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: Contributes an earthy, slightly peppery taste.

Dried thyme: Offers a subtle, minty flavor that complements the other spices.

Red pepper flakes: Adds a touch of heat to the sausage.

Maple syrup: Provides a hint of sweetness that balances the savory elements.

When forming the patties, make sure to press them evenly to ensure they cook uniformly. If the patties are too thick, they might not cook through properly, while thinner patties can dry out quickly. For added flavor, let the mixture rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before cooking to allow the spices to meld with the ground pork.

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

• ground pork - Substitute with ground chicken: Ground chicken is another lean alternative that can mimic the texture of ground pork.

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

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor profile, often described as more earthy.

• dried sage - Substitute with poultry seasoning: Poultry seasoning often contains sage along with other complementary herbs, making it a good substitute.

• dried sage - Substitute with fresh sage: Fresh sage can be used in place of dried sage, but use about three times the amount as fresh herbs are less concentrated.

• dried thyme - Substitute with dried oregano: Dried oregano has a similar earthy and slightly minty flavor that can stand in for thyme.

• dried thyme - Substitute with fresh thyme: Fresh thyme can be used instead of dried thyme, but use about three times the amount.

• red pepper flakes - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper provides a similar heat level and can be used in smaller quantities.

• red pepper flakes - Substitute with paprika: Paprika offers a milder heat and a smoky flavor, which can add a different but pleasant twist.

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

• maple syrup - Substitute with brown sugar: Brown sugar offers a similar sweetness with a hint of molasses, which can enhance the overall flavor.

• To store your breakfast sausage patties, allow them to cool to room temperature after cooking. Place them in an airtight container, separating each layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• For longer storage, consider freezing the patties. First, arrange the uncooked patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Ensure they are not touching each other. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours, or until the patties are firm.

• Once the patties are frozen, transfer them to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. Label the bag with the date to keep track of freshness. Frozen breakfast sausage patties can be stored for up to 3 months.

• When you're ready to cook the frozen patties, there's no need to thaw them. Simply cook them in a skillet over medium heat for about 10-12 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked through.

• If you prefer to thaw the patties before cooking, place them in the refrigerator overnight. This will ensure even cooking and maintain the best texture.

• For added convenience, you can also pre-cook the patties before freezing. Follow the cooking instructions, then allow the patties to cool completely. Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.

• To maintain the best flavor and texture, avoid refreezing thawed breakfast sausage patties. Always handle with clean utensils and hands to ensure food safety.

• Microwave: Place the breakfast sausage patties on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are heated evenly.

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the sausage patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

• Skillet: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the pan. Place the sausage patties in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until thoroughly reheated.

• Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the sausage patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Steaming: Place the sausage patties in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps retain moisture and prevents the patties from drying out.

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

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

• Spatula: A tool used to flip the patties in the skillet.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the salt, black pepper, dried sage, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes accurately.

• Tablespoon: Used to measure the maple syrup.

• Plate: Used to place the formed patties before cooking.

• Paper towels: Used to drain any excess oil from the cooked patties.

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

Use a cookie scoop: Form patties quickly and uniformly by using a cookie scoop.

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

Batch cook: Make a larger batch of sausage patties and freeze them for future breakfasts.

Use parchment paper: Place patties on parchment paper for easy transfer to the skillet and less cleanup.