Simple Homemade Breakfast Sausage Patties

1. Combine the ingredients:

   Mix together the pork, garlic, sage, thyme, fennel, nutmeg, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Add the egg white and combine thoroughly. Cover and chill for at least 15 minutes.

2. Form the patties:

   To easily form the sausage patties, rinse your hands in cold water. Divide the mixture into eighths and shape each portion into a 2 1/2-inch disk.

   Patties can be made to this point and refrigerated or frozen until ready to use.

3. Cook the patties:

   Heat a skillet over high heat, and then swirl in the oil. Fry the sausages on both sides until completely cooked through and golden brown, about 4 minutes per side.

4. Serve:

   Drain and serve immediately with pancakes, waffles or eggs.

Storing, Freezing, and Reheating Sausage Patties

In the refrigerator, raw sausage patties can be stored for up to two days; cooked sausage patties will keep for up to four days.

In the freezer, raw or cooked sausage patties will keep for up to three months. Raw patties can be cooked directly from frozen; just allow them to cook for approximately one to two additional minutes per side.

Wrap cooked sausage patties individually in plastic wrap and then seal in a zip-top bag before freezing. Frozen cooked patties can be reheated in the microwave for about 30 seconds on high, or in a skillet on medium heat four to five minutes on each side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need to use oil to cook sausage patties?

The amount of oil needed to cook sausage patties depends on the fat content of the meat you used. Ground pork with a higher percentage of fat may need little or no oil in the pan. But lean ground pork, as well as ground turkey and chicken, will need a more generous amount of oil in the pan to prevent burning and sticking.

Why do my sausage patties fall apart?

Sausage patties may fall apart if the raw mixture gets too warm before you cook it. The mixture contains both fat and water, which remain emulsified as long as it stays cold, but can begin to separate if it warms up before it’s cooked. If your patties seem to be falling apart, chill them in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to firm up before cooking.  

Can sausage patties be pink in the center and still be cooked through?

Sausage may appear pink in the middle even when fully cooked. As long as it reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees F, it is safe to eat.

Ways to Use Breakfast Sausage:

We love sausage patties on our breakfast tables, served with eggs and toast or tucked into a breakfast sandwich. But there are so many other ways to use homemade sausage at breakfast, lunch, dinner, and anywhere in between. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

For Breakfast and Brunch:

• Sausage Breakfast Casserole with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
• Scrambled-Egg and Sausage Pocket Pastries
• Sausage-Potato Quiche
• Southern Fried Eggs Over Buttermilk Biscuits with Sausage Gravy
  

In Pizza and Pasta:

• Sausage, Mozzarella, and Broccoli Rabe with Shells
• Sausage, Chard, and Lemon Lasagna
• Rigatoni with Sausage and Fennel
• Sausage and Spinach Alfredo
• Sausage and Broccoli Pizza with Pepperoncini Sauce
• Sausage and Olives Pizza

As Snacks and Appetizers:

• Kale-and-Sausage Hand Pies
• Sausage-Cheddar Balls
• Spicy Sausage, Bean, and Cheese Nachos