If there’s one thing that can elevate your morning meal, it’s the rich, savory flavor of a perfectly seasoned breakfast sausage. While store-bought options are convenient, crafting your own breakfast sausage recipe at home allows you to control the ingredients, seasonings, and quality of the meat. The result? A healthier, tastier sausage that will take your breakfast to the next level.
Whether you’re pairing it with eggs and toast, including it in a breakfast casserole, or making sausage patties for a breakfast sandwich, this recipe is versatile, easy, and absolutely worth trying.
Why Make Your Own Breakfast Sausage?
Homemade breakfast sausage offers several advantages:
- Healthier: No added preservatives or fillers, just wholesome ingredients.
- Customizable: Adjust the flavors to your preference—spicy, sweet, or herby.
- Budget-Friendly: Save money by making sausage from ground meat you already have.
- Freshness: Enjoy the unbeatable flavor of freshly made sausage.
Ingredients :
You’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients for this classic recipe:
Base Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground pork (or a mixture of pork and turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar (optional, for a slightly sweet flavor)
- 1 clove garlic, minced (or ¼ teaspoon garlic powder)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for a herby touch
- A pinch of nutmeg for a warm, subtle spice
How to Make Homemade Breakfast Sausage
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork with all the seasonings. Use your hands or a wooden spoon to mix everything thoroughly, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed.
Step 2: Shape into Patties or Crumble
Decide how you want to use your sausage. For patties, shape the mixture into 2-inch discs about ½-inch thick. If you prefer crumbled sausage for recipes, leave it loose.
Step 3: Cook the Sausage
Heat a nonstick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat. If you’re cooking patties, add them to the pan and cook for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F/71°C). For crumbled sausage, cook while breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until browned.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, serve your homemade breakfast sausage hot. Pair it with scrambled eggs, pancakes, or use it as a topping for a breakfast pizza.
Some Tips :
- Chill Your Meat: Keep the ground pork cold while mixing to ensure the fat doesn’t melt, which helps maintain the texture of the sausage.
- Test the Seasoning: Cook a small test patty to taste and adjust the seasonings if needed before cooking the rest.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the sausage mixture a day in advance to let the flavors meld together.
- Freeze for Later: Shape the sausage into patties, lay them on a baking sheet, and freeze. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag for easy storage.
Why You’ll Love It
This homemade breakfast sausage recipe is perfect for any morning occasion. The balance of sage, thyme, and a touch of sweetness creates a classic breakfast sausage flavor. Plus, the ability to tweak the ingredients means you can make it exactly the way you like it. It’s also gluten-free, keto-friendly, and free of artificial additives, making it suitable for most diets.
Ways to Use Breakfast Sausage
- Classic Breakfast Plate: Serve with eggs, toast, and hash browns.
- Breakfast Sandwiches: Add a sausage patty to an English muffin with egg and cheese.
- Breakfast Casseroles: Layer cooked crumbled sausage in an egg-based casserole with vegetables and cheese.
- Pizza Topping: Use it as a topping for your breakfast pizza.
- Biscuits and Gravy: Crumble the sausage into a creamy gravy for a Southern-style breakfast.
Closing Thoughts
Once you’ve tried this breakfast sausage recipe, you’ll never go back to store-bought. It’s simple to make, full of flavor, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re preparing it for a big family brunch or freezing it for quick weekday breakfasts, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.
Give it a try, and let us know how you like it! Share your creations on social media and tag us with #CravinRecipes. Stay tuned for more delicious breakfast ideas to elevate your mornings. Happy cooking! 😊