Are you ready to elevate your breakfast game? Forget store-bought sausages; this Wild Hog Breakfast Sausage recipe will transform your mornings with its rich, savory flavor. Made from scratch with simple ingredients, this recipe is surprisingly easy, even for beginner cooks. It's a perfect example of delicious homemade cooking, and a fantastic way to use wild hog meat. This recipe offers a healthier alternative to processed sausages, making it a great addition to your healthy meals repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground wild hog meat (about 80% lean)
- 1/2 cup milk or buttermilk
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sage
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme
Instructions:
Step 1: Combining the Ingredients
In a large bowl, gently combine the ground wild hog meat, milk (or buttermilk), egg, salt, pepper, sage, red pepper flakes (if using), and thyme. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough sausages.
Step 2: Forming the Sausages
Lightly grease a baking sheet. Using your hands or a small ice cream scoop, form the sausage mixture into 1-inch thick patties or links (approximately 3-4 inches long). Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 3: Baking the Sausages
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the sausages for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and lightly browned. Use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for food safety.
Step 4: Serving and Enjoying!
Remove the sausages from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. These delicious sausages are fantastic on their own, with eggs and toast, or as part of a hearty breakfast skillet. They’re also great additions to quick dinner ideas!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Wild Hog Sausage:
- Don't overmix the meat: Overmixing develops the proteins in the meat, resulting in tough sausages. Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed.
- Use a meat thermometer: This is the best way to ensure the sausages are cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique blend. Consider adding garlic powder, onion powder, or even a pinch of brown sugar for added flavor.
- For crispier sausages: Broil the sausages for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Variations:
- Spicy Sausage: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Apple Cider Sausage: Add 1/4 cup of apple cider to the mixture for a sweet and savory twist.
- Breakfast Sausage Patties: Instead of forming links, flatten the mixture into patties for easy cooking and serving.
Nutritional Information (per sausage, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on size and leanness of the meat)
- Protein: Approximately 15-20g
- Fat: Approximately 10-15g
This Wild Hog Breakfast Sausage recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of easy recipes and best recipes. It's a delicious, healthy, and satisfying way to start your day or enjoy a quick and flavorful weeknight meal. Enjoy!