Breakfast Sausage Recipe

Ground pork: The base of the sausage, providing the main protein and fat content.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the sausage.

Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor.

Sage: A key herb that gives the sausage its distinctive taste.

Thyme: Adds an earthy, slightly minty flavor.

Red pepper flakes: Provides a subtle kick of heat.

Maple syrup: Adds a touch of sweetness and balances the savory spices.

When mixing the ground pork with the spices, ensure that the ingredients are evenly distributed to avoid any pockets of intense flavor. Using your hands can help achieve a more uniform mixture. Additionally, chilling the mixture for about 30 minutes before forming the patties can make them easier to shape and help them hold together better during cooking.

• ground pork - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and still provides a similar texture and flavor profile.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a similar salty flavor along with a bit of umami depth.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar spiciness but with a slightly different flavor that can add a unique twist.

• sage - Substitute with marjoram: Marjoram has a similar earthy and slightly sweet flavor that can mimic sage in sausage recipes.

• thyme - Substitute with oregano: Oregano provides a similar herbaceous note and can be used in equal amounts.

• red pepper flakes - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can provide the same level of heat and a similar flavor profile.

• maple syrup - Substitute with honey: Honey offers a similar sweetness and can add a slightly different but complementary flavor.

• Allow the breakfast sausage patties to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to soggy patties.

• Place the cooled patties in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. For extra protection, you can also use aluminum foil.

• If you plan to consume the sausages within a few days, store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

• For longer storage, consider freezing the patties. Lay them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. This prevents them from sticking together.

• Once frozen, transfer the patties to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of their freshness.

• When you're ready to enjoy the sausages, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. This ensures even thawing and maintains the texture and flavor.

• Reheat the patties in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or use a microwave for a quicker option. If using a microwave, cover the patties with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

• For an added burst of flavor, consider reheating the patties with a drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or sage.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the breakfast sausage patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
  3. Cover the patties with a piece of aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
  4. Heat in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
  3. Place the breakfast 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.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the breakfast sausage patties on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to retain moisture.
  3. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are heating evenly.
  4. Continue heating in 30-second intervals until they are thoroughly warmed.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the breakfast sausage patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are hot and crispy.

• Sous Vide Method:

  1. Preheat your sous vide water bath to 140°F (60°C).
  2. Place the breakfast sausage patties in a vacuum-sealed bag or a resealable bag using the water displacement method.
  3. Submerge the bag in the water bath and heat for about 30 minutes.
  4. Remove from the bag and quickly sear in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes per side for added texture.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.

• Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan to cook the sausage patties evenly.

• Spatula: Useful for flipping the patties in the skillet.

• Measuring spoons: Essential for accurately measuring the salt, pepper, sage, thyme, red pepper flakes, and maple syrup.

• Meat thermometer: Optional, but helpful to ensure the patties are cooked to a safe internal temperature.

• Plate: To place the cooked patties once they are done.

• Paper towels: To drain any excess grease from the cooked patties.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and mix spices the night before to save time in the morning.

Use a food processor: Quickly combine ground pork and seasonings for a uniform mixture.

Batch cooking: Make extra patties and freeze them for future breakfasts.

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

Shape patties uniformly: Use a cookie cutter or measuring cup to form evenly sized patties for consistent cooking.