Breakfast Sausage Patties

Mornings just hit differently when homemade breakfast sausage patties are on the menu! You only need fresh pork and a blend of simple, flavor-packed spices.

Trust me, once you start making these from scratch, the store-bought stuff won’t stand a chance. 

These tasty patties cook up golden and delicious. 

Pile them next to fluffy scrambled eggs, tuck one into a biscuit sandwich, or crumble them into a breakfast bowl.

Why You’ll Love These Breakfast Sausage Patties

Make Ahead: These patties can be formed and frozen for up to 3 months. This makes them perfect for meal prep.

Budget-Friendly: Making sausage patties from ground pork is significantly more economical than purchasing pre-made varieties.

Easy Customization: This recipe allows you to adjust the seasoning to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Prefer it spicier? Add more red pepper flakes. Enjoy sweeter sausage? Increase the brown sugar.

Simple, Yet Impressive: This recipe creates artisanal sausage patties with pantry staples and under 40 minutes of work.

Ingredients

• Ground Pork: It provides a rich, juicy texture. It’s best with a meat-to-fat ratio of 80/20 for optimal flavor and moisture.
  
• Dried Sage and Dried Thyme: These herbs are essential for achieving that traditional breakfast sausage taste.
  
• Salt and Black Pepper: Fundamental seasonings enhance all the other flavors.
  
• Onion Powder and Garlic Powder: These provide savory depth and umami without adding moisture or texture to the meat mixture.
  
• Smoked Paprika: It adds a subtle smokiness and rich red color without contributing heat.
  
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: They provide the heat.
  
• Brown Sugar: It balances the savory flavors and helps achieve better browning during cooking.

How to Make Breakfast Sausage Patties

These patties are so easy, you’ll make them all the time!

1. Mix. Add the ground pork, dried sage, thyme, salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to a bowl. Add the red pepper flakes and brown sugar if using. Mix thoroughly with your hands until the seasonings are evenly distributed.

2. Chill. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 15 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld and makes shaping the patties easier.

3. Shape. Divide the pork mixture into 8 equal portions. Shape each portion into a round patty about 1/2 inch thick.

4. Cook. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it with oil or cooking spray. Place the patties in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side. They are ready when golden brown and cooked (internal temperature of 160°Fahrenheit).

5. Serve. Transfer the cooked patties to a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess grease. Serve warm with eggs, toast, avocado slices, or any of your favorite breakfast sides.

Tips for the Best Breakfast Sausage Patties

These patties are tough to mess up, but these tips will make the process go more smoothly.

• Choose high-quality pork. Use fresh, high-quality ground pork with an 80/20 meat-to-fat ratio for juicy and flavorful patties. Avoid too lean pork, as fat is essential for tenderness and taste.
  
• Don’t skip the chill time. Allow the mixed sausage to sit in the fridge for at least 15 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and makes shaping patties easier.
  
• Try trusty tools. Use a kitchen scale or measuring scoop to divide the pork evenly into 8 patties for consistent cooking.
  
• Keep things uniform. Flatten the patties to about 1/2-inch thick for uniform cooking. If desired, press an indentation in the center to prevent puffing.
  
• Watch the heat! Cook over medium heat to ensure the patties brown nicely without burning. Cook to an internal temperature of 160°Fahrenheit for safety.

Variations and Serving Ideas

Want to switch things up? Try these tasty ideas.

• Make them sweet or spicy. Add brown sugar for a hint of sweetness. Increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes, or try cayenne for a spicier version.
  
• Amp up the flavor. Experiment with additional herbs or spices such as fennel seeds, nutmeg, or parsley.
  
• Serve a breakfast feast. Pair your sausage patties with classic breakfast staples like scrambled eggs and toast. Or try them in a breakfast sandwich, with pancakes, or crumbled into an omelet.

How to Store

Keep your leftover patties fresh with these steps.

To Store: Store leftover sausage patties in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Ensure the container is sealed and the patties are completely cooled before storing.

To Freeze: Freeze uncooked patties by layering them between pieces of parchment paper. Store them in an air-tight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking.

To Reheat: Place the refrigerated patties in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute until warm. Or, reheat in an air fryer at 325°Fahrenheit for 3-5 minutes for a crispier texture.