Easy Breakfast Sausage
Imagine waking up to this: savory sausage patties, spiked with garlic and herbs, and frizzled in a pan until golden brown. There’s even a touch of brown sugar, so they’re extra caramelized on the outside. And since they’re make-ahead friendly, you can have them any day of the week!
There’s so much flavor in these little patties! We start with ground pork and then jazz it up with Italian sausage (mild or hot), herbs, garlic, and brown sugar. The spices are the classic choice for sausage, and they elevate the ingredients in the Italian sausage. And remember you can choose mild or hot sausage, so you can prepare the patties to suit your tastes. You can also make these sausage patties with all ground pork (instead half pork, half Italian sausage). They’re amazing both ways.
Can you make these sausage patties in advance? Absolutely! Prepare the mixture as directed and shape into patties. Transfer the patties to a plate, cover with plastic and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When you’re ready enjoy them, simply pull the patties from the fridge and cook as directed! You can also freeze the patties (in an airtight container or freezer bag) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.
How do you know when your sausage patties are fully cooked? Use a meat thermometer. Sausage patties should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160 degrees. These patties cook in just minutes, so keep a meat thermometer handy; they will likely be ready after 3 to 4 minutes per side.
Easy Breakfast Sausage
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage, mild or hot, casings removed
- 3 cloves garlic, grated
- 1 teaspoon packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground sage
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or more/less to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Pinch of ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the pork, Italian sausage, garlic, brown sugar, paprika, sage, thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Mix well.
- Shape the mixture into 8 patties, about 2 1/2 to 3 inches in diameter. If you’re making these ahead, transfer the patties to a plate, cover with plastic, and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage patties and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through (160 degrees).
- Serve hot.