Apple Sage Breakfast Sausage Recipe

This Apple Sage Breakfast Sausage is a game-changer for your morning routine! With the perfect balance of sweet apple, aromatic sage, and savory pork, these homemade patties deliver restaurant-quality flavor in just 20 minutes. The combination of warming spices and fresh ingredients creates a breakfast sausage that’s miles above anything you’ll find in the grocery store freezer section.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Homemade Goodness: You’ll know exactly what’s in your breakfast sausage – no mysterious additives or preservatives, just wholesome ingredients you can feel good about.
• Sweet and Savory Perfection: The shredded apple adds a natural sweetness that perfectly complements the savory pork and aromatic sage, creating a flavor profile that store-bought sausages simply can’t match.
• Quick and Convenient: In just 20 minutes, you can have delicious, homemade sausage patties ready to serve. Even better, they freeze beautifully, so you can make a big batch for easy breakfasts all week long.
• Customizable: Once you master the basic recipe, you can adjust the seasonings to suit your family’s preferences – make them spicier, more herbaceous, or even switch up the fruit component.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Ground Pork: The foundation of our sausage patties, providing rich flavor and the perfect texture. Choose something with a bit of fat for juicier patties.
• Apple: Adds natural sweetness and moisture to the sausage. Be sure to squeeze out excess juice to prevent soggy patties.
• Minced Onion: Provides a subtle savory base that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Granulated Onion and Garlic: These dried versions add depth of flavor without the harsh bite of fresh garlic.
• Dried Parsley: Adds a mild, herbaceous note and a touch of color to your sausage mix.
• Ground Cinnamon: Brings warmth and complements the apple beautifully, creating that perfect fall-inspired flavor.
• Dried Ground Sage: The signature flavor in breakfast sausage, providing an earthy, aromatic quality that’s instantly recognizable.
• Sea Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.
• Fresh Sage Leaves: Optional but recommended for an elevated flavor and beautiful garnish.
• Ghee or Butter: For cooking the patties, adding richness and helping to create a beautiful golden crust.

Variations

Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own with these delicious variations:

• Maple Sweetness: Add 1-2 tablespoons of real maple syrup to the mixture for a classic maple-flavored breakfast sausage.
• Pear Variation: Substitute the apple with shredded pear for a slightly different sweetness profile.
• Turkey Alternative: Use ground turkey instead of pork for a lighter option. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the mix to maintain moisture.
• Spicy Kick: Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to give your sausage some heat.
• Herb Garden: Experiment with other fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary in addition to the sage.

How to Make Apple Sage Breakfast Sausage

Step 1: Mix the Spice Blend

Combine the granulated onion, granulated garlic, dried parsley, ground cinnamon, dried ground sage, sea salt, and black pepper in a small bowl or jar. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of all spices.

Step 2: Prepare the Sausage Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, shredded apple (with juice squeezed out), minced onion, spice blend, and chopped fresh sage leaves if using. Using clean hands, gently mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Don’t overmix or the sausage can become tough.

Step 3: Form the Patties

Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and gently form into patties about 1/2-inch thick. Create a slight dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent them from puffing up during cooking.

Step 4: Cook the Sausages

Heat the ghee or butter in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Place the patties in the hot pan, being careful not to overcrowd (cook in batches if necessary). Cook for 3-5 minutes on each side until they’re nicely browned and cooked through to an internal temperature of 160°F.

Step 5: Garnish (Optional)

If desired, quickly fry some whole sage leaves in the remaining fat until crispy, about 15-20 seconds. Drain on paper towels and use to garnish the sausage patties.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Cold Ingredients: Keep your ground pork cold until ready to mix. This helps maintain the fat structure and results in juicier sausages.
• Don’t Overwork: Mix the ingredients just until combined. Overworking the meat can make the sausages tough.
• Test a Sample: Before forming all your patties, cook a small piece of the mixture to test the seasoning. Adjust as needed before proceeding.
• Even Thickness: Make sure your patties are uniform in thickness so they cook evenly.
• Proper Heat: Your pan should be hot enough that the patties sizzle when added, but not so hot that the outside burns before the inside cooks.

How to Serve

These versatile sausage patties work beautifully in numerous breakfast scenarios:

Classic Breakfast Plate

Serve alongside fluffy scrambled eggs and golden hash browns for a hearty breakfast that will keep you satisfied until lunch.

Breakfast Sandwich

Place a patty on a toasted English muffin with a fried egg and slice of sharp cheddar for an upgraded breakfast sandwich.

Brunch Centerpiece

These sausages make a wonderful addition to a brunch spread with pancakes, fresh fruit, and a selection of pastries.

Accompaniments

These pair beautifully with:

• Maple syrup for dipping
• Caramelized apples
• Fresh fruit salad
• Buttermilk biscuits

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooked sausage patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They make excellent leftovers for quick breakfasts during the week.

Freezing

These sausages freeze exceptionally well! Place uncooked patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag or container and store for up to 3 months. Alternatively, freeze cooked patties the same way for even quicker meal prep.

Reheating

Reheat refrigerated patties in a skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes per side. From frozen, either thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, or cook from frozen in a covered skillet over low heat until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use pre-ground spices if I don’t have whole dried herbs?
Absolutely! Pre-ground spices work perfectly in this recipe. If your spices have been sitting in your cabinet for more than 6 months, consider using a bit more than called for as they may have lost some potency.

Why do I need to squeeze the juice from the shredded apple?
Too much moisture can make your sausage patties fall apart during cooking. Squeezing out the excess juice ensures a better texture while still allowing the apple flavor to come through.

Can I make these ahead for a large brunch?
These sausages are perfect for entertaining! You can mix and form the patties up to 24 hours ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator. Alternatively, you can fully cook them beforehand and reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes before serving.

Is there a way to make these leaner but still flavorful?
You can use a leaner ground pork or even substitute ground chicken or turkey. To maintain moisture and flavor, add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil to the mixture and consider increasing the herbs and spices slightly to compensate for the milder flavor of the leaner meat.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about starting your day with homemade Apple Sage Breakfast Sausage. The wonderful aroma filling your kitchen, the satisfaction of creating something from scratch, and of course, the unbeatable flavor make it well worth the minimal effort. Once you try these, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought sausages again. They’re perfect for everyday breakfasts and special enough for weekend brunches with friends and family.

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