Homemade Breakfast (or Other) Sausage

If you’ve ever wished for a breakfast sausage that surpasses the store-bought versions in flavor and quality, look no further! This Homemade Breakfast Sausages recipe offers a delightful and easy way to create mouthwatering sausages right in your kitchen. Starting with whole pieces of pork shoulder and a blend of your favorite seasonings, you can tailor these sausages to your taste preferences.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the ability to customize the seasonings according to your liking. With just a few ingredients and 30 minutes of your time, you’ll have eight large and delicious sausages that are sure to be a hit at any breakfast table.

You have the option to use boneless pork shoulder, ensuring the right amount of fat for succulence and tenderness. The seasoning variations provided in the recipe offer exciting possibilities, so you can create different flavor profiles for your sausages, be it a classic sage and nutmeg blend, a garlic-fennel twist, or Johnny Earles’s spicy combination.

MAKES: 8 large sausages

TIME: 30 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 1/2 pounds boneless pork shoulder, with its fat
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh sage leaves or about 1/2 teaspoon dried sage

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Start by cutting the pork shoulder and fat into 1-inch cubes. In batches, finely chop about 2 cups of the mixture in a food processor, taking care not to over-process and turn it into a paste. Transfer each batch to a bowl as you finish mincing.
2. Season the minced pork mixture with the provided spices, and add a little water if the mixture seems too dry. For perfect seasoning, cook a small patty in a skillet and taste it, adjusting the seasonings as needed.
3. The recipe yields eight large sausages. If you’re serving fewer people, you can freeze half of the mixture. Shape the sausages into patties, then heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook them for about 15 minutes in total, until they are nicely browned and cooked through.
4. For flavorful variations, try the Garlic-Fennel Sausage by substituting nutmeg and sage with garlic and fennel seeds. You can also explore Johnny Earles’s Spicy Sausage by incorporating a mix of aromatic spices. Alternatively, for a traditional touch, you can create the Old-Fashioned Fatback Sausage by using fresh pork fatback instead of a portion of the pork shoulder.

TIPS:

• Before shaping all the sausages, cook a small test patty in a skillet to check the seasoning. Adjust the salt, pepper, and other spices as needed to achieve the desired flavor profile.
• If you’re making more sausages than needed, consider freezing the extra ones. Shape the sausages and individually wrap them in plastic wrap or parchment paper before placing them in a resealable freezer bag. Label the bag with the date for easy identification.
• When cooking the sausages in the skillet, avoid overcrowding. Leave enough space between each sausage to ensure even browning.
• Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the sausages. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
• Store any leftover cooked sausages in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasoning combinations. Try adding herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano, or spices like paprika or cumin to create unique flavor profiles.
• Enjoy the sausages as a classic breakfast dish alongside eggs, toast, and a side of fresh fruit. You can also incorporate them into various dishes like pasta, sandwiches, or breakfast burritos.
• If you enjoy making sausages, consider batch cooking and freezing them in portions. This way, you’ll have delicious homemade sausages ready whenever you crave them.

With these delightful options and a simple preparation process, this Homemade Breakfast Sausages recipe allows you to enjoy the superior taste and quality of homemade sausages with ease. Whether you’re serving them for a leisurely weekend breakfast or a special occasion, these sausages are sure to impress with their incredible flavors and comforting charm. So, put on your apron, grab some pork shoulder, and get ready to savor the delightful goodness of these homemade sausages!