Breakfast revolution: the ultimate guide to crafting homemade breakfast sausage with ground beef
Breakfast sausage is a beloved morning staple, offering a burst of flavor to kickstart the day. While store-bought options may suffice, nothing beats the satisfaction of crafting your own breakfast sausage from scratch. This comprehensive guide will empower you with the knowledge and techniques to create mouthwatering breakfast sausage with ground beef, ensuring a perfect start to every morning.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 lean)
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground sage
- 1/4 teaspoon ground thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Hydrate the Breadcrumbs
In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs and milk. Let stand for 5-10 minutes, or until the bread crumbs have absorbed the milk and become soft.
2. Season the Ground Beef
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, hydrated bread crumbs, salt, black pepper, sage, thyme, and nutmeg. Mix thoroughly using your hands or a wooden spoon, ensuring that all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Form the Sausage Patties
Divide the seasoned ground beef mixture into 4-6 equal portions. Using your hands, shape each portion into a patty about 1/2-inch thick and 3-4 inches in diameter.
4. Cook the Sausage Patties
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage patties and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through.
5. Enjoy the Homemade Goodness
Serve the breakfast sausage patties immediately with your favorite breakfast sides, such as pancakes, waffles, or eggs.
Tips for Perfect Breakfast Sausage:
- For a leaner sausage, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- If you don’t have bread crumbs, you can use rolled oats or cracker crumbs instead.
- To make ahead, form the sausage patties and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw the patties overnight in the refrigerator and then cook as directed.
Variations on the Classic:
- Apple-Maple Breakfast Sausage: Add 1/2 cup chopped apples and 1 tablespoon maple syrup to the ground beef mixture.
- Cheddar-Bacon Breakfast Sausage: Mix in 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup crumbled bacon to the seasoned ground beef.
- Italian Breakfast Sausage: Add 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon dried basil to the ground beef mixture.
Breakfast Sausage: Beyond the Basics
- Breakfast Sausage Gravy: Use the ground beef mixture to make a flavorful sausage gravy to serve over biscuits or toast.
- Breakfast Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms: Fill large mushrooms with the seasoned ground beef mixture and bake until tender.
- Breakfast Sausage Pizza: Top a pizza crust with the breakfast sausage mixture and your favorite toppings for a savory morning meal.
What People Want to Know
1. Can I use ground pork instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground pork for beef in this recipe. Pork will result in a slightly fattier, more flavorful sausage.
2. How long can I store homemade breakfast sausage?
Cooked breakfast sausage patties can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, place the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for up to 3 months.
3. Can I make breakfast sausage without breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can omit the breadcrumbs and use 1/4 cup of rolled oats or cracker crumbs instead.
