Homemade Breakfast Sausage: A Flavorful Start to Your Morning
Nothing beats the savory, juicy, and perfectly seasoned taste of homemade breakfast sausage. Whether you’re making a classic hearty breakfast, preparing brunch for a crowd, or simply craving better-than-store-bought sausage, this easy and delicious recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.
Unlike pre-packaged sausage, this homemade version is free from preservatives, artificial ingredients, and excess salt, allowing you to control the flavors and freshness. Plus, you can customize the seasoning to your taste, making it mild, spicy, herby, or even slightly sweet.
Let’s dive into how to make the best homemade breakfast sausage—one that’s perfectly seasoned, juicy, and restaurant-quality!
Why Make Homemade Breakfast Sausage?
✔️ Healthier Alternative – No preservatives, additives, or excessive sodium.
✔️ Customizable Flavor – Adjust the spice level and seasoning to your liking.
✔️ Freezer-Friendly – Make a big batch and store for quick breakfasts.
✔️ Juicy & Flavorful – Fresh ground meat mixed with the perfect blend of spices creates incredible taste.
✔️ Versatile – Serve it as patties, crumble it into gravy, breakfast burritos, or omelets.
Ingredients
This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly spices to create classic, flavorful breakfast sausage.
For the Sausage:
- 1 pound ground pork (or a mix of pork and beef)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried sage (for a classic breakfast sausage taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (adds a subtle smokiness)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar (balances the flavors)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional, for a hint of sweetness)
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (adds warmth and depth)
- 1 tablespoon cold water (helps keep the sausage moist)
Optional Add-ins for Extra Flavor:
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds (for a mild Italian sausage twist)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (adds umami depth)
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for extra heat)
How to Make Homemade Breakfast Sausage
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, add the ground pork and all the seasonings (salt, pepper, sage, thyme, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, brown sugar, and nutmeg).
- Pour in cold water and maple syrup/honey (if using).
- Use your hands or a spoon to gently mix until everything is well combined. Avoid over-mixing, as this can make the sausage dense.
Step 2: Shape the Sausage Patties
- Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and roll each portion into a ball.
- Flatten each ball into a round patty, about ½-inch thick.
- If you prefer crumbled sausage, simply store the mix as is and cook it loose instead of shaping patties.
Step 3: Cook the Sausage
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it with oil or butter.
- Cook the patties for 3–4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 160°F/71°C).
- Drain on a paper towel and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
These homemade breakfast sausages are incredibly versatile and pair well with many dishes:
🥚 With Eggs & Toast – A classic breakfast combination
🥞 With Pancakes or Waffles – Sweet and savory perfection
🍳 In Breakfast Burritos or Sandwiches – A protein-packed meal
🍲 Crumpled into Gravy – Perfect over biscuits
🥗 On the Side of a Light Salad – For a balanced meal
Make-Ahead & Freezing Instructions
One of the best parts about homemade breakfast sausage is that it’s easy to store:
- Fridge: Keep raw sausage patties in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Layer patties between parchment paper and store in a sealed bag for up to 3 months.
- To Cook from Frozen: Cook over medium-low heat, adding an extra 2 minutes per side.
Variations & Customizations
Want to mix things up? Try these delicious variations:
🌶️ Spicy Sausage – Add extra red pepper flakes or cayenne for heat.
🍯 Sweet Maple Sausage – Increase brown sugar and maple syrup for a sweeter profile.
🧄 Garlic & Herb Sausage – Add fresh minced garlic and chopped parsley for an herby taste.
🧀 Cheesy Sausage – Mix in grated cheddar or Parmesan for added richness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This homemade breakfast sausage recipe is everything you love about the classic breakfast favorite—but fresher, more flavorful, and completely customizable. No preservatives, no mystery ingredients—just simple, delicious sausage you can make from scratch.
Try this recipe once, and you may never go back to store-bought sausage again!