Homemade Breakfast Sausage Recipe

Making Homemade Breakfast Sausage at home is easy, customizable, and far tastier than store-bought versions. You can adjust the seasonings to your taste and avoid the preservatives and additives that are often found in commercial sausage. This recipe gives you a flavorful, savory breakfast sausage that’s perfect for pairing with eggs, pancakes, or making breakfast sandwiches.

Homemade Breakfast Sausage

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground pork (you can also use a mix of ground pork and ground turkey for a leaner sausage)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sage (preferably fresh, or dried if you don’t have fresh)
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice (optional)
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (optional, for sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for frying)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sausage Mix:
   • In a large bowl, combine the ground pork with all the spices: salt, black pepper, sage, red pepper flakes (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, nutmeg, and allspice.
   • If you’re using maple syrup or honey for sweetness, add it to the mixture now.
   • Use your hands or a spoon to thoroughly mix the ingredients, making sure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the meat. Try not to overwork the meat too much, as it can make the sausage tough.
2. Form the Sausage Patties:
   • Once the sausage mixture is well combined, divide the meat into 8-10 equal portions (for medium-sized patties).
   • Roll each portion into a ball and then flatten into a patty about 1/2-inch thick.
   • If you want to make links instead of patties, you can shape the sausage into small links and tie them off with kitchen twine.
3. Cook the Sausage Patties:
   • Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add the olive oil or butter to the pan.
   • Once the oil is hot, add the sausage patties in batches (if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan) and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F or 71°C).
   • Flip the patties halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning on both sides.
   • If you prefer a crispier sausage, you can cook it for a little longer, but be careful not to dry it out.
4. Serve:
   • Once cooked, transfer the sausage patties to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess fat.
   • Serve immediately with eggs, pancakes, toast, or as part of a breakfast sandwich.

Tips:

• Adjusting the Fat: If you’re using lean pork or turkey, consider adding a little olive oil or a tablespoon of bacon fat to keep the sausage moist and flavorful.
• Customizing the Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the spices based on your preferences. Add more sage for a stronger herb flavor or increase the red pepper flakes for a spicier sausage.
• Make-Ahead: You can form the sausage patties ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container.
• Other Flavor Add-ins: For extra flavor, try adding finely chopped fresh herbs (like rosemary or parsley) or even some grated apple for a slightly sweet twist.

Variations:

• Spicy Breakfast Sausage: Add more red pepper flakes, or a chopped jalapeño to the mix for a spicy kick.
• Maple Breakfast Sausage: Increase the maple syrup or add maple extract for a sweeter, breakfast-style sausage that pairs well with pancakes or waffles.
• Herb-Rich Sausage: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley for a fragrant twist.
• Venison or Other Meats: You can swap out the pork for other meats like venison, turkey, or even chicken, though you may need to adjust the fat content to keep the sausages moist.

Serving Suggestions:

• Classic Breakfast: Serve the sausages with scrambled eggs, toast, hash browns, or grits.
• Breakfast Sandwich: Make a delicious breakfast sandwich by layering the sausage with a fried egg and cheese on an English muffin or biscuit.
• Pasta or Soup: Crumble the cooked sausage into pasta sauces, soups, or stews for added flavor.
• Brunch Spread: Serve on a charcuterie board with cheeses, fruits, and nuts for a savory brunch option.

Making your own Homemade Breakfast Sausage gives you full control over the flavors and ingredients, allowing you to create a breakfast sausage that’s exactly to your liking. Whether you enjoy it spicy, sweet, or savory, this recipe is versatile and can be easily adapted to suit your taste preferences.