Homemade Breakfast Sausage Recipe

There’s something incredibly satisfying about mastering the art of making your own Homemade Breakfast Sausage. Brimming with flavor, these succulent patties are the perfect way to start your day or impress your brunch guests. Trust me, once you try these sausages, you’ll never look back!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Homemade Breakfast Sausage lies in its simplicity and straightforward ingredients that pack a punch. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in delivering both flavors and texture, resulting in a delightful breakfast experience.

• De-boned pork shoulder or pre-ground pork: Provides the rich, fatty base essential for juicy sausage.
• Fresh sage and thyme: Add earthy hints that elevate the overall aroma.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Give the sausages a subtle kick without overwhelming the palate.
• Ground paprika and nutmeg: Enhance depth with their warm, spicy undertones.
• Finely grated garlic: Infuses the sausages with robust, aromatic flavor.
• Light brown sugar: Balances the spices with a touch of sweetness.
• Coarse salt and black pepper: These staples enhance all other flavors, making them sing.
• Cooking oil: Ensures a golden, crispy exterior when frying the patties.

Variations

Feel free to put your spin on this Homemade Breakfast Sausage recipe! It’s wonderfully adaptable to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here’s how you can customize it:

• Herb Variations: Try adding rosemary or parsley for a different herbal profile.
• Spice it Up: Amp up the heat by increasing the red pepper flakes or adding cayenne pepper.
• Lower Sodium: Reduce the salt for a heart-healthier version while maintaining flavor with more herbs.

How to Make Homemade Breakfast Sausage

Step 1: Prepare the Meat

If you’re starting with a pork shoulder, carefully trim the meat from the bone and cut it into 1-inch chunks. Chill these chunks in the refrigerator or freezer for 15-20 minutes. This step is crucial to ensure an even grind if you’re not using pre-ground pork.

Step 2: Grind the Meat

Run the chilled pork chunks through your food grinder using a medium grind setting. If your pork is pre-ground, you can skip this step. Grind until the texture is coarse yet consistent, ready to soak up the spices.

Step 3: Spice It Up

In a large bowl, combine the ground pork with sage, thyme, red pepper flakes, paprika, nutmeg, garlic, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix until the ingredients are thoroughly incorporated and each piece of meat is well-seasoned.

Step 4: Test and Adjust

Fry a small piece of the sausage mixture in a skillet to taste-test your seasoning levels. Adjust spices as necessary to ensure balance, whether adding heat, sweetness, or salinity.

Step 5: Form the Patties

Shape the seasoned sausage into patties, each about 2 ½ to 3 inches in diameter. This size is perfect for even cooking and fits nicely on breakfast plates or buns.

Step 6: Cook to Perfection

Heat oil in a non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they’re beautifully browned and thoroughly cooked.

How to Serve Homemade Breakfast Sausage

Garnishes

Top your Homemade Breakfast Sausage with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or a drizzle of maple glaze for a touch of sweetness and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Pair these sausages with fluffy scrambled eggs, a side of hash browns, or a colorful fruit salad for a balanced, hearty breakfast meal. They also work wonderfully in a breakfast sandwich.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve each sausage patty stacked with a slice of cheese and a fried egg between English muffin halves for a gourmet breakfast sandwich. Alternatively, arrange them on a platter with a variety of mustards for a delicious sausage tasting experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover sausage patties in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them layered with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

Freezing

Wrap uncooked patties individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.

Reheating

Reheat the patties in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or use the microwave in 30-second intervals to ensure they remain juicy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Breakfast Sausage recipe brings a delicious, homey touch to your mornings and is bound to become a favorite in your household. Whip up a batch, and savor the satisfaction of creating something truly scrumptious from scratch. Happy cooking!

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