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 of flavor.

Dried sage: A key herb that gives the sausage its distinctive taste.

Dried thyme: Adds an earthy and slightly minty flavor.

Garlic powder: Provides a subtle garlic flavor without overpowering the sausage.

Onion powder: Adds a hint of sweetness and depth.

Crushed red pepper flakes: Optional, for those who like a bit of heat in their sausage.

When mixing the ground pork with the spices, use your hands to ensure even distribution. This helps the flavors meld together more effectively. Additionally, chilling the mixture for about 30 minutes before forming the patties can make them easier to shape and help them hold together better during cooking.

• ground pork - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and has a similar texture, making it a good alternative for those looking to reduce fat content.

• ground pork - Substitute with ground chicken: Ground chicken is another lean protein that can mimic the texture and flavor of pork 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 but a slightly different flavor profile, which 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.

• dried sage - Substitute with dried marjoram: Marjoram has a milder, sweeter flavor that can still provide a herby note similar to sage.

• dried thyme - Substitute with dried oregano: Oregano has a robust flavor that can stand in for thyme in many recipes.

• dried thyme - Substitute with dried rosemary: Rosemary has a strong, aromatic flavor that can add a different but complementary taste.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh garlic: Fresh garlic can provide a more intense and aromatic flavor compared to garlic powder.

• garlic powder - Substitute with shallot powder: Shallot powder offers a milder, slightly sweet flavor that can be a good alternative.

• onion powder - Substitute with dried minced onion: Dried minced onion provides a similar flavor and can add a bit of texture.

• onion powder - Substitute with scallion powder: Scallion powder has a milder, more delicate onion flavor that can be a good substitute.

• crushed red pepper flakes - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can provide a similar level of heat and spice.

• crushed red pepper flakes - Substitute with paprika: Paprika offers a milder heat and a slightly smoky flavor, making it a good alternative.

• To keep your breakfast sausage patties fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a piece of parchment paper between each patty to prevent them from sticking together.
• If you plan to enjoy your sausage patties within a few days, refrigerate them. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, freezing is your best bet. Lay the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them until solid. This prevents them from clumping together.
• Once frozen, transfer the sausage patties to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
• When you're ready to cook, thaw the patties in the refrigerator overnight. This ensures even cooking and maintains the texture.
• If you're in a hurry, you can cook the sausage patties directly from frozen. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time, ensuring they are cooked through.
• To reheat cooked sausage patties, use a skillet over medium heat or microwave them for a quick breakfast fix.
• For a flavor twist, consider adding a touch of maple syrup or apple cider to the mixture before freezing. This will infuse the patties with a delightful hint of sweetness.
• Pair your breakfast sausage with scrambled eggs, hash browns, or a side of fresh fruit for a complete and satisfying meal.

• Skillet Method: Place the sausage patties in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep them moist. Cover the skillet with a lid and heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side until warmed through.

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

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

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the sausage patties in a single layer in the basket. Heat for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are hot and slightly crispy.

• Steaming Method: Place the sausage patties in a steamer basket over simmering water. Cover and steam for about 5-7 minutes until they are heated through. This method helps retain moisture and keeps the patties tender.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.

• Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used to cook the sausage patties over medium heat.

• Spatula: A tool used to flip the sausage patties to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the precise amounts of salt, black pepper, dried sage, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, and optional crushed red pepper flakes.

• Plate: A surface to place the formed patties before cooking and to transfer the cooked patties once they are done.

• Paper towels: Used to drain any excess grease from the cooked sausage patties.

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

Use a food processor: Quickly combine the ground pork and spices in a food processor for even distribution.

Batch cooking: Make a larger batch of sausage patties and freeze them. Reheat as needed for a quick breakfast.

Pre-shape patties: Form the sausage mixture into patties and store them in the fridge overnight, ready to cook in the morning.

Non-stick skillet: Use a non-stick skillet to reduce cleanup time and ensure even cooking.