Homemade Breakfast Sausage Patties

Homemade Breakfast Sausage Patties is a medium American recipe that serves 4. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by America's Test Kitchen on YouTube.

Prep: 10 hrs 18 min | Cook: 16 min | Total: 10 hrs 54 min

Cost: $6.10 total, $1.53 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon Light Brown Sugar (for the breakfast seasoning blend)
  • 2 teaspoons Rubbed Sage (fresh or dried, part of the seasoning blend)
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper (freshly ground if possible)
  • 0.25 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (adds a subtle heat)
  • 2 pounds Pork Butt (choose a piece with a full fat cap and good marbling; about 20% fat)
  • 14 grams Table Salt (1.5% of meat weight; can use kosher or sea salt (adjust weight accordingly))
  • 2 teaspoons Vegetable Oil (for pan‑frying; neutral oil)

Instructions

  1. Make the seasoning blend

    Combine 1 tablespoon light brown sugar, 2 teaspoons rubbed sage, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Stir until evenly mixed.

    Time: PT2M

  2. Cut and trim the pork

    Trim any sinew or connective tissue from the 2‑pound pork butt, leaving all visible fat. Cut the meat into roughly ¾‑inch cubes.

    Time: PT10M

  3. Weigh the pork and calculate salt

    Weigh the trimmed pork (approximately 962 g). Multiply the weight by 0.015 to get the salt amount (≈14 g). Measure 14 g of table salt.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Season the meat and rest

    Place the pork cubes in a large bowl, add the 14 g salt and the seasoning blend, and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, up to 2 days.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Transfer to a baking sheet

    After the rest, spread the seasoned pork pieces in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet.

    Time: PT0M

  6. Freeze meat and grinder attachments

    Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 45 minutes until the meat is firm on the outside but still pliable inside. Simultaneously, freeze the grinder attachment for about 1 hour.

    Time: PT1H45M

  7. Prepare an ice‑water bowl

    Fill a large bowl with ice and water, then nest a medium bowl inside it. This will keep the ground meat cold as it is processed.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Grind the pork

    Set the grinder to a coarse plate (3/16‑¼ inch). Feed the frozen pork cubes through the grinder into the chilled inner bowl.

    Time: PT5M

  9. Knead the ground mixture

    Transfer the ground meat to the large mixing bowl. Using clean hands, knead for 1½‑2 minutes until the mixture becomes tacky and the myosin proteins are developed.

    Time: PT2M

  10. Portion and shape patties

    Weigh out 1.5‑2 oz (≈45‑55 g) portions and shape each into a 2½‑inch wide, ½‑inch thick patty. You should obtain about 16 patties.

    Time: PT5M

  11. Preheat the skillet

    Heat a 12‑inch non‑stick skillet over medium heat and add 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil. Wait until the oil shimmers.

    Time: PT2M

  12. Cook the first batch

    Add half of the patties to the skillet. Cook 3‑5 minutes per side, turning once, until the exterior is golden‑brown and the internal temperature reaches 145‑150°F.

    Time: PT8M

    Temperature: 145-150°F

  13. Keep cooked patties warm

    Transfer the cooked patties to a plate and loosely cover with foil to retain heat.

    Time: PT2M

  14. Cook the second batch

    Repeat the cooking process with the remaining patties, again 3‑5 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 145‑150°F.

    Time: PT8M

    Temperature: 145-150°F

  15. Serve

    Serve the breakfast sausage patties hot, alongside eggs, toast, or your favorite breakfast sides.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
120
Protein
8 g
Carbohydrates
2 g
Fat
9 g
Fiber
0 g

Dietary info: gluten‑free, nut‑free, dairy‑free

Allergens: pork

Last updated: April 7, 2026

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Homemade Breakfast Sausage Patties

Recipe by America's Test Kitchen

Homemade breakfast sausage patties made with pork butt, a precise salt ratio, and a simple spice blend. Follow America's Test Kitchen's method of keeping everything cold, grinding to a coarse texture, kneading to develop myosin, and pan‑frying to a perfect golden brown for a juicy, snappy bite.

MediumAmericanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
2h 20m
Prep
18m
Cook
19m
Cleanup
2h 57m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$6.10
Total cost
$1.53
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Accurately calculate and apply 1.5% salt by weight of the pork.
  • Keep the meat and grinder attachments thoroughly chilled before grinding.
  • Grind to a coarse texture without over‑processing.
  • Knead the ground mixture to develop myosin for a snappy texture.
  • Cook patties to an internal temperature of 145‑150°F for safety and juiciness.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw pork with separate cutting board and knife to avoid cross‑contamination.
  • Wash hands thoroughly after touching raw meat.
  • Use a food‑grade thermometer to ensure patties reach 145‑150°F.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of breakfast sausage patties in American cuisine?

A

Breakfast sausage patties trace back to early American farm breakfasts where pork shoulder was ground, seasoned, and formed into convenient rounds for quick cooking over a hearth. They became a staple of diner culture and are now a beloved component of the classic American breakfast.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of breakfast sausage in the United States?

A

In the South, breakfast sausage often includes sage, thyme, and a touch of maple; in the Midwest, a sweeter profile with brown sugar and nutmeg is common; New England versions may add sea salt and peppercorns, while the Southwest incorporates chili powder and cumin for a spicier bite.

cultural
Q

How is breakfast sausage traditionally served in American households?

A

Traditionally, breakfast sausage patties are served hot alongside eggs, toast, biscuits, or pancakes, often with a side of hash browns or grits. They may also be crumbled into omelets or used as a protein topping for breakfast burritos.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations are breakfast sausage patties associated with in American culture?

A

Breakfast sausage patties are a common feature at weekend brunches, holiday breakfasts such as Thanksgiving morning, and family gatherings where a hearty, quick‑cook protein is needed. They also appear at sporting event tailgates and church potlucks.

cultural
Q

How does breakfast sausage fit into the broader American breakfast tradition?

A

American breakfast often balances sweet and savory elements; breakfast sausage provides a savory, protein‑rich component that pairs well with sweet pancakes or waffles, completing the classic sweet‑savory breakfast plate.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for breakfast sausage versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include pork butt (or shoulder) with about 20% fat, salt, sage, black pepper, and a touch of brown sugar. Acceptable substitutes are pork shoulder with added pork fat, kosher salt (adjusted weight), dried sage, or a small amount of maple syrup in place of brown sugar.

cultural
Q

What other American dishes pair well with breakfast sausage patties?

A

Breakfast sausage patties pair beautifully with eggs cooked any style, fluffy buttermilk biscuits, homemade hash browns, grits, or a simple fruit compote to balance the savory richness.

cultural
Q

What makes breakfast sausage patties special or unique in American cuisine?

A

The combination of a precise salt ratio, cold‑processing technique, and a quick pan‑fry creates a patty that is juicy inside, snappy in texture, and richly flavored—qualities that set it apart from generic bulk‑produced sausage links.

cultural
Q

How has breakfast sausage evolved over time in the United States?

A

Originally made from whole‑cut pork and simple sage, modern breakfast sausage has diversified with regional spice blends, lower‑fat formulations, and even plant‑based versions. However, the core technique of grinding, seasoning, and quick pan‑frying remains unchanged.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making breakfast sausage patties?

A

Common mistakes include using meat that isn’t cold enough, under‑salting (which prevents proper binding), over‑grinding (which melts fat), and cooking at too low a temperature, resulting in a soggy exterior. Following the cold‑process and proper salt ratio eliminates these issues.

technical
Q

Why does this breakfast sausage recipe use a 1.5% salt ratio instead of a higher amount?

A

A 1.5% salt level is enough to extract myosin for binding while keeping the flavor balanced. Higher percentages can make the sausage overly salty and affect texture, while lower amounts may result in patties that fall apart.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel America's Test Kitchen specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel America's Test Kitchen specializes in scientifically tested recipes, thorough technique explanations, and product reviews that help home cooks achieve reliable, restaurant‑quality results.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel America's Test Kitchen's approach to American breakfast cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

America's Test Kitchen emphasizes precise measurements, controlled experiments, and detailed troubleshooting, whereas many other channels focus on visual appeal or shortcuts. This method ensures consistent results, especially for techniques like sausage making.

channel

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