Wake up your taste buds with the irresistible aroma of freshly ground breakfast sausage that will transform your morning routine into a culinary delight! This homemade recipe not only guarantees the perfect blend of savory spices and rich pork flavor, but it also allows you to customize your sausage to your liking. Imagine sinking your teeth into a juicy, golden-brown patty, bursting with flavor and made right in your kitchen. Whether you're an experienced cook or just starting out, this simple yet delicious recipe will have you craving breakfast all day long. Dive into our guide and discover how to create the ultimate breakfast treat that will impress your family and friends!
Ingredients
- 1 pound pork shoulder, ground
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sage
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional)
Instructions
- If you haven't already, grind the pork shoulder using a meat grinder with a medium die, ensuring the meat is cold but not frozen. This helps maintain texture and prevents smearing of fat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork with salt, black pepper, sage, thyme, and cayenne pepper. If using, add maple syrup for a subtle sweetness.
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly by hand, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed throughout the meat. Be careful not to overwork the mixture, which can make the sausage tough.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the meat to firm up slightly.
- Divide the meat mixture into 8 equal portions and shape into patties approximately 1/2 inch thick, creating a slight indentation in the center to prevent bulging during cooking.
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan over medium heat. Do not add oil, as the sausage will release its own fat.
- Cook the sausage patties for about 5-6 minutes on the first side, or until a golden-brown crust forms and the bottom is crispy.
- Flip the patties and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for food safety.
- Transfer the cooked sausage patties to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot alongside eggs, toast, or as part of a traditional American breakfast spread.
Tips
- Keep It Cold: When grinding the pork shoulder, ensure the meat is cold but not frozen. This helps maintain the ideal texture and prevents the fat from smearing, resulting in a perfectly juicy sausage.
- Mix with Care: When combining the spices with the ground pork, mix by hand gently to avoid overworking the meat. Overmixing can lead to tough sausage, so be mindful to keep it tender.
- Chill for Flavor: Allowing the sausage mixture to rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes not only melds the flavors but also firms up the meat, making it easier to shape into patties.
- Cooking Technique: Use a cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan without added oil. The sausage will release its own fat, creating a crispy crust while cooking.
- Perfect Patty Shape: When forming the patties, create a slight indentation in the center. This helps prevent bulging during cooking, ensuring even cooking and a beautiful presentation.
- Check Temperature: Always ensure your sausage reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for food safety. A meat thermometer is a handy tool to guarantee perfect results.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the cooked sausage patties rest for a few minutes on a paper towel-lined plate. This allows excess fat to drain and helps the flavors settle, enhancing the overall taste.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 80mg
