Breakfast Sausage Recipe

Ground pork: The base of the sausage, providing a rich and savory flavor.

Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the sausage.

Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth to the flavor profile.

Dried sage: A key herb that gives the sausage its classic breakfast flavor.

Dried thyme: Adds a subtle earthy note to the sausage.

Paprika: Provides a mild sweetness and a touch of color.

Garlic powder: Infuses the sausage with a robust garlic flavor.

Onion powder: Adds a hint of onion flavor without the moisture of fresh onions.

Red pepper flakes: Brings a bit of heat to the sausage, balancing the other flavors.

When mixing the ground pork with the spices, ensure that you distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the meat. This can be achieved by using your hands to knead the mixture thoroughly, which helps to incorporate the flavors uniformly. Additionally, for a more cohesive texture, you can chill the mixture in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before forming the patties. This will make the meat easier to shape and help the patties hold together better during cooking.

• ground pork - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and can provide a similar texture and flavor when seasoned well.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a similar level of saltiness along with a depth of umami flavor.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat profile but a slightly different flavor that can add a unique twist.

• dried sage - Substitute with poultry seasoning: Poultry seasoning often contains sage along with other complementary herbs, providing a similar flavor profile.

• dried thyme - Substitute with dried oregano: Dried oregano offers a slightly different but still complementary herbal note.

• paprika - Substitute with chili powder: Chili powder can add a similar color and a bit more heat, enhancing the sausage's flavor.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh garlic: Fresh garlic provides a more intense and aromatic garlic flavor.

• onion powder - Substitute with finely chopped onions: Finely chopped onions can offer a fresh and slightly sweet onion flavor.

• red pepper flakes - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can provide a similar level of heat and a slightly different flavor profile.

• To keep your breakfast sausage fresh, store the cooked patties in an airtight container. Place a piece of parchment paper between each layer to prevent sticking.
• Refrigerate the sausages within two hours of cooking. They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• For longer storage, freeze the patties. Lay them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. This prevents them from sticking together.
• Once frozen, transfer the patties to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
• Frozen sausage patties can be stored for up to 2-3 months. For best quality, consume within this timeframe.
• When ready to eat, thaw the patties in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave on a microwave-safe plate for 1-2 minutes.
• If you prefer to cook the sausages from frozen, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time, ensuring they are heated thoroughly.
• For added convenience, consider pre-cooking the patties before freezing. This allows for quicker reheating and makes busy mornings a breeze.
• Always check the internal temperature of the sausages to ensure they reach 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption.

• Microwave: Place the breakfast sausage patties on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are heated evenly. Let them sit for a minute before serving.

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the sausage patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the patties with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through.

• Skillet: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet. Place the sausage patties in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are thoroughly reheated.

• Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the sausage patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Steaming: Place the sausage patties in a steaming basket over a pot of simmering water. Cover and steam for about 5 minutes, or until the patties are heated through. This method helps retain moisture and keeps the patties juicy.

• Mixing bowl: Use this to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.

• Skillet: This is essential for cooking the sausage patties evenly.

• Spatula: Helpful for flipping the patties without breaking them.

• Measuring spoons: Ensure accurate measurement of spices and seasonings.

• Meat thermometer: Optional but useful to check if the patties are fully cooked.

• Plate: Place the cooked patties on this to serve or cool.

• Paper towels: Use these to drain excess oil from the cooked patties.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and mix all spices the night before to save time in the morning.

Use a cookie scoop: For evenly sized patties, use a cookie scoop to portion the ground pork mixture.

Preheat the skillet: Start heating your skillet while forming the patties to ensure it's ready for cooking.

Batch cooking: Make a larger batch and freeze the extra patties for quick breakfasts later.

Non-stick parchment paper: Use parchment paper to separate patties when freezing to prevent sticking.