Discover the Art of Homemade Breakfast Sausage: Flavorful, Easy, and Wholesome
Embark on a culinary journey to craft your own Homemade Breakfast Sausage – a surprisingly simple endeavor that yields an explosion of fresh, unparalleled flavor. Forget the bland, store-bought options; with just a few minutes of prep and no specialized equipment, you can create a breakfast staple that will elevate your mornings and delight your taste buds. This recipe isn’t just about making sausage; it’s about reclaiming control over your food, ensuring quality ingredients, and savoring the difference that fresh, homemade goodness brings to your table.
Why Homemade Breakfast Sausage Stands Above the Rest
There’s a distinct pleasure in preparing food from scratch, and homemade breakfast sausage is a prime example. The difference in taste, texture, and aroma between a patty you’ve seasoned yourself and one purchased from a grocery store is truly remarkable. Our recipe focuses on fresh herbs like sage and thyme, which infuse the pork with a vibrant, earthy essence that is perfectly balanced, never overpowering. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, a treat for your senses that makes every breakfast feel a little more special.
“This is hands down the best breakfast sausage I’ve ever had! It’s incredibly easy to make, and the flavor is simply out of this world. I’m completely hooked and won’t go back to store-bought. A true game-changer for breakfast!”
– Melissa
Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Breakfast Sausage
Marinating the ground pork with the herbs and spices is a crucial step for infusing the mixture with deep, robust flavors. Allowing the meat to rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour, or ideally overnight, gives the herbs time to fully integrate and impart their essence throughout the sausage. This process results in a more aromatic and flavorful sausage patty. While you can skip this step if you’re truly pressed for time, or if you forgot to plan ahead, be aware that the herb flavors won’t be as pronounced. However, even without extended marination, the fresh ingredients still ensure a delicious outcome.
Our recipe incorporates crushed red pepper flakes to add a very subtle hint of warmth, rather than intense heat. This mild spice note helps to round out the overall flavor profile without overwhelming it. However, if you have a low tolerance for spice, suffer from acid reflux, or simply prefer your breakfast sausage completely free of any heat, you can absolutely omit this ingredient. The sausage will still be incredibly flavorful and enjoyable without it, maintaining its delicious character.
For those who crave a bolder, spicier breakfast experience, customizing this sausage recipe for extra heat is simple! You can easily increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to your desired level of spice. Alternatively, consider adding a pinch or two of chipotle powder for a smoky, earthy heat, or cayenne pepper for a more direct and fiery kick. Experiment with these additions to find the perfect level of spice that satisfies your craving, all while enhancing the rich flavors of the sausage.
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 12 perfectly sized breakfast sausage patties. This quantity is ideal for a family breakfast or for meal prepping throughout the week. The exact number, however, can vary depending on your personal preference for patty size. You can choose to make them slightly larger for a heartier portion or smaller for mini sliders. Just remember that adjusting the size will slightly alter the cooking times, so keep an eye on them while browning.
While fresh herbs are highly recommended for their vibrant flavor and aroma, you can certainly substitute dried herbs if fresh ones are unavailable. It’s crucial to remember that dried herbs are significantly more potent and concentrated than fresh herbs. As a general rule of thumb, you should use about 1/2 teaspoon of dried herbs for every tablespoon of fresh herbs specified in the recipe. This conversion prevents the dried herbs from overpowering the other delicate flavors in the sausage, ensuring a well-balanced taste.
Proper storage is key to enjoying your homemade breakfast sausage for days to come. Cooked patties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick weekday breakfasts. For longer storage, these sausages freeze beautifully. Simply wrap individual patties tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will maintain their quality for up to 3 months. To defrost, transfer them to the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently in a skillet, microwave, or air fryer until thoroughly warmed through.
Essential Ingredients for Your Homemade Breakfast Sausage
Creating truly exceptional breakfast sausage begins with selecting the right ingredients. Each component in this recipe plays a vital role in developing the complex and delicious flavor profile that makes homemade so much better than anything you’ll find pre-packaged.
- Ground Pork: The foundation of our sausage. Look for ground pork with a good fat content, ideally around 15%. Too lean, and your sausage patties risk becoming dry and tough. The fat not only adds flavor but also keeps the patties moist and tender during cooking. While specific fat percentages aren’t always labeled like ground beef, most major grocery stores carry a standard grind that works perfectly.
- Fresh Garlic: Minced fresh garlic is indispensable for its pungent, aromatic kick. While jarred minced garlic is convenient, its flavor pales in comparison to fresh. When you’re making homemade sausage, invest in fresh ingredients to truly maximize the taste. The raw, vibrant notes of fresh garlic will permeate the pork, adding an authentic depth that elevates the entire dish.
- Light Brown Sugar (Optional): You might find sugar in sausage surprising, but a tablespoon of packed light brown sugar isn’t about sweetness here. Instead, it acts as a subtle flavor enhancer, balancing the savory, herbaceous, and spicy notes. It contributes to that classic breakfast sausage profile without making the sausage overtly sweet. Feel free to adjust or omit if you prefer a sugar-free option.
- Fresh Sage and Fresh Thyme: These two herbs are the stars of traditional breakfast sausage, providing that signature earthy, slightly peppery, and subtly minty flavor. Using fresh herbs is a game-changer; their bright, aromatic oils are far more potent and complex than their dried counterparts. If dried herbs are your only option, refer to our FAQ section for proper conversion ratios to avoid an overwhelming flavor.
- Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Seasoning is personal, and salt and pepper are no exception. We recommend starting with 1 ½ teaspoons of kosher salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper, but always taste and adjust. Remember, you can always add more salt and pepper after cooking if needed, but you can’t take it away. For those watching sodium intake, start with a smaller amount.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For a gentle warmth that tingles the palate, add ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes. This isn’t meant to make the sausage spicy, but rather to introduce a subtle complexity. If you’re sensitive to heat, feel free to skip them. If you love heat, feel free to add more or explore other spicy additions as mentioned in our FAQ.
- Poultry Seasoning: This might seem like an unusual addition for pork sausage, but trust us, it’s a secret ingredient that works wonders! Poultry seasoning, typically a blend of sage, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, and a hint of nutmeg, enhances the overall herbaceousness and adds a savory depth that we’ve found to be superior through years of testing. It brings a cohesive, well-rounded flavor that is simply irresistible.
- Smoked Paprika: While regular paprika can be used, smoked paprika contributes a delightful, subtle smokiness that elevates the sausage’s profile. It’s not an intense smoky flavor, but rather a gentle undertone that complements the pork and herbs beautifully, adding another layer of complexity to each bite.
How to Prepare Flavorful Homemade Breakfast Sausage
Making your own breakfast sausage is a straightforward process that rewards you with incredible flavor. Follow these simple steps to create perfectly seasoned and cooked patties:
Step 1: Combine All Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, minced fresh garlic, light brown sugar (if using), finely chopped fresh sage, finely chopped fresh thyme, kosher salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), poultry seasoning, and smoked paprika. Ensure all ingredients are added evenly for consistent flavor distribution.
Step 2: Mix and Marinate for Optimal Flavor
Gently mix all the ingredients together until they are just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough sausage texture. Once mixed, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. For the most intense and best-developed flavors, allow the mixture to marinate overnight. This crucial step allows the herbs and spices to fully permeate the pork.
Step 3: Form the Sausage Patties
After marinating, divide the sausage mixture into 12 equal portions. A kitchen scale can help ensure uniform sizes, which aids in even cooking. Roll each portion into a ball, then gently flatten it into a patty about ½ inch thick. Arrange the patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ready for cooking.
Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Place the sausage patties in the hot skillet, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each side for approximately 4-5 minutes, or until the patties are beautifully browned and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure they are thoroughly cooked. Serve your delicious homemade breakfast sausage immediately and enjoy!
Expand Your Breakfast Repertoire
If you’ve fallen in love with making your own breakfast sausage, you’ll surely enjoy exploring more homemade breakfast ideas. Here are some other delightful recipes to complement your sausage or simply add variety to your morning meals:
- Breakfast Crescent Rolls
- Sausage, Egg and Cheese Biscuit Casserole
- Sausage, Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sliders
- Pancake Sausage Muffins
- Breakfast Egg Muffins
- Country Ham with Red Eye Gravy
- Egg McMuffins {McDonald’s Copycat Recipe}
Originally published: September 2022
Updated and republished: March 2025
Homemade Breakfast Sausage
Making your own Homemade Breakfast Sausage is so much easier than you might think and has so much flavor! It only takes a few minutes to make and doesn’t require any special equipment!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Marinate Time: 1 hour (minimum)
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (including minimum marinate)
Servings: 12 patties
Author: Brandie Skibinski
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground pork
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tablespoon packed light brown sugar (optional)
- 1 Tablespoon finely chopped fresh sage
- 1 Tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
Place 1 ½ pounds ground pork, 4 cloves garlic, minced, 1 Tablespoon packed light brown sugar, 1 Tablespoon finely chopped fresh sage, 1 Tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme, 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning and ½ teaspoon smoked paprika in a large bowl.
Mix until combined. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for at least one hour. Overnight is best if you have the time.
Portion the sausage into 12 equal pieces and form into patties.
Place a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the sausage on each side for about 4-5 minutes until an internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Serve immediately.
Video Tutorial
Notes and Tips
- This recipe is easily doubled if you need a larger batch for entertaining or extensive meal prep.
- Most grocery stores offer ground pork with around 15% fat, which is ideal for moist and flavorful sausages. If shopping at a butcher, you might find more specific options, but standard ground pork works perfectly.
- The light brown sugar is optional; it adds a subtle sweetness reminiscent of maple breakfast sausage. Omit it if you prefer no sweetness in your savory dishes.
- While marinating for at least one hour is recommended for deeper flavor, you can skip this step if time is extremely limited. The sausage will still be delicious due to the fresh herbs and spices.
- IMPORTANT: When substituting dried herbs for fresh, use significantly less. Dried herbs are concentrated. Use approximately ½ teaspoon of dried herbs for every tablespoon of fresh herbs specified to avoid overpowering the flavor.
- Cooked sausages can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap individual patties in plastic wrap, then store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Nutritional Information
Calories: 161kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 12g | Sodium: 325mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 2g
Nutritional Disclaimer
Please note that “The Country Cook” is not a certified dietician or nutritionist. All nutritional information provided is an estimate based on the ingredients and preparation methods. If precise calorie counts or other nutritional values are important for your dietary needs, we recommend using a trusted online nutritional calculator with the specific brands of ingredients you use, as values can vary.
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