Homemade Pork Sausage Patties

These classic homemade pork sausage patties are the perfect blend of juicy, savory, and herbaceous flavors, making them a delicious addition to any breakfast or brunch plate. Their golden-brown crust and tender interior create a comforting and satisfying bite every time.

Making your own sausage patties means you can control the seasoning and quality of ingredients, resulting in a fresher, more flavorful alternative to store-bought options. Whether served alongside eggs, pancakes, or tucked into a breakfast sandwich, these patties are a simple yet indulgent way to start your day with homemade goodness.

Full Recipe:

• 500g (1.1 lbs) ground pork (preferably 20% fat)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1 teaspoon dried sage

• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed

• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon cold water

• 1 teaspoon olive oil or vegetable oil (for frying)

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine ground pork with salt, pepper, sage, thyme, rosemary, nutmeg, garlic powder, and brown sugar. Mix well until the spices are evenly distributed throughout the meat.

2. Add cold water and mix again. This helps bind the mixture and keep the patties juicy.

3. Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions. Shape each portion into a round, flat patty about 1/2 inch thick.

4. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the patties, leaving space between each.

5. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until nicely browned and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F/71°C). Avoid pressing down on patties to retain juices.

6. Remove from pan and rest for a few minutes before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 220 kcal per patty | Servings: 4 (2 patties per serving)

Introduction to Homemade Pork Sausage Patties

Homemade pork sausage patties are a timeless breakfast favorite that combines simple ingredients with rich, comforting flavors. Unlike store-bought sausages that often contain preservatives and artificial fillers, making sausage patties from scratch allows you to control exactly what goes into your food. The result is a fresh, juicy patty that bursts with the aroma of herbs and spices. These patties have a rustic charm and a satisfying texture, making them a beloved addition not only to breakfast plates but also to sandwiches, brunch spreads, and even casual dinners.

Why Choose Homemade Over Store-Bought?

One of the biggest advantages of making pork sausage patties at home is the freedom to customize the seasoning and fat content. Many commercial sausages are high in additives, sodium, and sometimes questionable fats. When you prepare your own patties, you can choose quality ground pork with just the right amount of fat for moisture and flavor. You can also season to your personal preference, adding herbs, spices, or even a hint of sweetness with brown sugar or maple syrup. This means healthier, tastier sausage patties without unwanted chemicals or preservatives.

Moreover, homemade patties cook up juicier and fresher, with a texture that is tender yet satisfying. The balance between the fat and lean meat plays a critical role in this. Using ground pork with about 20% fat ensures that the patties remain moist and flavorful, avoiding dryness that can happen with leaner cuts.

The Perfect Blend of Herbs and Spices

The secret to outstanding homemade pork sausage patties lies in the seasoning. Traditional recipes rely heavily on dried herbs like sage, thyme, and rosemary, which impart an earthy, aromatic flavor that complements the pork beautifully. Sage, in particular, is iconic in sausage making, offering a slightly peppery, savory note that balances the richness of the meat.

Adding subtle nutmeg and garlic powder introduces warmth and depth, while a touch of brown sugar enhances the overall profile with a gentle sweetness. This balance of savory, herbal, and sweet creates a complex flavor that is familiar and comforting, yet nuanced enough to make your homemade patties stand out.

Techniques for Juicy and Tender Patties

Achieving the perfect sausage patty isn’t just about the ingredients; technique matters too. When mixing the pork and seasonings, it’s important to blend everything evenly but avoid overworking the meat, which can lead to dense patties. Adding a small amount of cold water during mixing helps bind the ingredients and keeps the patties moist during cooking.

Shaping the patties evenly ensures they cook at the same rate, preventing some pieces from drying out while others remain undercooked. When frying, use medium heat to develop a golden crust without burning the outside before the inside is cooked. Avoid pressing the patties down with your spatula as this squeezes out juices and dries the meat.

Resting the cooked patties for a few minutes before serving allows the juices to redistribute inside, making every bite juicy and tender.

Versatility in Serving Options

Homemade pork sausage patties are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. The classic breakfast plate pairing is eggs, toast, and perhaps some crispy hash browns or sautéed greens. These patties also shine in breakfast sandwiches, layered with melted cheese, fresh tomato slices, and a smear of mustard or aioli on a toasted bun or English muffin.

For brunch or even casual dinners, serve the patties alongside roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a hearty, satisfying meal. Their rich flavor pairs well with both sweet and savory sides, making them adaptable to different meal themes.

You can even experiment by incorporating the sausage patties into recipes like sausage pasta, casseroles, or crumbled into savory pies and quiches.

Tips for Customizing Your Sausage Patties

One of the joys of homemade sausage is the ability to tailor it to your taste preferences. You can vary the herbs — for example, adding marjoram or fennel seeds to give an Italian twist, or a pinch of cayenne for some heat. For those who prefer a sweeter note, a little maple syrup or honey can be mixed into the patties.

If you want to keep the patties leaner, try mixing in some finely grated apple or grated zucchini for moisture without extra fat. For a smoky flavor, a small amount of smoked paprika or chipotle powder can be added.

Those on low-sodium diets can reduce the salt and amplify herbs and spices to maintain flavor. And if you’re adventurous, try swapping pork for ground chicken or turkey, adjusting fat and seasonings accordingly.

Health Benefits and Considerations

While pork sausage is often seen as indulgent, homemade patties can fit into a balanced diet when prepared thoughtfully. Using quality ground pork with moderate fat content helps provide essential nutrients like protein, B vitamins, and zinc. The herbs included not only add flavor but also offer antioxidant properties.

By controlling the amount of salt and avoiding processed additives, homemade patties can be a healthier choice compared to many commercial products. Pairing sausage patties with fresh vegetables and whole grains helps create a nutrient-dense meal.

Storing and Freezing Tips

Homemade pork sausage patties are also convenient for meal prep. You can make a batch ahead of time and store the raw patties in the fridge for up to two days before cooking. For longer storage, shape the patties, freeze them on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They keep well frozen for up to three months.

When ready to use, thaw patties overnight in the refrigerator and cook as usual. This makes it easy to enjoy fresh homemade sausage on busy mornings or whenever the craving strikes.

Conclusion

Homemade pork sausage patties are a delicious and rewarding kitchen project that elevates the simple breakfast sausage to a whole new level of flavor and freshness. With just a handful of basic ingredients and simple techniques, you can create juicy, aromatic patties packed with savory herbs and spices. The freedom to customize seasoning and control quality makes this an ideal recipe for anyone who appreciates wholesome, homemade cooking.

Whether you serve them alongside eggs and toast, in a hearty sandwich, or as part of a comforting dinner, these patties bring warmth and satisfaction to any meal. Plus, they freeze beautifully, offering convenience without compromising taste. Embrace this classic recipe and experience the unmatched satisfaction of homemade pork sausage patties that are truly made to your liking.