This Homemade Breakfast Sausage recipe is full of rich flavor, combining fresh herbs like sage and thyme with seasonings such as paprika and crushed red pepper flakes. The result is a deliciously aromatic and slightly spicy sausage that can be used in a variety of breakfast dishes. By making it from scratch, you get to control the seasoning and flavor, making it the perfect addition to your morning meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs ground pork

• 4 small-medium cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar

• 1 ½ tablespoons finely chopped fresh sage

• 1 ½ tablespoons finely chopped fresh thyme

• 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• ¼ teaspoon onion powder

Directions

1. Combine the Ingredients:
   In a mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, garlic, brown sugar, sage, thyme, salt, pepper, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), poultry seasoning, paprika, and onion powder. Mix everything well using your hands or a large spoon until the seasonings are evenly distributed.

2. Marinate:
   Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the sausage mixture for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to allow the flavors to meld together.

3. Form the Patties:
   After marinating, divide the sausage mixture into 12 equal portions and shape them into patties.

4. Cook the Sausage:
   Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the sausage patties in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

5. Serve:
   Serve the breakfast sausage immediately with your favorite breakfast sides like eggs, pancakes, or toast.

Nutrients (approximate per serving)

• Calories: 160 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 3g

• Protein: 10g

• Fat: 12g

• Saturated Fat: 4g

• Cholesterol: 41mg

• Sodium: 325mg

• Potassium: 182mg

• Fiber: 0.3g

• Sugar: 2g

Why Make Homemade Breakfast Sausage?

Making breakfast sausage at home allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring that you know exactly what goes into the sausage. Many store-bought sausages can be loaded with preservatives and unnecessary additives, but when you make your own, you can create a fresh, wholesome product. Homemade sausage also allows you to customize the flavors to suit your preferences. By adjusting the herbs and spices, you can create a sausage that’s perfectly balanced to your taste—whether you prefer it spicier, milder, or with more pronounced savory notes.

This recipe is versatile and simple, and once you’ve made the sausage, you can use it in various breakfast dishes like breakfast burritos, sandwiches, or as a side to your favorite egg dishes.

The Key Ingredients: Fresh Herbs and Flavorful Seasonings

The combination of fresh sage and thyme is a hallmark of breakfast sausage, providing an earthy, savory base to the pork. These herbs give the sausage its signature flavor, adding freshness and a bit of warmth. The garlic also contributes to the depth of flavor, while the light brown sugar adds a slight sweetness that balances the richness of the pork.

The seasoning mix, including kosher salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you enjoy a little heat), brings all the elements together. The smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky undertone, while the poultry seasoning and onion powder round out the flavor profile, creating a complex yet well-balanced taste.

Marinating the Sausage Mixture

After mixing the ingredients, it’s important to let the sausage mixture marinate for at least two hours (or overnight if you have the time). This marinating step allows the flavors to meld together, ensuring that every bite of sausage is packed with rich, well-developed flavor. The longer the sausage sits in the refrigerator, the more the seasonings have time to infuse into the pork, making it even more flavorful.

Forming the Patties

Once the sausage mixture has marinated, the next step is to form it into patties. This is a fun part of the process, as you can decide how large or small you want each patty to be. Dividing the mixture into 12 equal portions ensures that the patties are consistent in size and cook evenly. You can make them as thick or as thin as you prefer, but keep in mind that thinner patties will cook faster.

Cooking the Sausage

Cooking homemade breakfast sausage is straightforward. Heat a skillet over medium heat and place the sausage patties in the pan. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This ensures that the sausage is fully cooked through and safe to eat. The sausage will become golden brown on the outside, while staying juicy and tender on the inside.

You can cook the sausages in batches if your skillet is too small to fit all of them at once. Once cooked, transfer the sausages to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease.

Serving Homemade Breakfast Sausage

Once the sausages are cooked, serve them immediately alongside your favorite breakfast sides. They pair wonderfully with scrambled eggs, sunny-side-up eggs, pancakes, or toast. You can even serve them in a breakfast sandwich or as part of a breakfast burrito with cheese, veggies, and salsa. Homemade breakfast sausage is also a great addition to a hash or mixed into a breakfast casserole.

Nutritional Benefits of Homemade Breakfast Sausage

This homemade breakfast sausage provides a good source of protein, with about 10 grams of protein per serving, which helps keep you full and satisfied throughout the morning. The sausage is also high in fat, with about 12 grams of fat per serving, but much of this fat comes from the healthy fats found in the pork. The sausage contains a moderate amount of sodium, which is important to keep in mind if you’re watching your salt intake. However, because you control the seasonings, you can adjust the salt level to your liking.

The recipe also contains a small amount of fiber and sugar, thanks to the brown sugar and the vegetables used in the seasoning mix, making it a flavorful but balanced choice for your breakfast.

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

This Homemade Breakfast Sausage recipe is a must-try for anyone who enjoys rich, flavorful sausage with a touch of spice. It’s easy to make, customizable, and packed with delicious seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the pork. Making sausage at home gives you the freedom to adjust the seasoning and create a sausage that fits your taste perfectly. Whether you’re cooking for a special breakfast or want to prepare something in advance for busy mornings, this homemade sausage recipe is sure to be a hit.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Homemade Breakfast Sausage recipe offers a flavorful, savory addition to any breakfast spread. The combination of fresh herbs, spices, and the rich flavor of pork creates a sausage that is both comforting and satisfying. By making it from scratch, you can enjoy a personalized sausage that is free from preservatives and filled with bold, aromatic flavors. Serve it with eggs, toast, pancakes, or in a sandwich, and you’ve got a perfect breakfast or brunch option. Try making this sausage the next time you want a delicious and indulgent start to your day!