’s a fabulous way to bring something special to your morning table. I highly encourage you to try this recipe—it’s bound to become a family favorite!
Print
Homemade Breakfast Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 8 sausage patties 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This homemade breakfast sausage recipe offers a flavorful and juicy approach to morning sausage, using fresh herbs and spices for a customizable taste. Perfect for breakfast sandwiches or a hearty start to your day, these sausage patties are simple to prepare and cook to perfection in a skillet.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 pound de-boned pork shoulder or pre-ground pork
Herbs and Spices
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh sage
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme
- 1 1/2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3 finely grated garlic cloves
Seasonings and Oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons packed light brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil (such as vegetable or olive oil)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pork: If grinding from scratch, trim the meat of a pork shoulder away from the bone and cut into 1-inch chunks. Place the chunks in the freezer or refrigerator to chill for 15-20 minutes to firm up.
- Grind the Meat: Run the cold cubed pork through a meat grinder using the medium grind plate into a bowl or pan.
- Mix the Ingredients: Add the minced sage, thyme, crushed red pepper flakes, paprika, ground nutmeg, grated garlic, brown sugar, salt, and pepper to the ground pork. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
- Test and Adjust: Fry a small patty of the seasoned sausage and taste. Adjust seasonings if needed.
- Form Patties: Shape the sausage mixture into small patties, about 2½ to 3 inches in diameter.
- Cook the Sausage: Add cooking oil to a non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for 3 to 4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
- Serve: Immediately serve the sausage patties while hot.
Notes
- Feel free to customize the spice levels by adjusting the red pepper flakes.
- If you prefer source from store-bought ground pork, skip the grinding step.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet to ensure even cooking and browning.
- The mixture can be prepped ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sausage patty (about 80 grams)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
