There’s something undeniably comforting about homemade sausage sizzling in a skillet on a lazy morning. These Country Sausage Patties bring that down-home flavor to your breakfast table with minimal effort and maximum taste. Made from simple ingredients and perfectly seasoned with sage, thyme, and a touch of red pepper, these patties deliver that authentic country-style goodness. Whether you serve them with warm biscuits, scrambled eggs, or tucked into a breakfast sandwich, this recipe promises a satisfying start to the day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You only need pantry staples and ground pork.
- Customizable Flavor: Adjust the spice level or herbs to your taste.
- Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a side with pancakes or waffles.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch, freeze them, and enjoy homemade sausage any day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb ground pork (preferably with a bit of fat for juiciness)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- A pinch of nutmeg
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Seasonings
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, salt, black pepper, sage, thyme, red pepper flakes, and nutmeg. Using your hands or a sturdy spoon, mix until all the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the meat. Be sure not to overmix—just enough to blend everything together.
Step 2: Shape the Patties
Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and shape each portion into a small, round patty about ½ inch thick. You can use your hands or a biscuit cutter to get uniform shapes. If the mixture feels sticky, lightly wet your hands with cold water before shaping.
Step 3: Preheat the Skillet
Place a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat. Allow it to heat up for about 2 minutes before adding the patties. You can use a touch of oil if your pan isn’t nonstick, but the pork fat will usually provide enough grease for cooking.
Step 4: Cook the Patties
Add the sausage patties to the hot skillet, leaving enough space between them to cook evenly. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until each side is nicely browned and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Avoid pressing them down with a spatula—this can squeeze out the juices and make them dry.
Step 5: Drain and Serve
Once cooked, transfer the patties to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat. Serve hot immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Country Breakfast: Pair the patties with scrambled eggs, hash browns, and buttery biscuits.
- Breakfast Sandwich: Layer a sausage patty with a fried egg and cheese inside an English muffin or a warm roll.
- Southern Comfort Plate: Serve alongside creamy grits or country gravy for a hearty meal.
- Sweet and Savory Combo: Try them with pancakes or waffles drizzled in maple syrup—an irresistible mix of flavors.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
To Make Ahead
You can prepare the sausage mixture a day before cooking. Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate overnight to let the flavors deepen.
To Store Cooked Patties
Allow the cooked patties to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To Freeze
If you want to store them longer, freeze the uncooked or cooked patties.
- Uncooked: Place the shaped patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.
- Cooked: Let them cool, wrap each patty individually, and freeze.
When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a skillet or microwave.
Flavor Variations
- Maple Sausage Patties: Add 1 tablespoon of pure maple syrup to the mixture for a touch of sweetness.
- Garlic Herb Patties: Mix in 1 minced garlic clove and a sprinkle of rosemary for an aromatic twist.
- Spicy Kick: Increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.
- Apple Sage Sausage: Add finely chopped apple pieces to the mix for a sweet-savory flavor.
Tips for Perfect Country Sausage Patties
- Use Fresh Pork: Freshly ground pork with about 20% fat ensures the patties stay juicy.
- Chill Before Cooking: If the mixture feels too soft, refrigerate the shaped patties for 15 minutes before frying. This helps them hold their shape.
- Don’t Overwork the Meat: Gentle mixing keeps the sausage tender rather than dense.
- Cook Evenly: Make sure the patties are the same size and thickness for even cooking.
- Test the Seasoning: Fry a small piece first and taste it. Adjust the salt or spices before forming all the patties.
Nutrition (Per Patty)
Approximate values may vary depending on ingredients:
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 14g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of pork?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works well as a leaner option. However, since they have less fat, consider adding a tablespoon of olive oil or a small amount of finely chopped bacon for extra moisture.
What if I don’t have sage?
If sage isn’t available, you can substitute it with poultry seasoning or a combination of marjoram and rosemary for a similar flavor profile.
Can I bake these sausage patties instead of frying?
Absolutely. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place the patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How can I make these sausage patties less spicy?
Simply omit or reduce the crushed red pepper flakes. You can also balance the flavor with a small drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles beautifully. Make a larger batch, cook some, and freeze the rest for quick, delicious breakfasts all week long.
Final Thoughts
Homemade Country Sausage Patties are a celebration of simple, old-fashioned cooking that never goes out of style. With just a few basic ingredients and a touch of seasoning magic, you can transform ground pork into flavorful breakfast patties that rival anything from the store. Whether you enjoy them fresh off the skillet or from your freezer stash, they’re sure to become a weekend breakfast favorite.