What are Breakfast Sausage Patties Made Of? A Deep Dive into This Popular Breakfast Staple

Breakfast sausage patties are a beloved breakfast staple in many households. Their savory, slightly sweet flavor profile makes them a tasty addition to classics like eggs, pancakes, and biscuits and gravy. But have you ever wondered exactly what goes into making these delicious patties? In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into breakfast sausage patties and uncover what they’re made of.

The Main Ingredients

The primary ingredient in breakfast sausage patties is ground pork Pork has just the right balance of fat to lean meat to give sausage patties their characteristic texture and juiciness when cooked. Ground pork also has a mild flavor that takes well to spices and seasonings

While ground pork is the most common, breakfast sausage can also be made from other ground meats like turkey, chicken, beef, or a mix. The seasonings are typically adjusted based on the particular meat used.

The Seasonings

While ground pork provides the base, herbs and spices give breakfast sausage patties their signature flavor profile Some of the most commonly used seasonings include

• Sage – This distinctive herb is a must for breakfast sausage. It has an earthy, slightly peppery flavor that gives the sausage a breakfast-y taste.

• Black pepper – A pinch of coarse ground black pepper adds a subtle heat and pop of flavor.

• Salt – Salt enhances and balances all the other seasonings.

• Dried thyme – Its woodsy, faintly lemon notes pair nicely with sage.

• Crushed red pepper flakes – These add a touch of heat to balance the sweetness.

• Nutmeg – This warm, slightly sweet spice complements the other flavors.

• Garlic powder – Its savory, aromatic quality makes everything better.

• Brown sugar – A bit of brown sugar or maple syrup brings sweetness.

• Chili powder – Some recipes also include a dash of this for a hint of chili flavor.

The Fats

In addition to ground pork and seasonings, breakfast sausage patties need some added fat. The extra fat keeps the patties juicy and tender. Options for added fats include:

• Butter – Melted butter helps bind the patties and provides richness.

• Heavy cream – Adds moisture and a velvety texture.

• Oil – A neutral oil like canola prevents sticking.

Binders and Extenders

Breakfast sausage patties need a binder to help hold them together. Binders commonly used include:

• Breadcrumbs or panko – Helps achieve the characteristic texture.

• Eggs – The protein in eggs binds while adding moisture and structure.

• Milk – Adds moisture and emulsifies the fat.

Non-meat extenders are also sometimes used to stretch the pork and make it more budget-friendly:

• Rice – Finely ground rice extends without compromising texture.

• Rolled oats – Another inexpensive extender with a neutral flavor.

The Best Sausage Patties Start with Quality Pork

When making breakfast sausage at home, be sure to use high-quality, fresh ground pork for the best flavor and texture. Avoid pre-ground pork which can be dry and lack flavor depth. Grinding your own meat gives you control over the fat-to-lean ratio and grind size.

For optimal juiciness, use pork shoulder or butt which has about a 20% fat content. Leaner loin cuts make the patties dense. Coarsely ground pork provides the most authentic, old-fashioned texture.

Homemade vs Store-Bought Breakfast Sausage

One of the biggest benefits of homemade breakfast sausage patties is control over the ingredients and flavors. Store-bought patties often contain preservatives, fillers, and artificial flavors. With homemade, you can customize the blend of seasonings and use high-quality ingredients.

Homemade sausage tends to have a fresher, porkier flavor compared to commercial versions which can taste overly processed. You can adjust spice levels to suit your tastes. Making your own also allows you to form patties to your preferred size.

On the other hand, store-bought breakfast sausage is undeniably convenient. High quality store-bought patties can still be quite tasty. So homemade versus store-bought comes down to your preferences and how much time you have.

Cooking Methods for Breakfast Sausage

You have a few different options when it comes to cooking breakfast sausage patties:

Pan-frying – This traditional method involves frying the patties in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through. Use a small amount of neutral oil to prevent sticking. Turn the patties once during cooking.

Baking – For a lower fat option, bake the patties in the oven at 375°F on a parchment lined baking sheet for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.

Grilling – Cooks the patties evenly while adding delicious char. Oil the grates first to prevent sticking.

Microwaving – Not ideal for texture but works in a pinch. Microwave on a paper towel lined plate for 2-3 minutes total, flipping halfway.

Cook breakfast sausage patties until the center registers 160°F on a meat thermometer. They will firm up upon standing.

Serving Suggestions for Breakfast Sausage

The possibilities for enjoying breakfast sausage patties are endless! Here are a few tasty ways to serve them:

• Sandwiched in a breakfast biscuit or English muffin

• Topped with fried eggs for a protein packed breakfast

• Chopped up in a breakfast hash or casserole

• Alongside pancakes or waffles for savory contrast

• Rolled up in a breakfast burrito or sandwich

• Baked into a quiche, frittata, or stratta

• Added to baked beans, soups, or pasta for a flavor boost

• Served slider style on mini buns for an appetizer

• Crumble into stuffing or corn bread dressing

So now you know precisely what goes into making those tasty breakfast sausage patties that pair so perfectly with all your morning favorites. With quality pork, classic seasonings, and your preferred cooking method, you can enjoy homemade sausage patties that beat any store-bought version. Give it a try and taste the difference!