Homemade Southern Breakfast Sausage: A Simple and Flavorful Recipe
For years, I bought breakfast sausage at the store, believing there was a magical list of ingredients that made it impossible to make at home. If I had known how easy it was to make the recipe below, I would have tried years ago! Now, I whip up Southern pork breakfast sausage once a month, making a large enough batch to freeze so I always have some on hand.
I never bother with stuffing my sausage into links because it’s much easier to form them into patties. The patties make excellent sides of sausage and are perfect for breakfast biscuit sandwiches. I like to add red pepper flakes because I enjoy a sweet-and-spicy breakfast sausage, but feel free to leave those out if you’re not into the spicy variety.
Ingredients
- Ground Pork and Seasonings:
- 2 pounds ground pork
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon dried rubbed sage
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon ground fennel seed
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Mixing the Sausage
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients. Use your hands to mix until everything is well combined.
- Form Patties:
- Shape the sausage mixture into 16 2-ounce patties. Ensure they are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
Freezing and Cooking
- Freeze the Patties:
- Place the patties flat on a sheet pan and freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag for long-term storage.
- Thaw Before Cooking:
- When you’re ready to cook the patties, allow them to thaw completely in the refrigerator.
- Cook the Sausages:
- In a large skillet, cook the sausages over medium-high heat until well browned on both sides, about 5 minutes per side.
- Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 160°F using an instant-read thermometer.
Tips for the Perfect Southern Breakfast Sausage
- Hands-On Mixing: Mixing the sausage by hand ensures the ingredients are evenly distributed, giving each patty consistent flavor.
- Portion Control: Shaping the sausage into equal-sized patties helps them cook evenly and makes portioning easier.
- Freezing Technique: Freezing the patties flat on a sheet pan before transferring them to a container prevents them from sticking together.
- Flavor Customization: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste. You can add more sage for a stronger herb flavor or more maple syrup for additional sweetness.
- Cooking Temperature: Using a meat thermometer ensures your sausages are cooked to the right temperature, avoiding undercooking or overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground pork with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as these meats may cook faster than pork.
How long can I store the sausage patties in the freezer?
Sausage patties can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Make sure they are in an airtight container or freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
Can I make the sausage patties without freezing them first?
Yes, you can cook the patties immediately after shaping them. However, freezing makes it convenient to have ready-to-cook sausage on hand.
What can I serve with these sausage patties?
These sausage patties are versatile and can be served with scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes, or as part of a breakfast sandwich with a biscuit or English muffin.
How can I make the sausage less spicy?
Simply omit the red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder sausage. You can also reduce the amount of black pepper for even less heat.
Conclusion
Making your own Southern breakfast sausage at home is a rewarding and delicious endeavor. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy fresh, flavorful sausage without any preservatives or artificial additives. Whether you like it sweet and spicy or mild and savory, this recipe can be customized to suit your taste. Give it a try and savor the difference of homemade breakfast sausage!