Homemade Breakfast Sausage Patties (Better Than Store-Bought)

Homemade Breakfast Sausage Patties

These homemade breakfast sausage patties are made with simple ingredients and classic seasoning, creating tender, flavorful patties that are better than store-bought. You do not need anything complicated to make good breakfast sausage at home. Ground pork and a few simple spices come together into tender, flavorful patties that cook up far better than anything from the freezer aisle. Once you try them, it is hard to go back.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple ingredients you likely already have
• Classic flavor with balanced seasoning
• No preservatives or additives
• Freezer friendly for quick breakfasts
• Easy to adjust to your taste

What Breakfast Sausage Is Made Of

Breakfast sausage is simply ground pork seasoned with a few key spices. Sage is the signature flavor that gives sausage its familiar taste, supported by salt, pepper, and a small touch of sweetness.

Making it at home keeps the ingredient list simple and allows you to control the flavor to your liking.

How to Cook Homemade Breakfast Sausage Patties

In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon dried sage, 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/4 teaspoon dried margarine (optional), 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, (optional), 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg.

To the ground pork in a mixing bowl, sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the meat. Add 1 teaspoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon cold water, and 1 teaspoon Avocado oil, if using lean pork.

Mix gently with your hands just until combined. Avoid overmixing, which can make the patties dense.

Divide the mixture into 8 to 10 portions.

Flatten into patties about 1/2 inch thick using your hands or a spatula.Press a slight indentation in the center of each patty so they cook evenly. (I forgot to do and had slightly rounded patties)

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add patties.

Cook the patties for 3 to 4 minutes per side until nicely browned and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F.

Let the patties rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

Tips for the Best Sausage Patties

Use ground pork with some fat (80/20) for the best flavor and texture. Lean pork can produce dry sausage so add the teaspoon of Avocado oil if used.

Mix just until combined. Overworking the meat can make the patties firm instead of tender.

Letting the mixture rest in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes helps the seasoning distribute evenly.

Press a slight indentation in the center of each patty so they cook flat instead of puffing up.

Cook over medium heat so the patties brown nicely without burning.

Easy Flavor Variations

You can adjust the flavor in a few simple ways depending on your preference.

For a softer diner-style texture, add a very small pinch of baking soda and 1 to 2 tablespoons cold water. This helps the patties stay tender as they cook.

For a deeper, old-fashioned flavor, add 2 tablespoons finely grated onion, including the juice. This creates a rich, savory taste.

For maple sausage, replace the brown sugar with maple syrup.

How to Freeze Sausage Patties

Form the patties and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.

They can be cooked directly from frozen. Simply add a minute or two to the cooking time.

Homemade vs Store-Bought Sausage

Store-bought sausage is convenient, but homemade sausage offers several advantages.

You control the seasoning and salt level. The ingredient list stays simple. The flavor is fresher because the sausage is mixed just before cooking. It can also be made ahead and frozen, making it just as practical for busy mornings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of pork?
Yes, though the flavor and texture will be slightly different. You may want to add a small amount of oil to prevent dryness.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. You can mix and refrigerate the sausage overnight, then form and cook the patties the next day.

How long does it last in the refrigerator?
Raw sausage mixture will keep for up to 2 days when refrigerated.

Can I cook sausage patties from frozen?
Yes. Cook over medium heat and allow a little extra time for them to cook through.

Making breakfast sausage at home is one of those small changes that makes a noticeable difference. It takes only a few minutes, uses simple ingredients, and gives you something warm and satisfying to serve at the table.

Homemade Breakfast Sausage Patties

Simple homemade breakfast sausage patties made with ground pork and classic seasonings. Tender, flavorful, and easy to make, these patties are perfect for everyday breakfasts and freeze well for later.

Print Recipe

Equipment

• 1 Small bowl
• 1 Large skillet

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound ground pork 80/20*
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram optional
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon cold water
• 1 teaspoon Avocado oil optional*
• 1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram optional for added depth
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional for a little heat

Instructions

 

• In a small bowl, combine all seasonings.
• Place ground pork in a bowl. Add seasoning mixture and cold water.
• Mix gently just until combined.
• Divide into portions and shape into patties about 1/2 inch thick. About 8 - 10 patties.
• Press a slight indentation in the center of each patty.
• Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook 3 to 4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through to 160°F.
• Let rest briefly before serving.

Notes

*We could only find lean ground pork so we added the teaspoon of Avocado oil to prevent dryness.  We also kept the seasoning simple and did not use the optional marjoram or red pepper flakes, but you can include them if you like a slightly deeper flavor or a touch of heat. 

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