Homemade Breakfast Sausage Recipe

Skip the store-bought sausage and try this easy homemade breakfast sausage recipe! With just a few simple ingredients, you can make juicy, flavorful sausage to serve at breakfast.

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BREAKFAST SAUSAGE RECIPE

Kickstart your morning with this homemade breakfast sausage! There is nothing better than crispy and juicy sausage to enjoy as a side or add to your breakfast meals. Skip the store-bought sausage that is loaded with preservatives and make it homemade instead. Elevate your breakfast game with a homemade sausage that’s sure to make your morning!

WHAT YOU NEED-

Ground Meat– This recipe calls for ground pork, but you can totally swap out the pork for ground chicken or turkey if you prefer. You do NOT want to use ground sausage, that is what we are making.
Garlic– You can have flavorful sausage without freshly minced garlic! You can swap it out for garlic powder or jarred minced garlic if that’s all you have on hand.
Flavor– To season the breakfast sausage, this recipe calls for salt, ground black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning!
Rosemary– You can use either dried or fresh rosemary. This adds extra flavor to the sausage!
Fennel Seeds– One of the key flavor notes in sausage is the fennel seeds! You do not want to skip this ingredient. You can find it in the seasoning section at your local grocery store.
Water– Adding water to the meat is what will help you get the juiciest ground sausage!

HOW TO MAKE BREAKFAST SAUSAGE

Once you prepare this ground sausage mixture, you can cook it or prepare it for later!

In a large mixing bowl, add all the ingredients for breakfast sausage.
Mix until well combined and allow you to marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
Divide the meat into 6 even sized balls and then shape into about 3-inch diameter patties. (Shape the patties by hand, or using a mason jar lid, a cup or a patty mold.)
Add the shaped patties to a parchment paper lined baking sheet.
When ready to enjoy, cook the sausage using the desired cooking method.
Serve warm with the desired sides.

BREAKFAST SAUSAGE STYLES-

There are several different ways you can enjoy homemade breakfast sausage!

Patties– Make classic sausage patties, shaping them in a round patty. This is perfect for breakfast sandwiches, Mcgriddles or just to serve as a side.
Links– You can totally make sausage links without the casing! Just shape the meat into links and then cook. If you want to go the extra mile, you can add the seasoned meat into the sheep casing.
Ground Sausage– If you want to make breakfast tacos, breakfast burritos, or biscuits and gravy, use ground sausage. Just add the seasoned meat to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart until cooked.

COOKING METHODS

You can cook these sausage patties in several different ways!

Stove Top– Heat a skillet on medium high heat. Once hot, add the sausage patties to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, per side, or until crispy and cooked through.
Air Fryer– Add the patties to the air fryer basket and air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes or until cooked through.
Oven– Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Add the sausage patties to the lined baking sheet and bake for 15-17 minutes or until cooked through.

MAKING AHEAD

These breakfast sausage patties are great to make ahead of time! I recommend that you store the meat already shaped into patties, that way it is easier when you are enjoying it.

Fridge– Lay the patties onto parchment paper and you can layer them on top of each other. Store the covered sausage in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Cooked sausage can be in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer– Breakfast patties freeze great! Layout the patties on parchment paper and freeze until the patties are hard. Transfer to a freezer safe bag and freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and cook.

SERVING IDEAS

There are so many ways to enjoy this juicy breakfast sausage! Pair this sausage with the right breakfast sides for a hearty start to the day:

Scrambled Eggs
Avocado Toast
Hash Browns
Breakfast Potatoes
Bacon
Fried Eggs
Toast

WAYS TO USE SAUSAGE-

Tacos– Make ground sausage and use it in breakfast tacos for a delicious and hearty breakfast.
Sandwiches– A popular way to enjoy breakfast patties is to add them to your breakfast sandwiches. Add it to your croissant sandwiches, bagel sandwich or even the popular McGriddle.
Biscuits & Gravy– Use this homemade breakfast sausage for the popular biscuits and gravy dish!
Burritos– Load up your breakfast burritos with this juicy and flavorful breakfast sausage!
Pizza– Add this ground sausage to your breakfast pizza, such a delicious way to start the day.

QUESTIONS YOU MIGHT HAVE:

Do I have to use ground pork?

No! You can swap the ground pork out for ground chicken or ground turkey for a healthier version of breakfast sausage.

Can I grind my own pork?

Yes, you want to use a cut of pork that has both meat and fat, such as pork shoulder.

Do I have to marinate the meat?

For the best results, you want to let the meat sit in the herbs and seasonings for at least 30 minutes up to overnight. You do not have to wait but I recommend marinating overnight for the best results.

Can I make this sausage spicy or maple flavored?

Yes! Add ½ tsp red pepper flakes and ½ tsp chili powder to the mix for a spicy sausage. You can also make this maple flavored, add 1-2 Tbsps of maple syrup to the meat.

Can I make the patties smaller or bigger?

You can make these patties of any size you prefer! You can make them small if you serve as a side, or for your breakfast sandwiches you want to make them bigger and not fat.

Do I have to add the fennel seeds?

Yes! You do not want to skip the fennel seeds! This is exactly what gives you the best flavors!

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