Easy Homemade Breakfast Sausage: Flavorful, Healthy & Freezer-Friendly
There’s a unique satisfaction that comes from preparing food yourself, knowing precisely what goes into every bite. This isn’t just about culinary pride; it’s about control over the ingredients we consume and serve to our loved ones. This Easy Homemade Breakfast Sausage recipe perfectly embodies that philosophy, offering a delicious, healthier alternative to store-bought options.
Inspired by culinary experts like those at Cooking Light, this recipe demonstrates how a thoughtful combination of ingredients can elevate a simple dish. As they wisely note, “a little ground pork gives ground turkey extra richness, dark maple syrup lends a touch of breakfast-y sweetness, and fresh herbs brighten the mix.” The result is a breakfast sausage that’s not only bursting with flavor but also significantly lower in saturated fat and sodium compared to many packaged varieties you’d find on supermarket shelves.
In less than 30 minutes, you can combine a few fresh ingredients to create a generous batch of these savory patties. What’s even better? They’re incredibly freezer-friendly, making them an ideal choice for convenient meal prep. Imagine waking up to a wholesome, homemade breakfast without the morning rush!
Making your own breakfast sausage allows for unparalleled customization. You can adjust the seasoning to your liking, experimenting with different herbs or spices. This recipe provides a fantastic foundation for a flavorful sausage that tastes far superior to anything pre-packaged, giving you peace of mind about what you’re eating.
Crafting Your Perfect Breakfast Sausage Patties
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a few steps, you’ll have delicious, healthy breakfast sausage ready to cook or freeze.
- Begin by gently combining all ingredients except the oil in a large bowl. The key here is “gently” – overmixing can lead to tougher sausage, so mix just until everything is blended.
- Next, shape the mixture into 16 uniform patties, each with a diameter of about 3 1/2 inches. For best results and even cooking, aim for each patty to weigh approximately 2 ounces. Using a kitchen scale can help ensure consistency.
- Achieving uniform patties not only ensures they cook evenly but also makes for a more appealing presentation. A simple trick is to divide the meat mixture into four equal portions, then divide each portion into four smaller, equal parts, shaping each into a patty.
The Power of Fresh Herbs
- Using fresh herbs is absolutely crucial for this recipe. They impart a vibrant, aromatic flavor that dried herbs simply cannot replicate. The combination of fresh thyme and sage in this sausage is what truly gives it that signature breakfast taste.
- Chopping these fresh herbs is arguably the most “labor-intensive” part of the entire process, but even that is quick and easy. A good sharp knife or a herb chopper will make quick work of it. The effort is minimal, and the flavor payoff is immense, making it entirely worth it.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with other fresh herbs too! A touch of fresh rosemary or finely chopped chives could also add wonderful dimensions to your homemade breakfast sausage.
Cooking Your Breakfast Sausage Patties to Golden Perfection
- Heat 2 teaspoons of refined coconut oil (or your preferred neutral oil) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The right temperature is key for achieving that beautiful caramelized crust.
- Add 4 patties to the hot pan, ensuring not to overcrowd the skillet. Overcrowding can lower the pan temperature, preventing proper browning.
- Cook for 2 1/2 minutes on each side, or until they are thoroughly cooked through and boast a lovely caramelized exterior. The maple syrup in the mixture will help create this desirable golden-brown finish.
- Repeat this process three more times with the remaining oil and patties. Cooking in batches ensures each patty gets the perfect sear and cooks evenly. For a large batch like this, a non-stick skillet or a well-seasoned cast iron pan works wonders.
Freezing for Future Feasts: Your Smart Meal Prep Solution
This recipe yields 16 generous sausage patties, providing a substantial supply of delicious breakfast goodness. The best part? These homemade breakfast sausages freeze exceptionally well, making them an excellent choice for meal prepping. Having a stash of these in your freezer means you’re always just minutes away from a wholesome, satisfying breakfast or even a quick, protein-packed snack.
To freeze them effectively, first shape them into patties as directed. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flash freeze for about 30-60 minutes until firm. Once frozen solid, transfer the patties to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This method ensures they don’t clump together and allows you to grab just the amount you need. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply cook them from frozen (adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time) or thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
Enjoy This Easy Homemade Breakfast Sausage Any Time of Day!
While these flavorful patties are an obvious choice for breakfast, their savory taste and hint of sweetness make them incredibly versatile. Don’t limit yourself to just morning meals!
For a wholesome and satisfying dinner, pair these sausages with some vibrant snow peas and fluffy brown rice, as suggested. Or, embrace the joy of “breakfast for dinner” by serving them alongside your favorite fluffy pancakes or crispy waffles. Imagine a cozy evening with a stack of maple-drizzled pancakes, a side of perfectly cooked homemade sausage, and perhaps some scrambled eggs – truly a meal to savor.
These patties are also fantastic additions to other dishes. Crumble them into a breakfast scramble or frittata, use them in a breakfast sandwich with a fried egg and cheese, or even incorporate them into a savory brunch casserole. Their rich flavor profile allows them to shine in many culinary applications, proving that homemade goodness knows no bounds. Their balanced flavor makes them a hit with both kids and adults, easily becoming a family favorite.
Easy Homemade Breakfast Sausage
Adapted from Cooking Light
A blend of ground pork & turkey is enhanced with dark maple syrup & fresh herbs for a healthier, more flavorful version of breakfast sausage. These freezer-friendly patties are perfect for quick breakfasts and meal prep.
Ingredients
-
1/4
cup
dark maple syrup -
1
tablespoon
chopped fresh thyme leaves -
1
tablespoon
chopped fresh sage leaves -
1 1/2
teaspoon
kosher salt -
3/4
teaspoon
freshly ground black pepper -
2
garlic cloves, minced -
1
pound
ground turkey -
1
pound
ground pork -
8
teaspoons
refined coconut oil, divided
(or any neutral oil)
Instructions
-
Gently combine all ingredients except oil in a large bowl just until blended. Shape mixture into 16 (3 1/2-inch) patties (about 2 ounces per patty).
-
Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add 4 patties to pan; cook 2 1/2 minutes on each side until cooked through and caramelized. Repeat procedure 3 times with remaining oil and remaining patties.
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