Wake up to the smell of sizzling, juicy sausage links that instantly make any morning feel special. Whether you’re layering it into a biscuit sandwich or enjoying it alongside fluffy scrambled eggs, the right breakfast sausage can transform a simple breakfast into a satisfying feast.

This best breakfast sausage recipe is homemade, full of flavor, and easy to prepare. You get to control the seasonings and ingredients, leaving out all the preservatives and mystery fillers that come with store-bought versions. Plus, once you taste the savory balance of herbs and spice, you’ll be hooked on making your own batch every weekend.

Why You’ll Love This Best Breakfast Sausage

Making your own sausage may sound like a project, but this one requires no casing, no grinder, and no fuss. Everything mixes up in one bowl and cooks in under 10 minutes. You can make it ahead of time, freeze it, and cook fresh sausage patties whenever the craving hits.

The taste is unbeatable. With a gentle sweetness from maple syrup and a kick of black pepper and sage, each bite is bursting with comforting, nostalgic breakfast flavors. This recipe also works well for keto or low-carb meals with a few simple adjustments.

Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead?

Absolutely! While pork is the traditional meat for breakfast sausage, you can easily substitute with ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner version. If doing so, be sure to add a bit more fat, such as olive oil or a touch of butter, to prevent the sausage from drying out. Ground turkey thigh meat is best if you want to keep the flavor rich and moist.

Ingredients for the Best Breakfast Sausage

Name: Best Breakfast Sausage
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground pork; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 tsp dried sage; ½ tsp dried thyme; ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1 tbsp maple syrup; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp onion powder

A few key ingredients are all you need to get the flavor just right. The beauty of this recipe is that you can tweak the spices based on your preference. Want it spicier? Add crushed red pepper. Want it sweeter? A touch more maple syrup does the trick.

Ground pork
Salt
Black pepper
Dried sage
Dried thyme
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Maple syrup
Garlic powder
Onion powder

Each of these ingredients brings balance. Ground pork provides that rich, juicy texture. Salt and black pepper are the essential seasoning base. Sage and thyme add that classic herbaceous breakfast sausage flavor, while garlic and onion powder deepen the overall savoriness. A touch of maple syrup adds a subtle sweetness that makes the sausage pop.

How To Make the Best Breakfast Sausage

Step 1: Mix the Seasonings

In a large mixing bowl, add the salt, pepper, sage, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper (if using), and maple syrup. Give everything a good stir so the flavors distribute evenly.

Step 2: Add the Pork

Add the ground pork to the bowl and use your hands or a spoon to combine everything. Don’t overmix—just enough to get the spices well incorporated throughout the meat.

Step 3: Shape into Patties

Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the sausage mixture and form into round patties. Flatten slightly so they cook evenly. You should get around 10 to 12 patties.

Step 4: Cook the Sausage

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a bit of oil if your pork is very lean. Cook the patties in batches for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through. They should reach an internal temperature of 160°F.

Step 5: Serve Hot

Let the patties rest a minute or two before serving. Enjoy them with eggs, pancakes, toast, or in a breakfast sandwich.

How to Serve and Store the Best Breakfast Sausage

These sausage patties are perfect for a weekend brunch spread or a quick weekday breakfast. This recipe feeds about 4 people, giving everyone a generous serving.

Once cooked, the patties can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the raw patties by laying them flat between sheets of parchment paper. Just thaw overnight and cook as needed. Reheating is simple—a few minutes in the skillet or microwave does the job.