Mastering the Art of Homemade Breakfast Sausage

Mar 11, 2024 / MIN READ

Savory pork sausage patties are perfect for family breakfasts, complementing virtually all of your favorite dishes. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, making pork breakfast sausage patties from scratch is an easy way to bring warmth and flavor to your morning table.

We're exploring the step-by-step instructions to make homemade sausage patties, including a few key tips for success. By following these instructions you can elevate your favorite breakfast recipes and savor the flavor of pork sausage like never before.

Embracing the delightful versatility of breakfast sausage recipes

Breakfast sausage, a flavorful blend of ground meat, spices and fresh herbs, has become a staple in family kitchens worldwide, offering a comforting start to the day. And the versatility and delectable taste of pork sausage make this a perfect recipe option for cooks of all levels.

The perfect combination of minimal preparation time and maximum flavor, a breakfast sausage recipe is a convenient answer to morning meals. Plus, it pairs perfectly with a seemingly endless number of breakfast dishes, from classic scrambled eggs to hearty sandwiches and French toast. You can even include it in recipes beyond traditional breakfast fare, like casseroles or pasta dishes. However you use ground pork patties, you can rest assured that its flavor profile appeals to all ages — making it a surefire hit with the entire family.

Mastering homemade breakfast sausage: Ingredients and step-by-step preparation

Serves: 6
Prep Time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min

Ingredients

  • 1 pack of Hatfield® Recipe Essentials Ground Pork.
  • 1 tsp. salt.
  • ½ tsp. black pepper.
  • ½ tsp. ground dried sage.
  • ½ tsp. garlic powder.
  • ¼ tsp poultry seasoning.
  • tsp thyme leaves.
  • tsp. smoked paprika.
  • 1 pinch ground cloves.
  • tsp. red pepper flakes (optional).
Two raw sausage patties sit on a tableMix with your hands until well combined and form the spice and sausage mixture into six patties.

Preparing breakfast sausage to perfection

  • Step 1: Gather all of your ingredients. Mix your salt, black pepper, sage, poultry seasoning, thyme, paprika, cloves and red pepper flakes in a small bowl until well combined.
  • Step 2: Place your pork in a large bowl and add the spice mixture.
  • Step 3: Mix with your hands until well combined and form the spice and sausage mixture into six patties.
  • Step 4: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the patties.
  • Step 5: Sauté until browned and crispy, about five minutes per side.
  • Step 6: Serve hot, pair with your favorite breakfast dishes and enjoy.

Ready to get started? Head to your local grocery store to pick up your favorite Hatfield® pork products today!

Answering breakfast sausage FAQs and exploring recipe ideas

Take a closer look at some of the most commonly asked questions you might run into along the way:

What homemade breakfast sausage recipe variations can I try?
When it comes to breakfast sausage, your potential recipe variations are practically endless. If your loved ones enjoy a sweeter profile, you can consider adding brown sugar or maple syrup to the mix. On the other hand, you might consider incorporating chili flakes, cayenne pepper or even diced jalapenos for an extra spicy kick. Finally, adding more fresh ingredients like rosemary or thyme can offer an herbaceous flavor.

Feel free to experiment with ingredients and customize the sausage to your family's preferences and dietary needs.

Can I make a breakfast sausage patty recipe ahead of time?
Whether you're looking to meal prep or want to have the ingredients ready for an easier morning, you can certainly make breakfast sausage patties ahead of time. Simply prepare your spice and sausage mixture and form them into patties. Then, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You can freeze them overnight or keep them for longer in a freezer-safe bag or container. This is a great way to make sure a delicious, home-cooked breakfast is always within reach. 

Can I use pre-marinated pork for this recipe?
If you're short on time and can't prepare a breakfast sausage recipe from scratch, using pre-marinated pork is a great time-saver that still promises delicious results. Since pre-marinated pork is already seasoned, you can skip the step of selecting and blending spices. Just shape the ground pork into patties and they're ready to cook!

For something sweet, you can use Hatfield® Sweet Italian Ground Sausage. Or, for an option with an extra kick, you might opt for Hatfield® Hot Italian Ground Sausage.

Do I need any special equipment to make pork breakfast sausage?
Fortunately, you don't need any special equipment before getting started. A meat grinder or sausage stuffer can give you more control over the texture or help you make sausage links, but neither appliance are necessary for making patties. All you need is a mixing bowl, your ingredients and a pan or skillet for cooking the pork — making this a simple and accessible recipe for all cooks.

Can I use different types of meat for the sausage?
While pork is traditionally used for breakfast sausage because of its fat content and flavor, you can opt for other types of meat that suit your preferences or dietary needs. Ground turkey and ground chicken are popular alternatives to consider. But, when using leaner meats like these, it's helpful to add a small amount of oil or fat to keep the sausage moist and flavorful. Keep in mind that the type of meat you choose will bring a unique flavor and texture to your patties, so be sure to customize the recipe to your taste.

Essential tips for cooking, storing and serving breakfast sausage

Here are a few best practices to keep in mind as you get started:

How to ensure your pork is fully cooked
When cooking for the family, it's essential to make sure your homemade breakfast sausage is fully cooked and safe to consume. The best way to do this is by using a meat thermometer and checking that the internal temperature reaches 145°F — the safe minimum for pork to eliminate harmful bacteria.

To avoid undercooking, don't flip your patties too soon; instead, let them thoroughly heat on one side before turning. This will help the sausage cook evenly and achieve a more desirable sear. Remember, color isn't a reliable indicator of doneness, so make sure to always use a thermometer.

Storing, freezing and reheating breakfast sausage

Here's what you need to know to maximize the shelf life of your sausage patties:

  • Storing: Once cooked, allow the sausages to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container or freezer bag in the refrigerator for up to four days.
  • Freezing: For longer storage, wrap your patties individually and freeze for two to three months.
  • Reheating: When it's time to reheat your breakfast sausage, ensure thorough heating to an internal temperature of 165°F. You can do this in the oven, skillet or microwave until piping hot to preserve the sausage's texture and taste.

The perfect pairs for this homemade breakfast sausage recipe

Finding the ideal dishes or complementary flavors to pair with breakfast sausage elevates the dining experience. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:

  • Put a sausage patty between a toasted English muffin with a fried egg and melted cheese to make a breakfast sandwich.
  • Serve sausage patties alongside flaky biscuits smothered in rich sausage gravy for a Southern-style breakfast.
  • Layer sausage patties, eggs, cheese and bread in a casserole dish for a hearty breakfast bake.
  • Wrap a sausage patty with scrambled eggs, cheese and salsa in a flour tortilla for a morning meal on the go.
  • Cook sausage patties with diced potatoes, bell peppers and onions for a flavorful breakfast skillet.

Elevating family breakfasts with high-quality pork products

Incorporating breakfast sausage into your household's morning routine is a guaranteed way to delight everyone and kickstart the morning. But, when it comes to cooking for the whole family, the ingredients you choose matter — and Hatfield is here to help.

Hatfield is a trusted provider of high-quality pork products, offering the assurance of safety and unparalleled flavor with every bite. Our line of premium, pre-seasoned pork is a simple way to elevate the entire breakfast experience.  

If you're ready to jump in, head to your local grocery store to pick up your favorite Hatfield® pork products today!