How to Cook Perfect Sausage Patties on the Stove Every Time

Sausage patties are a classic breakfast food that also make a delicious and easy dinner. When cooked right, sausage patties on the stove can be juicy, flavorful and have just the right amount of browning. The keys are using quality sausage, proper technique, and monitoring temperature.

Follow this complete guide to learn how to cook sausage patties on the stovetop to perfection

Benefits of Cooking Sausage Patties on the Stove

There are a few advantages to cooking sausage patties in a skillet on the stove instead of other methods:

Direct heat from the skillet gives you better control over browning. Oven baking can lead to drying out.
It’s quick and convenient. Stovetop cooking takes just 10-15 minutes start to finish.
You can cook to the ideal internal temperature for safety and juiciness
Adds nice fond to the skillet for making gravy.
Easy to flip and turn patties for even cooking. Difficult in crowded oven.
Requires only a skillet No special pans or equipment needed,

Overall, the stovetop allows you to achieve tasty browned exterior and moist interior in sausage patties.

Tips for Cooking Sausage Patties on the Stove

Follow these helpful tips for successfully cooking sausage patties on the stove:

Use 80% lean ground sausage. Higher fat content keeps patties tender and adds flavor.
Shape patties evenly. Use a scale or scoop to portion same size. Round and 3/4-inch thick is ideal.
Preheat skillet properly. Heat on medium 3-5 minutes before adding patties.
Don’t crowd skillet. Cook in batches if needed to prevent steaming.
Cook on medium heat. Higher heat risks burning. Lower won’t brown enough.
Flip once. Cook about 4 minutes per side. Frequently turning can dry them out.
Use meat thermometer. Cook until 160°F internal temperature.
Let rest 2 minutes. Allows juices to redistribute after cooking.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Sausage Patties

Follow these simple steps for perfect sausage patties cooked on the stovetop:

Prep the Patties

Take sausage meat from packaging and divide into equal portions. 4 oz. or 1/2 cup is a good size.
Shape sausage firmly into rounds approximately 3/4 inch thick. Make patties uniform for even cooking.
Place shaped patties on a plate or baking sheet until ready to cook.

Sear the Sausage

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes.
Add a teaspoon of oil or butter to coat the pan.
Carefully place patties in the hot skillet without overcrowding. You may need to work in batches.
Cook patties for 3-4 minutes until nicely browned.
Carefully flip patties with a thin spatula and cook second side 3-4 minutes.

Finish and Serve

Use an instant-read thermometer to check temperature. Continue cooking until 160°F internally.
Transfer patties to a paper towel lined plate. Let rest 1-2 minutes before serving.
Enjoy sausage patties right away while still warm and juicy!

And that’s all there is to it. With this simple stovetop method, you’ll have tender, flavorful homemade sausage patties cooked to perfection.

Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking Sausage Patties

It’s easy to mess up sausage patties on the stove if you aren’t careful. Avoid these common mistakes:

Skipping preheating skillet – leads to fatty patties that stick
Cooking on too high heat – can make sausage tough and dry
Moving patties too much – prevents browning and drying out
Not using thermometer – results in undercooked or overcooked patties
Letting patties touch – causes them to stick together
Adding too much oil – can make greasy sausage rather than nicely browned

Simply being aware of these pitfalls will help you adjust your technique to turn out great patties every time.

Sausage Patty Recipe Ideas

Plain sausage patties are delicious, but you can also get creative with flavors. Consider mixing in or topping with:

Minced garlic and onion
Grated parmesan cheese
Chopped herbs like sage, rosemary or thyme
Spices like cumin, chili powder or cayenne
Diced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese (spicy sausage!)
Maple syrup or brown sugar (for breakfast sausage)
Caramelized onions
Sautéed peppers and mushrooms

Let your imagination run wild creating your own signature sausage patty recipes. The basic stovetop cooking method remains the same.

Serving Suggestions for Sausage Patties

Sausage patties are very versatile. Here are some tasty ways to serve them:

Breakfast sandwiches – egg, cheese, English muffin
Breakfast bowls – with hashbrowns, eggs, gravy
In a biscuit for sausage biscuits
On a burger bun for sausage slider sandwiches
crumbled in scrambled eggs or omelets
In red beans and rice
On top of salad greens for protein
Cut up in pasta dishes and casseroles

However you choose to enjoy your sausage patties, follow the techniques in this guide for the absolute best results when cooking on the stove. Soon you’ll be an expert at pan-fried sausage perfection!

how to cook sausage patties on the stove
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Step 2: Adding the Sausage Patties

If you want to use butter or oil, heat the pan first, then carefully add the sausage patties. Make sure to leave some space between the patties to allow for even cooking.

Step 5: Serving and Enjoying

When the sausage patties are done, take them out of the pan and put them on a plate with paper towels around the edges. The paper towels will help absorb any excess grease. Serve the patties hot with your favorite breakfast sides, like eggs, toast, or fresh fruit.

Before cooking the sausage patties, you could add diced onions, garlic, or spices to the pan to make them taste better.
You can use lean turkey or chicken sausage instead of traditional pork sausage if you want to eat something healthier.
Change the taste of your sausage patties by adding different herbs or seasonings.
Another minute or two on each side can be added to the cooking time if you like your sausage patties crispy.

You can have a tasty and filling breakfast whenever you want now that you know how to cook sausage patties on the stove. In just a few easy steps, you can make delicious sausage patties at home that will wow your family and friends. So, fire up the stove, grab your skillet, and get ready to cook up some mouthwatering sausage patties!.

How to Cook Sausage Patties

FAQ

How long to cook raw sausage patties?

Heat a skillet to medium. Add sausage. Cook for 10-12 minutes until sausage is browned and the internal temperature is 160°F, turning patties often.

Do you need oil to cook sausage patties?

Make sure to grease your pan just a little with some butter or oil of some kind. Then, pour a 1/4 cup of water into the pan. Cook for about 6 minutes on this side… until you start to see browning around the edges of the sausage patties.

How do you cook a sausage patty?

Slightly depress the center of the patty and push a little extra meat towards the edges. This will give you an even patty once it is cooked. When cooking the patties, do not press the patties into the pan. This will press out the juices and fat and result in dry sausage patties.

How do you keep sausage patties from sticking to the Pan?

To prevent sausage patties from sticking to the pan, make sure to use a non-stick skillet or add a small amount of oil or cooking spray to the pan before cooking. This will help create a barrier between the patties and the pan. What is the recommended cooking temperature for sausage patties?

Can you cook frozen sausage patties on the stove?

Yes, you can cook frozen sausage patties on the stove. Simply place the frozen patties in a preheated skillet over medium heat and cook for approximately 10-12 minutes, flipping occasionally, until they are browned and cooked through. How do I prevent sausage patties from sticking to the pan?

Can you cook sausage patties in a skillet?

Sausage patties are best cooked in a skillet on the stove so they’ll get nicely browned on each side. Try making your own breakfast sausage patties from scratch sometime—it’s easier than you think and you only need a few ingredients.