The Ultimate Fresh Breakfast Sausage Recipe For Cozy Mornings

Mornings sparkle with the sizzling aroma of homemade fresh breakfast sausage that fills your kitchen with irresistible warmth.

This simple recipe brings traditional flavors to your table with minimal effort.

Crafting your own sausage allows complete control over seasoning and quality ingredients.

Each bite promises a burst of savory goodness that store-bought brands can’t match.

Blending ground pork with carefully selected spices creates a mouthwatering breakfast staple.

The combination of sage, thyme, and black pepper delivers a classic taste that awakens sleepy taste buds.

You’ll savor every hearty, perfectly seasoned morsel of this delectable morning treat.

Pro Advice for Better Breakfast Sausage

• Freeze pork chunks for 15-20 minutes before grinding to prevent fat smearing and ensure a better texture.
• Taste test small patty to adjust salt, pepper, and herbs for perfect flavor balance.
• Grind whole spices just before mixing to maximize aromatic flavors and intensity.
• Keep patties uniform (2-3 inches) for even cooking and consistent texture.
• Don't overmix ground meat to maintain a tender, juicy sausage that won't become tough.

Unique Ways to Spice Up Breakfast Sausage

• Lean Turkey Sausage: Replace pork with ground turkey for a lower-fat alternative, using same seasoning ratios.
• Herb-Infused Mediterranean Sausage: Add oregano, thyme, and fennel seeds for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Spicy Jalapeño Sausage: Incorporate diced jalapeños and cayenne pepper for a hot and zesty version.
• Vegetarian Sausage Patties: Substitute ground pork with plant-based crumbles or mashed beans, using similar spice blend for protein-rich breakfast option.

Serving Breakfast Sausage Hot Off the Pan

• Morning Breakfast Plate: Serve these sausage patties alongside fluffy scrambled eggs and crispy toast for a hearty weekend breakfast that will energize your morning.
• Brunch Centerpiece: Create a stunning brunch spread by arranging sausage patties on a wooden board with fresh herbs, sliced avocado, and a vibrant mixed fruit salad.
• Sandwich Star: Slide these homemade sausage patties between soft buttermilk biscuits or English muffins, topped with a fried egg and a drizzle of hot sauce for a classic breakfast sandwich.
• Protein-Packed Meal Prep: Prepare extra patties and store in the refrigerator for quick protein additions to salads, grain bowls, or morning breakfast wraps during busy weekdays.

Breakfast Sausage Storage Essentials

• Store cooked sausage patties in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual patties in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place patties on microwave-safe plate. Heat for 30-45 seconds, checking internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Warm patties in lightly oiled skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side. Ensures crispy exterior and hot center.

FAQs

• What type of meat works best for homemade sausage?

Ground pork shoulder is ideal because it has the perfect fat content (around 20-30%) which ensures juicy, flavorful sausage patties with excellent texture.

• Can I make these sausages ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the patties in advance and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. This allows the seasonings to blend and develop deeper flavors.

• How do I know if the seasoning is correct?

Always cook a small test patty first. This lets you taste and adjust salt, herbs, and spices before making the entire batch, ensuring perfect flavor every time.

Fresh Breakfast Sausage Brings Morning Cheer

• Craft personalized sausage patties by experimenting with different herbs and spices, making each batch a unique culinary adventure.
• Master the art of homemade sausage-making with simple steps that boost your cooking confidence and impress family and friends.
• Control ingredients and avoid preservatives by creating fresh sausage from scratch, ensuring a cleaner and more nutritious breakfast protein.
• Enjoy these sausage patties as a standalone dish, add to breakfast sandwiches, or crumble into scrambled eggs for endless morning meal possibilities.

What Goes into Fresh Breakfast Sausage

• Ground Pork: Fresh cut from the shoulder, provides a rich and flavorful foundation for the breakfast sausage.

• Garlic, Herbs, Spices: Create a savory and aromatic profile that enhances the natural flavor of the pork.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and intensifying the overall taste of the sausage.
• Sugar: Adds a subtle hint of sweetness that complements the savory ingredients.

• Cooking Oil: Helps prevent sticking and provides a golden-brown sear when cooking the sausage patties.

Tools for Making Breakfast Sausage at Home

• Meat Grinder: Essential for grinding pork shoulder into perfect texture.
• Sharp Knife: Needed to cut pork shoulder into 1-inch chunks before grinding.
• Large Mixing Bowl: For combining ground pork with seasonings.
• Skillet: To cook sausage patties evenly and create golden-brown crust.
• Cutting Board: Provides stable surface for meat preparation.
• Spatula: Helps flip patties during cooking.
• Measuring Spoons: For accurate seasoning measurements.

How to Prepare Homemade Breakfast Sausage

Step 1: Slice and Chill Pork

Cut pork shoulder into small one-inch chunks.

Place the meat in the freezer for 15-20 minutes to firm up before grinding.

Cold meat helps create a better texture and prevents fat from smearing during grinding.

Step 2: Grind the Meat

Use a meat grinder with a medium grinding die to process the chilled pork chunks.

Ensure the grinding attachment is clean and cold to maintain meat quality.

Step 3: Blend Flavor Boosters

• Fresh garlic
• Dried sage
• Dried thyme
• Brown sugar
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes

Mix ingredients thoroughly by hand, ensuring even distribution of seasonings throughout the meat.

Step 4: Create Flavor Test

Cook a small sample patty in a skillet to check seasoning.

Taste and adjust spices as needed for perfect flavor balance.

Step 5: Shape Breakfast Delights

Gently form the seasoned meat into round patties, about 2-3 inches in diameter.

Avoid compressing the meat too tightly to keep the texture light and tender.

Step 6: Sizzle and Serve

Heat a skillet over medium heat with a touch of oil.

Cook sausage patties for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Drain on paper towels to remove excess grease.

Serve hot alongside eggs, toast, or pancakes.

Fresh Breakfast Sausage Recipe

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4.9 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 38 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Homemade fresh breakfast sausage brings hearty flavor to morning tables across America. Spicy black pepper, sage, and garlic blend perfectly with ground pork for a classic protein you’ll crave at first bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) pork shoulder or ground pork

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, minced
• 1.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes
• 1.5 teaspoons paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Additional Flavor Enhancers:

• 3 garlic cloves, grated
• 1.5 teaspoons brown sugar
• 1.5 teaspoons coarse salt
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil

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Instructions

1. Trim and cube pork shoulder into uniform 1-inch pieces, then refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to ensure optimal grinding consistency.
2. Transfer chilled meat through a medium-grinding attachment, creating a consistent texture for sausage formation.
3. Combine ground pork with aromatic seasonings including herbs, minced garlic, subtle sugar, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Mix thoroughly until ingredients integrate evenly.
4. Create a small test patty and quickly pan-sear to verify seasoning profile, adjusting salt or spices as needed for balanced flavor.
5. Shape seasoned mixture into compact, uniform patties approximately 2.5 inches in diameter, ensuring even thickness for consistent cooking.
6. Warm a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat with minimal oil, maintaining temperature around 350°F.
7. Carefully place prepared patties into heated skillet, cooking 3-4 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 160°F and exterior develops a golden-brown crispy crust.
8. Transfer cooked sausage patties onto absorbent paper towels to drain excess fat, then serve immediately while hot and succulent.

Notes

• Chill meat thoroughly before grinding to maintain optimal texture and prevent fat smearing, which ensures juicier sausages.
• Use fresh, high-quality pork shoulder with good fat content (around 20-30%) for maximum flavor and proper binding.
• Test seasoning by cooking a small patty first, allowing quick adjustments to salt, herbs, and spice levels without wasting entire batch.
• Customize recipe for dietary needs by substituting ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option, adjusting cooking time accordingly.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg