Pork Sausage Patties
Juicy, savory homemade pork sausage patties seasoned with sage, thyme, and a hint of spice. Perfect for a hearty breakfast, ready in under 30 minutes and far superior to store-bought versions.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 12 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Combine Sausage Mixture
- b.In a large bowl, add the ground pork.
- c.Sprinkle the kosher salt, black pepper, dried sage, dried thyme, red pepper flakes, and brown sugar over the pork.
- d.Using clean hands or a fork, gently mix the seasonings into the meat until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the patties tender.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Test and Adjust Seasoning
- b.Pinch off a small piece of the sausage mixture and form a tiny patty.
- c.Cook it in a small, lightly oiled skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes per side until cooked through.
- d.Taste the test patty and adjust the seasonings in the main mixture if necessary. This step ensures your final batch is perfectly seasoned.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Form the Patties
- b.Divide the seasoned pork mixture into 8 equal portions (about 2 ounces or 57g each).
- c.Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten into a patty about 3 inches in diameter and 1/2-inch thick.
- d.For even cooking, press a slight indentation into the center of each patty with your thumb. This prevents them from puffing up into a ball shape while cooking.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook the Sausage Patties
- b.Heat the vegetable oil in a large cast-iron or non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- c.Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the patties in the skillet, leaving space between them. Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
- d.Cook for 4-6 minutes on the first side, until a deep golden-brown crust forms.
- e.Flip the patties and cook for another 4-5 minutes on the second side, or until cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
- f.For safety, ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) on a meat thermometer.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Drain and Serve
- b.Transfer the cooked patties to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease.
- c.Let them rest for a minute before serving.
- d.Serve hot with eggs, pancakes, or in a breakfast sandwich.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the juiciest patties, use ground pork with a fat content of 20-25%.
- 2Chill the meat mixture for 30 minutes before forming the patties. This makes it less sticky and easier to handle.
- 3Do not press down on the patties with a spatula while they are cooking, as this will squeeze out the flavorful juices and result in dry sausage.
- 4Use a cookie scoop or a kitchen scale to ensure all your patties are a uniform size for even cooking.
- 5The rendered fat in the pan is very flavorful. Use it to fry your eggs or potatoes for an extra savory breakfast.
Adapt it for your goals.
Maple Sage Sausage
Replace the brown sugar with 1 tablespoon of pure maple syrup for a classic sweet and savory flavor profile.
Spicy Fennel SausageSpicy Fennel Sausage
Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground fennel seed and increase the red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon for a flavor reminiscent of Italian sausage.
Apple & Herb SausageApple & Herb Sausage
Finely grate 1/4 of a Granny Smith apple and squeeze out the excess moisture. Mix it into the pork along with 1 tablespoon of fresh, chopped parsley for a touch of sweetness and freshness.
Leaner VersionLeaner Version
Substitute the ground pork with ground turkey or chicken. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil or melted butter to the mixture to help keep the leaner meat moist.
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 muscle tissue, which is vital for overall strength and metabolism.
Rich in B Vitamins
These sausage patties are a good source of B vitamins, particularly Thiamin (B1), Niacin (B3), and B6, which are crucial for converting food into energy and supporting brain function.
Provides Key Minerals
Pork provides essential minerals like selenium, a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from damage, and zinc, which is important for a healthy immune system.
Frequently asked questions
A serving of two homemade pork sausage patties (approximately 90g cooked) contains around 280-320 calories, depending on the fat content of the ground pork used.