How to make Homemade Breakfast Sausage

Perfectly seasoned with a blend of sage, thyme, garlic, and optional maple syrup for a touch of sweetness, Homemade Breakfast sausage is very easy to prepare.

a plate of scrambled eggs, two slices buttered toast, and two homemade breakfast sausage patties


Ingredients for homemade breakfast sausage

This delightful homemade breakfast sausage recipe features ground pork, savory spices, and a hint of optional maple syrup sweetness.

  1. Ground Pork:
    • Base Flavor: It forms the core of the sausage, providing a meaty and rich foundation for the dish.
  2. Kosher Salt:
    • Flavor Enhancer: Essential for seasoning, salt enhances and balances the overall taste of the sausage.
  3. Black Pepper:
    • Heat and Depth: Adds a mild heat and depth to the sausage, complementing the pork flavor.
  4. Poultry Seasoning:
    • Herbal Complexity: Infuses the sausage with a blend of herbs, adding complexity and depth to the flavor.
  5. Dried Parsley:
    • Freshness: Brings a burst of freshness to the sausage, enhancing its overall aroma and appeal.
  6. Brown Sugar:
    • Sweetness and Caramelization: Balances the savory notes and contributes to a delightful caramelization during cooking.
  7. Cayenne Pepper:
    • Spiciness: Introduces a subtle spiciness, adding a kick to the sausage for those who enjoy heat.
  8. Red Pepper Flakes:
    • Additional Heat: Offers flexibility for adjusting the spiciness according to personal preference.
  9. Optional Seasoning – Pure Maple Syrup:
    • Sweet Note: Adds a touch of sweetness, creating a harmonious balance with the savory elements. Optional for those who prefer a hint of sweetness.
  10. Optional Seasoning – Fennel Seeds:
    • Aromatic Twist: Introduces a subtle anise-like flavor, enhancing the overall aroma and providing a unique twist to the sausage.
a horizontal in process photo of a bowl of ground pork with herbs and spices ready to be mixed into breakfast sausage. In the background are colorful rooster egg cups holding farm-fresh eggs.

How to Prepare Homemade Breakfast Sausage

Create delicious homemade breakfast sausage by blending ground pork with savory spices. Shape into patties, cook until golden, and savor the flavor!

  • Combine ground pork with all other ingredients in a large mixing bowl [paid link]. With clean hands, knead the mixture until well combined. Form the mixture into 2-inch rounds.
  • For immediate use: Saute sausage patties over medium-low heat in a non-stick skillet. Cook until brown on both sides and cooked through approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Alternatively, you may freeze the patties for up to 3 months.
an in-process photo of formed sausages on a tray lined with silicon mat, a scale hold a 44 gram ball of sausage, and a ring mold holds a sausage patty that has been pressed into a round sausage patty.

Why this recipe works

  1. Balanced Seasoning: The blend of sage, thyme, garlic, and optional maple syrup creates a well-balanced flavor profile.
  2. Simple Preparation: Easy mixing and shaping make this recipe accessible for all, whether experienced or new cooks.
  3. Versatility: Customize the sausage into patties or links, allowing flexibility in presentation and serving options.

Recipe tips and kitchen tricks

  1. Chill the Meat: For easier handling, chill the ground pork before mixing and shaping.
  2. Test Seasoning: Cook a small amount of the mixture to taste and adjust seasoning before shaping all the sausages.
  3. Variation: Experiment with spice levels, and try different shapes like sliders for a creative twist.

Recipe Variations

  1. Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or extra red pepper flakes for a spicier version.
  2. Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley for a more herbal flavor.
  3. Apple Twist: Mix in finely chopped apples for a sweet and fruity variation.
an in-process image of pressed sausage patties on a silicon lined tray ready to be flash-frozen.

Serving Suggestions

  1. Classic Breakfast Plate: Serve with eggs, toast, and hash browns for a traditional breakfast.
  2. Breakfast Sandwich: Place a sausage patty in a bun with cheese and eggs for a delicious sandwich.
  3. Sausage Gravy: Pair with biscuits and sausage gravy for a hearty Southern-inspired dish.
  4. Brunch Platter: Include alongside a variety of breakfast items for a brunch feast.
  5. Breakfast Burrito: Wrap sausage, eggs, cheese, and veggies in a tortilla for a satisfying burrito.

Side Dishes

kid-friendly

  1. Fruit Kabobs: Skewer bite-sized fruit pieces for a colorful and fun side.
  2. Cheesy Hash Browns: Crispy, cheesy hash browns make for a kid-approved accompaniment.
  3. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a tasty and wholesome side dish.

Storing, freezing, and reheating instructions

Storing: Place leftover sausage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: Wrap individual sausages tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating:

  1. Microwave: Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
  2. Oven: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
  3. Skillet: Reheat on a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally, until heated.

Always ensure the sausage reaches the internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when reheating.

frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Can I use ground turkey instead of pork?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option. Adjust seasonings to taste.

Is the maple syrup necessary?

u003cemu003eNo, it’s optional. It adds a hint of sweetness; omit if you prefer a savory sausage.u003c/emu003e

Can I make the sausages in advance?

Absolutely! Shape them ahead, refrigerate, and cook when ready for a quick breakfast.

How do I know when the sausages are cooked?

Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) or until no longer pink in the center.

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Making Homemade Breakfast Sausage is simple with ingredients already in your pantry! No need to grind your own meat! They're also freezer-friendly, MSG, preservative and gluten-free!

Homemade Breakfast sausage – MSG Free

Ronda Eagle | Kitchen Dreaming
Perfectly seasoned with a blend of sage, thyme, garlic, and optional maple syrup for a touch of sweetness, Homemade Breakfast sausage is very easy to prepare.
5 from 3 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 16 patty
Calories 161 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds ground pork [See Note 1]
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons poultry seasoning [See Note 2]
  • 1 tbsp dried parsley
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes , more or less, to taste

Optional Seasoning:

  • 2 tbsp Pure Maple syrup
  • 1 tsp fennel seeds

Instructions
 

  • Combine ground pork {see Note 1] with all other ingredients in a large mixing bowl [paid link]. With clean hands, knead the mixture until well combined. Form the mixture into 2-inch rounds.
  • For immediate use: Saute sausage patties over medium-low heat in a non-stick skillet. Cook until brown on both sides and cooked through, approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Alternatively, you may freeze the patties for up to 3 months. [See Note 5)

Notes

1). Ground turkey may be substituted for the ground pork.2). Poultry seasoning is a blend of spices including sage, thyme, and rosemary. If you prefer you can use a combination of these spices instead of using poultry seasoning.3). I like maple sausage, so I sometimes also add pure maple syrup to sausage.4). You may like to add fennel seeds for a more fenel taste to your breakfast sausage. I have guests who prefer not to have fennel seeds so I often omit these. 5). Form patties and place on a cookie sheet lined with wax or parchment paper and individually freeze the patties. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pattyCalories: 161kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 10gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 41mgSodium: 325mgPotassium: 174mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 58IUVitamin C: 1mgVitamin E: 1mgVitamin K: 5µgCalcium: 17mgFolate: 3µgIron: 1mgZinc: 1mg
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4 thoughts on “How to make Homemade Breakfast Sausage”

  1. This can also be done using ground chicken or turkey. Use the dark meat because breast meat is too lean and less flavorful.

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