Homemade Breakfast Sausage Patties: A Quick and Flavorful Morning Delight

Easy Homemade Breakfast Sausage Patties

Skip the store-bought options and create delicious breakfast sausage patties at home with this simple, flavorful recipe. These savory morning treats bring the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors that will elevate your breakfast spread to restaurant quality.

Why You’ll Love These Homemade Breakfast Sausage Patties

There’s something truly special about making your own breakfast sausage from scratch. Not only do you control exactly what goes into them (no preservatives or mystery ingredients!), but you can also adjust the seasonings to match your family’s preferences. These patties are:

• Versatile – Perfect alongside scrambled eggs, stuffed in breakfast sandwiches, or crumbled into breakfast casseroles
• Meal-prep friendly – Make a big batch and freeze for busy mornings
• Customizable – Easily adjust the spice level or sweetness
• Budget-friendly – More economical than premium store-bought options

Ingredients for Perfect Breakfast Sausage

• 2 pounds ground pork (80/20 fat content recommended for best flavor)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (for that classic subtle sweetness)
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons dried sage (the signature flavor in breakfast sausage)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (optional, for enhanced sweetness)

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Cast iron skillet or non-stick pan
• Spatula
• Paper towels
• Meat thermometer (optional, but recommended)

How to Make Homemade Breakfast Sausage Patties

1. Gather all ingredients. Make sure your ground pork is well-chilled for easier handling.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground pork with brown sugar, salt, black pepper, sage, thyme, rosemary, parsley (if using), red pepper flakes, nutmeg, and maple syrup (if using).
3. Using clean hands, gently mix the ingredients together until just combined. Tip: Don’t overmix! This can make your sausage tough. Mix just until the seasonings are evenly distributed.
4. Take a small portion of the mixture and cook it in a skillet to taste-test the seasoning level. Adjust salt, pepper, or other spices as needed.
5. Form the meat mixture into 12 equal-sized patties, about ½-inch thick. Create a slight depression in the center of each patty to prevent it from puffing up during cooking.
6. Heat a large cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan over medium heat. No need to add oil as the sausage will release its own fat.
7. Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until beautifully browned and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
8. Transfer cooked sausage patties to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease.
9. Serve hot alongside your favorite breakfast items like eggs, hash browns, or pancakes.

Expert Tips for Perfect Breakfast Sausage

• Fat content matters – For juicy sausage patties, choose ground pork with at least 15-20% fat content
• Chill the mixture – If time allows, refrigerate your seasoned meat mixture for 30 minutes before forming patties for better flavor development
• Don’t press while cooking – Avoid pressing down on the patties with your spatula as this squeezes out the flavorful juices
• Spice variations – For an Italian twist, add 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds; for a maple version, increase maple syrup to 3 tablespoons

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

These homemade breakfast sausage patties are perfect for meal prep:

• Refrigerate: Store cooked patties in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freeze uncooked patties: Place formed patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator before cooking.
• Freeze cooked patties: Cool completely, wrap individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in microwave or in a skillet.

Perfect Pairings for Breakfast Sausage

These versatile sausage patties pair wonderfully with:

• Fluffy scrambled eggs and toast
• Buttermilk pancakes or waffles with maple syrup
• English muffin breakfast sandwiches with egg and cheese
• Homestyle hash browns or breakfast potatoes
• Fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast plate

Nutritional Information

FAQs About Homemade Breakfast Sausage

Can I use ground turkey instead of pork?

Yes! Ground turkey can be substituted for a leaner option. Since turkey has less fat, consider adding 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil to the mixture to prevent dryness.

What makes breakfast sausage different from other sausages?

Breakfast sausage is distinguished by its unique blend of herbs (particularly sage) and the sweet notes from brown sugar or maple syrup. This sweet and savory combination is what gives breakfast sausage its distinctive flavor profile.

Can I make this recipe spicier?

Absolutely! Increase the red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon or add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for extra heat.

How do I know when my sausage patties are fully cooked?

Pork sausage should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). They should have no pink in the center and the juices should run clear.

Whether you’re serving a weekend family breakfast or meal-prepping for busy weekday mornings, these homemade breakfast sausage patties will become a staple in your kitchen. The perfect blend of savory herbs and subtle sweetness makes them irresistible to everyone at your breakfast table!

Recipe adapted from Allrecipes