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 that is classic in breakfast sausage.

Dried thyme: Adds a subtle herbal note that complements the other spices.

Red pepper flakes: Provides a hint of heat to balance the flavors.

When mixing the ground pork with the spices, ensure that the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the meat. This can be achieved by using your hands to gently fold and press the mixture together. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture, so aim for a light and even incorporation.

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

• ground pork - Substitute with ground chicken: Ground chicken is another lean alternative that can absorb the spices well, making it a good substitute.

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

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a slightly different flavor but can still provide the necessary heat and spice.

• 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, though you may need to use a bit more to achieve the same intensity of flavor.

• dried thyme - Substitute with dried oregano: Dried oregano has a similar earthy flavor and can be used in place of thyme.

• dried thyme - Substitute with dried rosemary: Dried rosemary offers a slightly different but complementary flavor that can work well in sausage.

• red pepper flakes - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can provide a similar level of heat and spice to the sausage.

• red pepper flakes - Substitute with paprika: Paprika can add a milder heat along with a smoky flavor, depending on the type used.

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

• Place the cooled patties in an airtight container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap. This ensures that they stay fresh and prevents any unwanted odors from seeping in.

• For short-term storage, keep the sausages in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to label the container with the date to keep track of their freshness.

• If you plan to store the sausages for a longer period, freezing is the best option. Lay the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them for about 1-2 hours. This prevents them from sticking together.

• Once the patties are frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the bag with the date and contents for easy identification.

• When ready to use, thaw the sausages in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain their texture and flavor.

• For a quicker thawing method, place the frozen sausages in a sealed plastic bag and submerge them in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes until they are fully thawed.

• Reheat the sausages in a skillet over medium heat until they are warmed through. You can also reheat them in the microwave by covering them with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

• Avoid refreezing sausages that have already been thawed, as this can affect their texture and safety. Only thaw the amount you plan to use.

• For added flavor, consider adding a splash of maple syrup or a sprinkle of fresh herbs during reheating. This can elevate the taste and make your breakfast even more delightful.

• Stovetop Method: Place a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the pan. Once heated, add the leftover breakfast sausage patties. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are heated through and have a slight crisp on the outside.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the breakfast sausage patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Cover the patties with another piece of aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through.

• Microwave Method: Place the breakfast sausage patties on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are evenly heated. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can make them rubbery.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the breakfast sausage patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for about 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating. This method will give the patties a nice, crispy exterior.

• Sous Vide Method: If you have a sous vide machine, set it to 140°F (60°C). Place the breakfast sausage patties in a vacuum-sealed bag or a ziplock bag using the water displacement method. Submerge the bag in the water bath and heat for about 30 minutes. This method ensures the patties remain juicy and tender.

• Mixing bowl: Use this to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.

• Skillet: This is essential for cooking the sausage patties evenly.

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

• Measuring spoons: These ensure you add the correct amount of each spice.

• Meat thermometer: Useful to check if the sausages are cooked through to a safe temperature.

• Plate: Place the cooked patties here to rest before serving.

• Paper towels: Use these 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 cookie scoop: This helps to quickly form uniform patties without much effort.

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

Double the recipe: Make a larger batch and freeze extra patties for future quick breakfasts.

Use parchment paper: Place patties between sheets of parchment paper for easy separation and storage.