Breakfast Sausage Patties
A quick and satisfying homemade breakfast sausage recipe made with seasoned ground pork and pantry spices. Juicy, protein-packed, and easy to customize with other meats or heat levels. Ready in 20 minutes and freezer-friendly for make-ahead meals.
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.
