Homemade pork sausage patties are a delicious and versatile addition to any breakfast or meal. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want to enjoy a satisfying meal, making your own sausage patties from scratch can be surprisingly easy and rewarding. You can control the ingredients, seasonings, and quality of the meat, ensuring a fresh and flavorful result. Plus, it’s a great way to customize the recipe to your taste.
In this article, we’ll guide you through how to make homemade pork sausage patties from scratch, including tips on seasoning, shaping, and cooking.
Ingredients for Homemade Pork Sausage Patties
To make your own sausage patties, you’ll need just a few basic ingredients:
- 1 pound ground pork – You can use pork shoulder or pork butt for the best flavor and juiciness. The fat content is essential for keeping the patties moist.
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs – This helps bind the mixture together. You can use regular breadcrumbs or make your own from stale bread.
- 1/4 cup milk – This adds moisture and tenderness to the sausages.
- 1 egg – Acts as a binder and helps hold the patties together.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances the overall flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – Adds a bit of heat and flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds a savory depth to the sausage.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder – For a subtle sweetness and depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) – Adds a bit of spice. Adjust based on your preference for heat.
- 1/2 teaspoon sage – Traditional in sausage, this herb adds an earthy, aromatic flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme – Complements the sage and gives the sausage a fragrant, savory profile.
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika – Adds a smoky flavor and rich color to the patties.
Instructions for Making Homemade Pork Sausage Patties
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, and egg. Mix until the ingredients are just combined. Be careful not to overwork the mixture, as this can make the patties tough.
- Season the Sausage: Add the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, sage, thyme, and paprika to the mixture. Use your hands or a spoon to thoroughly mix the seasonings into the pork. Taste the mixture (before cooking!) to adjust the seasonings to your liking. If you want more spice, you can add a bit more red pepper flakes, or a touch more garlic powder for extra depth.
- Form the Patties: Once the sausage mixture is well-seasoned, divide it into equal portions. You can make small, medium, or large patties, depending on your preference. A common size is to form patties that are about 1/4-inch thick and 3 inches wide, but you can adjust the size based on your needs. Roll the mixture into balls, then flatten them with your hands or a spatula into round patties.
- Cook the Patties: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a bit of oil (vegetable oil or olive oil works well). Once the pan is hot, carefully place the sausage patties in the pan. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan so they cook evenly. Cook the patties for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 160°F or 71°C). Depending on your stove and the thickness of your patties, you may need to adjust the cooking time.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the patties are cooked through and crispy on the outside, remove them from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve the homemade pork sausage patties with your favorite breakfast sides such as scrambled eggs, toast, pancakes, or hash browns. They also make a great addition to a breakfast sandwich, with a fried egg, cheese, and a toasted English muffin or biscuit.
Tips for Perfect Pork Sausage Patties
- Choose the right pork: The fat content in the pork is key to juicy and flavorful sausage patties. Pork shoulder or pork butt is ideal because it has the right balance of fat and lean meat. If you’re using leaner cuts, the sausages may be a bit dry.
- Don’t overwork the mixture: While mixing the pork, try not to overwork it. Overworking the meat can lead to tough patties. Gently mix the ingredients until just combined, and the sausage mixture will hold together better when cooking.
- Experiment with spices: The seasoning in homemade sausage is highly customizable. Feel free to experiment with other spices, such as fennel seeds, marjoram, or rosemary. Adjust the seasonings to match your personal taste.
- Use a thermometer: To ensure that the sausage is cooked through and safe to eat, use a meat thermometer. Pork sausage should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Make ahead and freeze: If you’re meal prepping, you can form the patties and freeze them before cooking. Place the uncooked patties on a baking sheet, freeze them until firm, and then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. When you’re ready to cook, simply thaw the patties in the refrigerator overnight and cook as usual.
Why Make Homemade Sausage Patties?
Making homemade pork sausage patties has a number of benefits. First, you have complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to choose higher-quality meats and tailor the flavor profile to your preferences. Additionally, homemade sausage can be free from artificial preservatives, added sugars, and excessive sodium, which are often found in store-bought varieties.
Finally, there’s a sense of satisfaction in making something from scratch. Homemade sausage patties are fresh, flavorful, and sure to impress anyone at the breakfast table. Whether you’re making a traditional breakfast spread or adding a special touch to a dinner, these homemade sausages are sure to be a hit.
Conclusion
Homemade pork sausage patties are a simple, delicious, and customizable recipe that can elevate any meal. With a handful of ingredients and some basic kitchen tools, you can enjoy fresh, flavorful sausage without any of the preservatives or mystery ingredients found in store-bought versions. Whether served as part of a hearty breakfast, on a sandwich, or as a side dish, these sausage patties are a tasty and satisfying treat. So, roll up your sleeves and get cooking—your homemade sausage patties await!