Breakfast Sausage Links
Juicy, savory homemade pork sausage links seasoned with classic breakfast spices like sage, thyme, and a hint of maple syrup. Perfect for a hearty American breakfast, pan-fried to a beautiful golden brown.
For 6 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Sausage Mixture
- b.In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, maple syrup, salt, dried sage, black pepper, dried thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), and ground nutmeg.
- c.Using clean hands or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, gently mix the ingredients until they are just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent the sausages from becoming tough.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Chill the Mixture
- b.Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. This step allows the flavors to meld and makes the mixture easier to shape.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Shape the Sausage Links
- b.After chilling, divide the mixture into 12 equal portions, each weighing about 2 ounces (55g).
- c.Lightly moisten your hands with water to prevent sticking. Roll each portion between your palms or on a clean surface to form a link approximately 4 inches long and 3/4 inch thick.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook the Sausages
- b.Heat the vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat.
- c.Carefully place the sausage links in the hot pan, ensuring there is space between them. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- d.Cook for 12-15 minutes, turning the links every 2-3 minutes, until they are evenly browned on all sides and cooked through.
- e.To confirm they are done, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 160°F (71°C).
- 5
Step 5
- a.Drain and Serve
- b.Once cooked, transfer the sausages to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease.
- c.Serve immediately with your favorite breakfast foods like eggs, pancakes, or toast.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the juiciest sausages, use ground pork with at least 20% fat content.
- 2Don't overmix the meat mixture, as this can result in tough, dense sausages.
- 3Cook a small test patty first to check the seasoning. Adjust salt, pepper, or herbs to your liking before shaping all the links.
- 4To ensure they are cooked through without guessing, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature must be 160°F (71°C).
- 5These sausages are great for meal prep. Cook a full batch and store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- 6For freezing, you can freeze the uncooked links on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. They can be cooked directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Maple Sausage
Increase the red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon and add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
Apple Sage SausageApple Sage Sausage
Fold in 1/2 cup of finely diced apple (like a Granny Smith) into the pork mixture for a sweet and savory flavor combination.
Leaner Turkey SausageLeaner Turkey Sausage
Substitute the ground pork with ground turkey (dark meat works best for moisture). You may need to add an extra tablespoon of oil to the pan when cooking.
Sausage PattiesSausage Patties
Instead of links, form the mixture into 12 thin patties. They will cook slightly faster, in about 8-10 minutes.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Pork is a complete protein, providing all the essential amino acids necessary for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and promoting satiety.
Rich in B Vitamins
This recipe is a good source of several B vitamins, particularly Thiamin (B1) and Niacin (B3), which are crucial for energy metabolism and nervous system function.
Frequently asked questions
Each serving of two sausage links contains approximately 300-350 calories, depending on the fat content of the pork used.