Savory Homemade Breakfast Sausage Recipe for Cozy Mornings

Nothing beats the rich, savory aroma of homemade breakfast sausage wafting through the kitchen on a lazy morning.

Crafting your own breakfast sausage unlocks a world of flavor that store-bought versions can’t match.

Perfectly seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, this recipe turns an ordinary breakfast into a culinary adventure.

Ground pork becomes a canvas for your personal taste, allowing you to control every delicious detail.

Each bite promises a burst of fresh, wholesome goodness that will make mornings feel special.

The secret lies in selecting quality ingredients and balancing spices with precision.

Wake up to a breakfast that celebrates homemade comfort and culinary creativity.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of pork?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Keep in mind the flavor profile will change slightly, so you might need to adjust the seasonings accordingly.

• Do I need special equipment to make this sausage?

Not necessarily. While a meat grinder is helpful, you can use pre-ground pork from the grocery store. If you want to grind your own, a food processor can work as an alternative to a meat grinder.

• How long can I keep the sausage mixture before cooking?

You can store the seasoned ground meat mixture in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before forming and cooking the patties. This allows the flavors to meld together more deeply.

Breakfast Sausage Recipe – Why It Wins Breakfast

• Craft a personalized breakfast sausage by adjusting herbs and spices to match your taste preferences, creating a unique morning meal that reflects your culinary style.
• Learn the art of making sausage from scratch, gaining confidence in meat preparation, seasoning, and cooking techniques that elevate your kitchen expertise.
• Prepare a protein-packed morning meal that's more delicious and healthier than store-bought alternatives, with full control over ingredients and seasoning.
• Enjoy these homemade sausage patties not just for breakfast, but as a protein component in sandwiches, scrambles, or weekend brunch spreads.

Ingredients That Make Breakfast Sausage Great

• Pork Shoulder or Pre-Ground Pork: Fresh meat that serves as the foundation for creating homemade breakfast sausage.

• Sage, Thyme, Rosemary: Aromatic herbs that provide classic breakfast sausage flavor and depth.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste and bring out the meat's natural richness.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle heat and warmth to the sausage.

• Ice Water: Helps keep the meat cold during preparation and ensures a juicy sausage texture.
• Olive Oil: Used for cooking the sausage patties and preventing sticking in the skillet.

Kitchen Tools for Sausage-Making Fun

• Food processor or meat grinder: Essential for grinding pork shoulder into perfect consistency.
• Large mixing bowl: Helps combine ground meat with seasonings smoothly.
• Sharp knife: Needed for cutting pork shoulder into 1-inch chunks.
• Skillet or frying pan: Critical for cooking sausage patties to golden brown perfection.
• Spatula: Helps flip and handle patties while cooking.
• Cutting board: Provides stable surface for meat preparation.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning measurements.

Steps to Homemade Breakfast Sausage

Step 1: Prepare Pork

If using pork shoulder, slice the meat into 1-inch chunks.

Place the chunks in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to chill.

This helps keep the meat cold and makes grinding easier.

If you’re using pre-ground pork, skip this step.

Step 2: Grind the Meat

For pork shoulder, use a meat grinder with a medium die to grind the chilled meat.

Ensure the meat is cold to maintain texture and prevent fat from smearing.

If you’re using pre-ground pork, move to the next step.

Step 3: Mix Seasonings

Combine the ground pork with a blend of herbs and spices.

Thoroughly mix the ingredients to ensure even distribution of flavors.

The seasonings will give your sausage its distinctive taste and aroma.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

Cook a small sample of the seasoned meat in a skillet.

Taste and evaluate the flavor.

Add more seasonings if needed to enhance the taste profile.

Step 5: Create Sausage Patties

Shape the seasoned meat into round patties.

Aim for 2-3 inch diameter discs that are uniformly thick for even cooking.

Step 6: Cook to Perfection

Heat a skillet with a thin layer of oil over medium heat.

Place the sausage patties in the pan.

Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust and are fully cooked through.

The internal temperature should reach 160°F to ensure food safety.

Sausage Tips for a Hearty Morning

• Freeze pork chunks briefly to keep meat cold, ensuring a better grind and preventing fat smearing during processing.
• Mix spices thoroughly into meat, allowing flavors to distribute evenly for a balanced taste in every bite.
• Fry a small sample to check seasoning and adjust salt, herbs, or spices before forming entire batch of patties.
• Choose pork shoulder with moderate fat marbling for juicy, flavorful sausage that isn't too greasy.
• Shape patties with light touch to prevent overworking meat, which can make sausage tough and dense.

Sausage Recipe Options for Your Table

• Lean Protein Swap: Replace pork with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, lower-fat breakfast sausage option.
• Herb Garden Blend: Experiment with fresh rosemary, thyme, or sage instead of dried herbs to enhance the aromatic profile.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or hot paprika for those who enjoy a warming, spicy breakfast sausage.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Use ground pork with added fat content, omit sugar, and focus on high-fat spices like fennel and black pepper for a low-carb breakfast protein.

Sausage Serving Ideas That Shine

• Breakfast Plate Perfection: Pair these homemade sausage patties with fluffy scrambled eggs and golden toast for a hearty morning meal.
• Brunch Companion: Serve alongside crispy hash browns and fresh fruit for a balanced, restaurant-quality weekend breakfast spread.
• Sandwich Star: Nestle these juicy sausage patties between toasted English muffins with a slice of melted cheddar cheese for a portable breakfast delight.
• Meal Prep Magic: Cook extra patties and freeze individually for quick protein-packed breakfasts during busy weekday mornings.

Breakfast Sausage Storage for Busy Days

• Store cooked sausage patties in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual patties in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Frozen sausages maintain quality for 1-2 months.
• Place patties on microwave-safe plate. Heat for 30-45 seconds, checking temperature to ensure even warming.
• Warm patties in lightly oiled skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes, flipping once to restore crispy exterior.

Homemade Breakfast Sausage Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

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

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Description

Homemade breakfast sausage delivers a savory symphony of herbs and spices that elevates morning meals. Pork mingles with sage, thyme, and red pepper flakes, creating a delectable morning protein you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) pork shoulder (deboned) or pre-ground pork

Fresh Herbs & Aromatics:

• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, minced
• 3 garlic cloves, finely grated

Seasonings:

• 1.5 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
• 1.5 teaspoons ground paprika
• 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1.5 teaspoons light brown sugar, packed
• 1.5 teaspoons coarse salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Cooking:

• 1 tablespoon cooking oil

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Instructions

1. Chill pork shoulder chunks in the freezer for 15-20 minutes to ensure firm texture and easy grinding, skipping this step if using pre-ground pork.
2. Use a meat grinder with a medium die to process cold pork chunks, maintaining a consistent grind, or proceed with pre-ground pork.
3. Thoroughly blend ground pork with aromatic herbs, robust spices, and complementary seasonings, ensuring even distribution for balanced flavor.
4. Perform a quick taste test by pan-frying a small sample, allowing for precise seasoning adjustments if necessary.
5. Craft uniform patties approximately 2-3 inches in diameter, creating consistent size for even cooking.
6. Heat a lightly oiled skillet to medium temperature, carefully placing sausage patties and cooking 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 160°F.

Notes

• Chill the meat before grinding to maintain its texture and prevent fat from smearing, ensuring a better sausage consistency.
• Use fresh, high-quality spices for maximum flavor impact and aromatic sausage profile.
• Test a small patty first to fine-tune seasoning, allowing you to adjust salt, herbs, and spices perfectly before cooking the entire batch.
• Swap ground pork with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option that’s still packed with delicious breakfast sausage taste.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 21 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg