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, slightly minty flavor.

Red pepper flakes: Provides a subtle kick of heat.

Ground nutmeg: Adds a warm, nutty undertone to the sausage.

When mixing the ground pork with the spices, ensure that you do so thoroughly to distribute the flavors evenly. Using your hands can be more effective than a spoon for this step. Additionally, to test the seasoning, cook a small piece of the mixture before forming all the patties. This way, you can adjust the salt or spices if necessary.

• ground pork - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and can be seasoned similarly to mimic the flavor of pork.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a similar salty flavor along with a bit of umami, enhancing the overall taste.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and flavor profile but is slightly milder.

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

• dried thyme - Substitute with dried oregano: Dried oregano offers a slightly different but complementary herbal note that works well in sausage.

• red pepper flakes - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper provides a similar heat level and can be adjusted to taste.

• ground nutmeg - Substitute with ground allspice: Ground allspice has a warm, slightly sweet flavor that can mimic the complexity of nutmeg.

• To store your breakfast sausage patties, first allow them to cool completely at room temperature. This prevents condensation and keeps them from becoming soggy.
• Once cooled, place the patties in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. This helps to maintain their freshness and flavor.
• Store the wrapped or containerized patties in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This ensures they remain safe to eat while retaining their delicious taste.
• For longer storage, consider freezing the patties. Lay them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they do not touch each other. This prevents them from sticking together.
• Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours, or until the patties are frozen solid. This step is known as flash freezing and helps maintain the shape and texture of the patties.
• Once frozen, transfer the patties to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the bag with the date to keep track of their storage time.
• Frozen breakfast sausage patties can be stored for up to 2-3 months. This allows you to enjoy them at your convenience without compromising on quality.
• When ready to use, thaw the patties in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing process ensures even defrosting and maintains the integrity of the patties.
• If you're in a hurry, you can also reheat the frozen patties directly in a skillet over medium heat. Cook for 7-10 minutes, flipping occasionally, until they are heated through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the sausage patties on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover them with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are heated evenly.
  4. Let them sit for a minute before serving to allow the heat to distribute.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the sausage patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
  3. Cover the patties with foil to prevent them from drying out.
  4. Bake for 10-15 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure even heating.
  5. Check that they are heated through before serving.

• Skillet Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
  3. Place the sausage patties in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  4. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are heated through and slightly crispy on the outside.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the sausage patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Check that they are thoroughly heated before serving.

• Steaming Method:

  1. Fill a pot with a small amount of water and bring it to a simmer.
  2. Place a steamer basket over the simmering water.
  3. Arrange the sausage patties in the steamer basket in a single layer.
  4. Cover and steam for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
  5. Remove and let them sit for a minute before serving.

• Large bowl: Use this to combine and mix all the ingredients thoroughly.

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

• Spatula: Handy for flipping the patties to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for accurately measuring out the salt, pepper, sage, thyme, red pepper flakes, and nutmeg.

• Mixing spoon: Useful for initially combining the ingredients before forming the patties.

• Plate: Place the formed patties on this before cooking them in the skillet.

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

Prepare the mixture in advance: Combine the ground pork and spices the night before and store in the fridge.

Use a cookie scoop: This helps to quickly portion out equal-sized patties.

Preheat the skillet: Ensure the skillet is hot before cooking to reduce overall cooking time.

Batch cooking: Cook all the patties at once and freeze leftovers for quick breakfasts.

Use parchment paper: Place formed patties on parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.