Homemade Breakfast Sausage Recipe

Featured in Morning meals for weekdays and weekends.

This Homemade Breakfast Sausage recipe helps you create restaurant-quality sausage patties that are far superior to store-bought versions. Using either pre-ground pork or freshly ground pork shoulder, the meat is seasoned with a perfect blend of fresh herbs (sage and thyme), garlic, and warm spices. The recipe is versatile - make it ahead, freeze it, or even turn it into links. With just the right balance of heat from red pepper flakes and sweetness from brown sugar, these sausage patties are sure to become a breakfast favorite.
A woman in an apron is preparing a meal in a sunny kitchen filled with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Updated on Tue, 28 Jan 2025 00:06:30 GMT
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Homemade Breakfast Sausage Recipe | myhomemaderecipe.com

Nothing beats the aroma of freshly made breakfast sausage sizzling in a cast iron skillet on a weekend morning. This homemade version transforms simple ground pork into something extraordinary through a perfect blend of fresh herbs and warming spices. Once you master this recipe, you'll find yourself wondering why you ever settled for store-bought sausages.

My journey with homemade sausage began when I inherited my grandmother's old meat grinder. What started as curiosity evolved into a weekend tradition, and now my family refuses to eat any other breakfast sausage. The secret lies in using quality ingredients and taking time to develop the perfect spice blend.

Your Essential Ingredients

  • Fresh pork shoulder: creates the perfect meat-to-fat ratio
  • Fresh sage leaves: provide that classic breakfast sausage flavor
  • Aromatic thyme: adds subtle complexity
  • Crushed red pepper flakes: offer gentle warmth without overwhelming heat
  • Fresh garlic: transforms ordinary into extraordinary
  • Light brown sugar: balances all the savory elements

Crafting Your Sausage

Initial Preparation:
First, ensure your pork is properly chilled. This crucial step prevents the fat from melting during grinding, which would result in dry sausage. Cut your meat into manageable chunks and let them chill in the freezer until they're firm but not frozen.
The Perfect Grind:
Feed your chilled pork through the grinder slowly and steadily. If using pre-ground pork, simply break it up in a large bowl. The key is maintaining those small pieces of fat that will create juicy, flavorful sausage.
Creating The Blend:
Mix your seasonings thoroughly with the ground meat. Use your hands (wearing food-safe gloves if you prefer) to ensure every bit of meat is seasoned evenly. This hands-on approach helps you feel when everything is perfectly combined.
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Close-up Homemade Breakfast Sausage Recipe | myhomemaderecipe.com

After years of making this recipe, I've learned that taking time with each step makes all the difference. The methodical process of grinding, seasoning, and shaping has become my favorite weekend ritual.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these sausages with fluffy scrambled eggs and buttermilk biscuits for a classic breakfast. They also make incredible breakfast sandwiches or can be crumbled into breakfast casseroles.

Flavor Variations

Experiment with maple syrup and sage for a sweet-savory version, or add fennel seeds and red wine for an Italian-style breakfast sausage. Each variation opens up new possibilities for your morning menu.

Smart Storage

Form extra patties and freeze them between layers of parchment paper. They'll keep for up to six months, ready whenever you crave a homemade breakfast.

Making your own breakfast sausage isn't just about creating a better-tasting product - it's about connecting with traditional food crafting methods and knowing exactly what goes into your food. Every time I make this recipe, I'm reminded that some things are worth the extra effort.

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Delicious Homemade Breakfast Sausage Recipe | myhomemaderecipe.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Should I use pre-ground pork or grind my own?
Both work well! Grinding your own gives more control over the meat quality, but pre-ground pork is perfectly fine for convenience.
→ Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes! Adjust the red pepper flakes to taste - reduce or omit for milder sausage, increase for more heat.
→ Why chill the meat before grinding?
Cold meat grinds better and prevents the fat from melting, resulting in better texture.
→ Can I freeze these?
Yes! They freeze well for up to 6 months, either raw or cooked. Thaw in refrigerator before using.
→ Can I customize the seasonings?
Absolutely! Try adding fennel seeds, onion, cayenne, or maple syrup to create your perfect blend.

Homemade Breakfast Sausage Patties

Fresh, flavorful breakfast sausage patties made from scratch with your choice of ground pork or pork shoulder, seasoned with fresh herbs and spices.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
8 Minutes
Total Time
38 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Breakfast & Brunch

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Base

01 1 pound pork shoulder (deboned) or pre-ground pork

→ Fresh Herbs & Aromatics

02 1 tablespoon fresh sage, minced
03 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, minced
04 3 garlic cloves, finely grated

→ Seasonings

05 1½ teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
06 1½ teaspoons ground paprika
07 ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
08 1½ teaspoons light brown sugar, packed
09 1½ teaspoons coarse salt
10 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

→ Cooking

11 1 tablespoon cooking oil

Instructions

Step 01

If using pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch chunks and chill 15-20 minutes. Skip if using pre-ground pork.

Step 02

If using pork shoulder, grind cold cubed pork using medium dye. Skip if using pre-ground pork.

Step 03

Mix ground pork with all herbs, spices, and seasonings until thoroughly combined.

Step 04

Fry small piece to taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

Step 05

Shape into 2½-3 inch diameter patties.

Step 06

Fry in oiled skillet over medium heat, 3-4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.

Notes

  1. Can be made up to 3 days ahead
  2. Keeps 5 days in fridge or 6 months frozen
  3. Can use dried herbs (use half amount)
  4. Can be made into links using sheep casing

Tools You'll Need

  • Food grinder (if using pork shoulder)
  • Non-stick or cast-iron skillet
  • Mixing bowl

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains alliums (garlic)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 174
  • Total Fat: 14 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 2 g
  • Protein: 10 g