Are you tired of the same old breakfast routine? Craving something savory and satisfying to kickstart your day? Then look no further! This hot breakfast sausage recipe is your answer. It’s incredibly easy to make, bursting with flavor, and a fantastic way to elevate your morning meal. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is perfect for you. Get ready to enjoy a delicious, homemade breakfast sausage that's far superior to anything you can buy in a store.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground pork (you can substitute with a blend of pork and turkey for a leaner option)
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (adds texture and helps bind the sausage)
- 1/4 cup milk (any kind will work)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon sage
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
Instructions:
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Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground pork, rolled oats, milk, egg, sage, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Avoid overmixing, as this can make the sausage tough. Gently mix until everything is just combined.
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Chill (Optional but Recommended): Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the flavors meld and makes the sausage easier to handle.
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Form Patties or Crumble: Once chilled, you can either form the mixture into patties (about 1/4 inch thick) or crumble it directly into a hot skillet. For patties, this yields approximately 8-10 sausages.
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Cook the Sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of oil (vegetable or canola work well) to the skillet. If using patties, cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through. If crumbling, cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 10-15 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve your delicious homemade breakfast sausage immediately. It's fantastic on its own, with eggs and toast, in a breakfast burrito, or as part of a hearty breakfast skillet.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Sausage:
- Don't overmix: Overmixing the sausage mixture can make it tough. Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed.
- Chill for best results: Chilling the mixture before cooking helps the flavors develop and makes it easier to handle.
- Use a meat thermometer: This is the best way to ensure your sausage is cooked through to a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Adjust seasonings to taste: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your preference. Add more or less of any spice to suit your taste.
Variations:
- Spicy Sausage: Add more red pepper flakes, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Apple Sage Sausage: Add 1/2 cup of diced apples to the mixture for a sweet and savory twist.
- Breakfast Sausage with Herbs: Experiment with other herbs like thyme, rosemary, or marjoram.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used and serving size. For accurate nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with your specific ingredients.
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Protein: Approximately 15-20g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
This easy breakfast sausage recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s a delicious and healthy way to start your day, making it a perfect addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. Enjoy!