The aroma of homemade breakfast sausage sizzling in the skillet is an invitation to gather at the table. Made with ground pork and seasoned with brown sugar, sage, and a blend of spices, these patties deliver a perfect balance of sweetness, savoriness, and just a hint of spice. These breakfast sausages are ideal for busy mornings when you want something hearty yet simple. Serve them alongside eggs, grits, or even on a biscuit for a complete breakfast. They’re easy to make, freeze well for future meals, and most importantly, they’re packed with flavor that beats anything from a store-bought package. Give them a try, and they’ll become a family favorite!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
Directions:
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, sage, salt, black pepper, marjoram, red pepper flakes, and cloves.
- Place the ground pork in a large bowl. Use your hands to mix in the spice mixture until evenly incorporated.
- Divide the seasoned pork mixture into six equal portions and form each portion into a round patty.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the sausage patties in the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until browned and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Remove the sausage from the skillet and serve hot.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes
Kcal: 220 kcal per serving | Servings: 6 patties
Rediscover Breakfast with Homemade Sausage
Nothing quite says “good morning” like the aroma of freshly cooked breakfast sausage sizzling in the kitchen. While the convenience of store-bought sausages might seem appealing, there’s an unmatched sense of comfort and pride that comes from making your own breakfast sausage at home. This homemade breakfast sausage recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves hearty, wholesome breakfasts without the additives or excess sodium found in many pre-packaged sausages. Packed with flavor and easy to prepare, these patties are sure to become a staple in your morning routine.
This guide will delve into the background of this beloved dish, outline the key benefits of making breakfast sausage from scratch, and show why this particular recipe stands out from the rest. If you’re looking for a way to enhance your breakfast game and make your morning meals more nutritious, read on!
A Brief History of Breakfast Sausage
Breakfast sausage has long been a favorite in the United States, particularly in the South. Traditionally made with pork and a blend of herbs and spices, sausage has been a hearty way to start the day for generations. Its origins can be traced back to European settlers who brought their sausage-making traditions with them. The concept of grinding meat and preserving it with spices and salt dates back hundreds of years, making sausage a popular choice for those who wanted a tasty, protein-rich food that could last longer than fresh cuts of meat.
The idea of sausage for breakfast began to gain popularity in America during the 19th century, as farmers used trimmings from their livestock to create a convenient, protein-packed meal. Fast forward to today, breakfast sausage remains a beloved dish, often found paired with scrambled eggs, pancakes, or nestled between a fluffy biscuit.
Why Homemade is Better: The Benefits of Making Your Own Breakfast Sausage
While the commercial breakfast sausage industry has evolved to offer a variety of flavors and types, many store-bought versions contain preservatives, artificial flavors, and high levels of sodium. Making sausage at home gives you complete control over what goes into your food, which means healthier, cleaner eating without sacrificing any flavor.
Here are some key benefits of making your own breakfast sausage:
1. Control Over Ingredients
By making your own sausage, you have complete control over what goes into it. This recipe uses simple ingredients that you can easily find in your kitchen or at the local grocery store—ground pork, sage, marjoram, black pepper, and a touch of brown sugar. There are no hidden ingredients, no chemical preservatives, and no excessive salt or fat. You can also adjust the spice levels to suit your family’s preferences.
2. Quality and Freshness
The freshness of the ingredients is what makes this sausage recipe stand out. When you make your own breakfast sausage, you can choose high-quality, lean ground pork, ensuring a fresher taste and fewer fillers. Fresh herbs and spices elevate the flavor and give the sausage an aromatic, inviting quality that pre-packaged products simply can’t match.
3. Adaptability and Customization
The beauty of a homemade recipe lies in its adaptability. If you prefer your sausage a bit sweeter, you can add more brown sugar. Want it spicier? Increase the amount of red pepper flakes. You can even experiment with adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. If you’re avoiding pork, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted, providing a leaner, lighter option. This recipe is incredibly flexible, allowing you to customize it to meet your dietary preferences and needs.
4. Cost-Effectiveness
Another significant benefit is cost savings. Buying sausage in bulk can add up over time, especially when opting for quality products. Homemade sausage allows you to buy ground pork and make several patties at once, often at a lower cost per serving than pre-made sausage. Additionally, you can freeze any extras for future use, making it a cost-effective solution for busy families.
5. Healthier Option
This recipe uses a balanced mix of herbs and spices to bring out a rich flavor without the need for excessive salt or additives. Store-bought sausages often contain MSG, nitrates, and other preservatives that can have negative health effects over time. By creating your own sausage, you minimize your exposure to these additives and can create a version that’s lower in fat and sodium while still being full of flavor.
Ingredient Breakdown: The Perfect Balance of Flavor
- Ground Pork: Pork is the traditional choice for breakfast sausage because of its rich, slightly sweet flavor. You can choose lean ground pork if you’re looking to reduce fat content, or mix it with another type of ground meat for variation.
- Brown Sugar: The small amount of brown sugar in this recipe balances the savoriness of the herbs and spices with a touch of sweetness. It’s not overpowering but adds a subtle caramel note that makes the sausage extra delicious.
- Sage: Sage is the key herb in most breakfast sausage recipes. Its slightly peppery, earthy taste adds depth and a comforting warmth to the sausage. Fresh or dried sage can be used depending on your preference.
- Marjoram: This herb brings a floral, woodsy note to the sausage that pairs wonderfully with pork. Marjoram is often underutilized but makes all the difference in capturing the traditional breakfast sausage taste.
- Red Pepper Flakes: The crushed red pepper flakes add just a hint of spice, perfect for waking up your taste buds in the morning without being too overpowering.
- Ground Cloves: Cloves add a slight aromatic, spicy warmth that rounds out the flavor of the sausage. You only need a tiny amount, as it’s a strong spice, but it contributes to the sausage’s complexity.
Tips for Perfect Breakfast Sausage Patties
- Mix Thoroughly but Gently: When combining the ground pork with the herbs and spices, be sure to mix thoroughly so that the flavors are evenly distributed. However, don’t over-mix, as this can make the sausage tough.
- Use Cold Hands or Gloves: Handling meat can become messy and sticky, so using cold hands or even wearing food-safe gloves can make the mixing and patty forming process easier.
- Cook at Medium Heat: To ensure that the sausage patties cook through evenly without burning, use medium heat. This helps develop a golden-brown crust while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
- Make Extra and Freeze: One of the great advantages of this recipe is its suitability for meal prep. Make a double batch and freeze the extras, so you always have breakfast ready to go. Just reheat from frozen for a convenient and delicious start to the day.
Serving Suggestions: Delicious Ways to Enjoy Your Breakfast Sausage
These breakfast sausage patties are incredibly versatile. Here are some of the best ways to serve them:
- Classic Breakfast Plate: Pair these patties with scrambled or fried eggs, crispy hash browns, and a side of toast or biscuits for a complete, hearty breakfast.
- Sausage Biscuit Sandwich: Place a sausage patty between a warm, buttery biscuit for an easy grab-and-go breakfast sandwich.
- Breakfast Bowls: Crumble the cooked sausage over a bowl of creamy grits or alongside some sautéed vegetables, and top with a fried egg.
- Brunch Casserole: Chop the sausage patties into pieces and mix them into a breakfast casserole with eggs, cheese, and vegetables for a family-friendly brunch dish.
Conclusion:
This homemade breakfast sausage recipe is beloved for its simplicity, taste, and versatility. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned pro, this easy-to-follow recipe produces impressive results every time. The combination of herbs, a touch of sweetness, and the ability to customize makes it perfect for any breakfast enthusiast. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll soon see why many home cooks won’t be buying store-bought sausage again. With just a few basic ingredients and a little bit of love, you can create a breakfast dish that’s as healthy as it is delicious—and one that your family will ask for again and again.
