Breakfast Sausage Recipe

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

Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the sausage.

Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor.

Dried sage: Contributes a warm, earthy flavor typical of breakfast sausage.

Dried thyme: Adds a subtle, aromatic note to the sausage.

Red pepper flakes: Provides a slight kick of heat.

Maple syrup: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory elements.

When forming the patties, make sure to press them evenly to ensure they cook uniformly. To prevent sticking, lightly oil your hands before shaping the ground pork. For an extra burst of flavor, let the mixture sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before cooking, allowing the spices to meld with the meat.

• ground pork - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and still provides a similar texture and flavor profile.

• ground pork - Substitute with ground chicken: Ground chicken is another lean alternative that can mimic the texture of pork while being lower in fat.

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

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

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

• dried sage - Substitute with fresh sage: Fresh sage can be used in place of dried sage, though you may need to use a bit more to achieve the same intensity.

• dried thyme - Substitute with dried oregano: Dried oregano has a slightly different flavor but can still provide a similar herbal note.

• dried thyme - Substitute with fresh thyme: Fresh thyme can be used instead of dried thyme, but you may need to use more to match the flavor intensity.

• red pepper flakes - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can provide a similar heat level, though it is more finely ground.

• red pepper flakes - Substitute with paprika: Paprika offers a milder heat and a sweet, smoky flavor that can complement the sausage.

• maple syrup - Substitute with honey: Honey can provide a similar sweetness and viscosity, though it has a slightly different flavor.

• maple syrup - Substitute with brown sugar: Brown sugar can add sweetness and a bit of molasses flavor, which complements the sausage well.

• Allow the breakfast sausage patties to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can lead to sogginess and spoilage.
• Place the cooled patties in an airtight container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps maintain their flavor and prevents them from absorbing other odors in the fridge.
• Store the wrapped or containerized patties in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freezing is recommended.
• To freeze, lay the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place them in the freezer for about 1-2 hours, or until they are firm. This prevents them from sticking together.
• Once the patties are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the bag with the date to keep track of their freshness.
• For best quality, use the frozen patties within 2-3 months. They will remain safe to eat beyond this period, but the texture and flavor may degrade.
• When ready to use, thaw the patties in the refrigerator overnight. Alternatively, you can cook them directly from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they are heated through.
• Reheat the thawed patties in a skillet over medium heat, or in the microwave on a microwave-safe plate, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

• Stovetop Method:

  • Preheat a skillet over medium heat.
  • Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
  • Place the breakfast sausage patties in the skillet.
  • Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until heated through.

• Oven Method:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Place the sausage patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
  • Cover the patties with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
  • Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

• Microwave Method:

  • Place the sausage patties on a microwave-safe plate.
  • Cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to retain moisture.
  • Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Air Fryer Method:

  • Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  • Place the sausage patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  • Cook for 4-5 minutes, flipping halfway through, until heated thoroughly.

• Sous Vide Method:

  • Preheat your sous vide water bath to 140°F (60°C).
  • Place the sausage patties in a vacuum-sealed bag or a ziplock bag using the water displacement method.
  • Submerge the bag in the water bath and cook for 30 minutes.
  • Remove from the bag and quickly sear in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes on each side for added texture.

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

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

• Spatula: Handy for flipping the patties in the skillet.

• Measuring spoons: These ensure you get the right amount of each spice and the maple syrup.

• Meat thermometer: Useful to check if the patties are fully cooked, aiming for an internal temperature of 160°F.

• Plate: Place the cooked patties on this before serving.

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

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

Use a cookie scoop: Form uniform patties quickly by using a cookie scoop to portion the ground pork mixture.

Preheat the skillet: Start heating the skillet while forming the patties to reduce waiting time.

Batch cooking: Cook all the sausage patties at once and store leftovers in the fridge or freezer for quick breakfasts.

Non-stick skillet: Use a non-stick skillet to minimize cleanup time.