Breakfast Sausage

💡This recipe is easy to make and packed with flavor. While you can use store-bought ground pork, the final product may turn out a bit dry. For the best results, you need a ratio of 70% lean meat to 30% fat when making any type of sausage.

I highly recommend asking your butcher to grind a small pork butt for you — it naturally provides the perfect balance of fat and meat without needing to add extra fat. Alternatively, if you're using pre-packaged ground pork, ask your butcher for about 5 ounces of ground pork fat per pound of meat to mix in.

The added fat content is crucial for achieving juicy, flavorful sausage. If you have your butcher grind a whole pork butt, you can freeze any leftover meat for later use. It’s perfect for making meatballs, meatloaf, or pork dumplings!

Start your morning off right with this easy and flavorful homemade breakfast sausage! Made with a perfect blend of savory spices and fresh ground pork, these sausages are juicy, tender and bursting with classic breakfast flavors. Whether you enjoy them alongside pancakes tucked into a breakfast sandwich, or on their own, these sausages are a delicious upgrade from anything you’ll find at the store. Plus, making them from scratch means you can control the ingredients for the perfect taste and texture every time!

Makes 8 patties

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground pork (please read the section above💡 )

• 1 tsp Kosher or sea salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp dried sage

• 1/2 tsp dried thyme

• 1 tsp ground paprika

• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp onion powder

• 1 tbsp brown sugar or maple syrup (optional, for a touch of sweetness)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients. Mix well until the seasonings are evenly distributed through the pork.

2. Form the mixture into small patties, about 2–3 inches wide.

3. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage patties and cook for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F/71°C).

4. Serve hot with your favorite breakfast dishes!

Tips:

• You can make the sausage mix a day ahead and refrigerate overnight for even better flavor.

• These patties freeze really well — just cook and cool them, then freeze in a single layer.