Breakfast Sausage is a delicious and versatile dish that can elevate your morning routine. This homemade version bursts with flavor and can be tailored to suit your taste. Whether you enjoy it with eggs, in a breakfast sandwich, or alongside pancakes, this recipe is sure to be a hit at the breakfast table.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 243
- Protein: 15 grams
- Carbohydrates: 1 gram
- Fat: 21 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Sugar: 1 gram
- Sodium: 338 mg
Why Make This Breakfast Sausage
Making your own breakfast sausage is a great way to control the ingredients and flavors. Store-bought sausages can often contain additives and preservatives, but with this simple recipe, you know exactly what goes into your breakfast. The combination of spices like sage and thyme gives the sausage a delightful aroma and taste, while the brown sugar adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory flavors. Plus, it’s easy to customize based on your preferences.
How to Make Breakfast Sausage
Step 1: Preparation
In a bowl, gather all your ingredients. This includes 1 pound of ground pork, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of sage, 1/2 teaspoon of thyme, 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Step 2: Mixing
Combine all ingredients in the bowl. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until evenly distributed. You want to ensure that the spices are well incorporated into the meat for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Cooking
Form the mixture into patties or leave it loose, depending on your preference. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the sausage. Cook the patties for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are nicely browned and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (70°C).
Step 4: Finishing
Once the sausage is cooked, remove it from the heat and serve it hot. You can enjoy it as is, or pair it with your favorite breakfast sides like eggs, toast, or fruit.
How to Serve Breakfast Sausage
Breakfast sausage is incredibly versatile! Serve it alongside scrambled eggs for a traditional breakfast, or as a filling in a breakfast burrito. You can also slice it and add it to a breakfast sandwich with cheese and a fried egg. For a sweeter twist, serve it with pancakes or waffles drizzled with maple syrup.
How to Store Breakfast Sausage
To store any leftovers, let the sausage cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can refrigerate the sausage for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply reheat in a skillet or microwave.
Expert Tips for Perfect Breakfast Sausage
- For extra flavor, feel free to add other herbs such as rosemary or oregano.
- If you prefer a spicier sausage, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Make small sample patties to taste the mixture before cooking the whole batch. This way, you can adjust the seasonings if necessary.
- A cast-iron skillet works wonders for creating a nice crust on your sausage patties.
Delicious Variations
- Maple Breakfast Sausage: Add 1-2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup to the mixture for a sweet and savory twist.
- Herbed Breakfast Sausage: Incorporate fresh herbs such as chopped parsley or chives for a vibrant flavor.
- Breakfast Sausage with Cheese: Mix in shredded cheese, like cheddar or pepper jack, for a gooey texture and a bit of richness.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use turkey or chicken instead of pork?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. However, you may need to adjust the spices since they are milder in flavor. -
How do I know when the sausage is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The sausage should reach 160°F (70°C) to be considered safe to eat. -
Can I make the mixture ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sausage mixture and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking. -
Is it necessary to form patties?
No, you can cook the sausage as loose crumbles if you prefer. Just be sure to stir frequently to ensure even cooking. -
Can I freeze the uncooked sausage mixture?
Yes, you can freeze it. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before cooking.
Conclusion
Making your own breakfast sausage is not only simple but also incredibly satisfying. With fresh ingredients and spices, you can whip up a flavorful dish that enhances any breakfast spread. Whether you’re experimenting with flavors or sticking to the classic recipe, this breakfast sausage will surely become a staple in your morning routine. So gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try—you’ll be glad you did!
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Breakfast Sausage
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Meat
Description
Homemade breakfast sausage bursting with flavor, perfect for any morning routine.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sage
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- In a bowl, gather all your ingredients.
- Combine all ingredients in the bowl and mix until evenly distributed.
- Form the mixture into patties or leave it loose. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the sausage for 5-7 minutes on each side.
- Once cooked, remove from heat and serve hot.
Notes
Feel free to add other herbs for extra flavor or use turkey/chicken for a leaner option.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 243
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 338mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
