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These homemade sausage patties are a flavorful and protein-rich alternative to store-bought options—perfect for elevating your everyday breakfast.
Ready in just 20 minutes, they’re quick enough for busy mornings and ideal for meal prep.
Made with simple pantry spices and lean ground pork, the patties boast bold flavor from smoked paprika, garlic powder, and thyme, while olive oil keeps them juicy without excess grease.
Each serving delivers 20 grams of protein with just 1 gram of carbs, making them low-carb, gluten-free, and keto-friendly.
You can easily substitute with ground chicken or turkey for a lower saturated fat option.
These patties are freezer-friendly and reheat beautifully, making them a satisfying staple for nutritious breakfasts or protein-packed snacks.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Lodge 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet
Perfect for evenly browning the patties while retaining heat beautifully. A reliable cast iron skillet creates that irresistible sear and lasts a lifetime with proper care—essential for high-heat cooking.
ThermoPro Digital Meat Thermometer
Accurate temperature control is key when cooking pork. This instant-read thermometer ensures your patties reach a safe internal temp of 165°F without overcooking, making it invaluable for meats of all kinds.
OXO Good Grips Mixing Bowl (3-Quart)
Ideal for combining pork and seasonings evenly. The non-slip base and wide grip make it practical for all kinds of mixing—perfect for batters, doughs, and more.
Cuisinart Flexible Cutting Mat Set
Great for shaping and pressing the sausage balls into patties with less mess. These mats are color-coded, flexible, and dishwasher-safe, making prep cleaner and safer.
Tovolo Burger Press
Want perfectly uniform patties? This tool helps you flatten sausage balls to consistent ½-inch thickness, ensuring even cooking. Also ideal for burgers and veggie patties.

Breakfast Sausage Patties
Equipment
- 1 Mixing Bowl (Medium) – for combining ingredients
- 1 Large Nonstick or Cast Iron Skillet (12-inch) – for searing patties
- 1 Spatula or Tongs – for flipping patties
- 1 Digital Meat Thermometer – for checking doneness
- 1 Spoon or Hands – for forming meatballs/patties
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground pork preferably 85% lean for best texture and juiciness
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt use Diamond Crystal or ½ tsp of any other brand
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Mix the Seasoned Meat Blend: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, place the ground pork. Add the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, thyme, and cayenne. Using clean hands or a spoon, mix until the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the pork—but don’t overmix to avoid tough patties.
- Shape the Sausage Patties: Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and roll each into a ball (about 2 ounces each). Flatten each ball gently into a patty, roughly ½ inch thick. For best results, press your thumb into the center of each patty to create a shallow indent—this helps the patties cook evenly and maintain their shape.
- Heat the Skillet Properly: Place a large 12-inch nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Let it heat for 1–2 minutes, then add the olive oil and swirl to coat the surface evenly.
- Cook the Sausage Patties: Add the patties to the hot skillet in a single layer (you may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding). Cook for about 2–3 minutes per side or until browned and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F—use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Serve and Enjoy Warm: Once cooked, transfer the patties to a plate lined with paper towels. Serve them hot as part of your breakfast spread or wrap them up for meal prep!
Notes
- Meat Options: While pork delivers a classic breakfast sausage taste, you can swap it with ground turkey, chicken, or beef if desired. Chicken and turkey provide a leaner alternative with less saturated fat.
- Make-Ahead Tip: These patties are great for meal prep. Store cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave at 50% power or warm in a skillet.
- Freezer Friendly: After cooking and cooling, freeze patties in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer to a bag or container. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- Flavor Boost: Feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs and spices. Fennel seeds, crushed red pepper flakes, or a touch of maple syrup can be added for variety.
- Patty Size Tip: The patties will shrink slightly as they cook, so press them out a bit wider than the final size you want.
Chef’s Secrets for Perfect Patties
Crafting the perfect homemade sausage patties comes down to a few key techniques.
First, avoid overmixing the pork mixture—blend just until the spices are evenly incorporated to maintain a tender, juicy texture.
When shaping the patties, creating a shallow dimple in the center of each one helps them cook evenly and prevents puffing up in the skillet.
For best browning, use a hot skillet and don’t crowd the pan—this allows the patties to sear properly without steaming.
Lastly, always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; 165°F ensures they’re fully cooked without being dry.
These small steps make a big difference in both flavor and texture.
Serving Ideas for Any Occasion
These sausage patties are wonderfully versatile and fit into many meal routines.
Serve them alongside scrambled eggs and avocado for a balanced low-carb breakfast, or tuck them into a breakfast sandwich with a fried egg and cheddar cheese on an English muffin.
You can also slice them into bite-sized pieces and add them to breakfast burritos, wraps, or bowls for easy meal prep.
For a lighter option, serve with sautéed spinach or a fresh fruit salad.
Whether it’s a weekend brunch or a weekday rush, these patties bring satisfying flavor with minimal fuss.
Storage Tips and Freezer Advice
To store leftovers, let the cooked patties cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container.
They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, these sausage patties freeze beautifully.
Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
Use parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
When ready to eat, reheat in the microwave at 50% power or warm them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
They’re ideal for prepping ahead for the week or stashing in the freezer for busy mornings.
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely. While ground pork gives a classic breakfast sausage flavor, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or beef. Just note that leaner meats like turkey and chicken may require a bit more oil or an egg yolk to keep them moist.
2. How do I keep the patties from shrinking too much?
Patties naturally shrink slightly as they cook. To minimize this, shape them slightly wider than your desired size and press a small dimple into the center of each one. Cooking over medium-high heat also helps seal in shape quickly.
3. What can I add for extra flavor?
For a personalized touch, try adding fennel seeds, crushed red pepper, a dash of maple syrup, or even chopped fresh herbs like sage or rosemary. These additions give a gourmet twist to your homemade sausage.
4. Can these be made ahead of time?
Yes, these patties are perfect for meal prep. You can form the patties in advance and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. You can also cook them, then refrigerate or freeze for later use.
5. Do I need a nonstick skillet?
A nonstick or well-seasoned cast iron skillet is best to prevent sticking and to develop that beautiful golden crust. Stainless steel skillets may work but require more oil and careful heat control to avoid sticking.
This recipe is inspired by healthyrecipesblogs and has been carefully refined to enhance clarity, streamline preparation steps, and ensure accurate results. We’ve also included health benefits, nutritional highlights, and Must-Have Tools to help you get the best results every time you cook.