Breakfast Recipe Ideas

Easy Homemade Breakfast Sausage Links Recipe – Juicy

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Homemade breakfast sausage links are a perfect addition to your morning routine, offering rich, savory flavors without the preservatives found in store-bought versions. These juicy, flavorful sausages are seasoned with a mix of aromatic spices, herbs, and just the right amount of fat to create the best texture and taste. Making your own breakfast sausage links allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a healthier and tastier meal. Whether served alongside eggs, pancakes, or toast, these sausages will make your breakfast extra special.

In this article, we will walk you through a detailed Breakfast Sausage Links Recipe, covering everything from ingredients to cooking instructions, along with nutritional information, preparation time, and essential equipment.


Recipe Details

  • Cuisines: American, Breakfast
  • Course: Breakfast, Brunch
  • Servings: 10 (about 20 sausage links)
  • Calories: Approximately 150 per link
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Active Time: 20 minutes
  • Resting Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Ingredients

For the Sausage Mixture:

  • 2 pounds ground pork (or a mix of pork and beef/turkey)
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried sage
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon fennel seeds (optional, for extra flavor)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for a slightly sweet flavor)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
  • 1/4 cup cold water
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional, for sweetness)
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar

For Forming the Links:

  • 1 set of natural sausage casings (or substitute with hand-formed sausage patties if preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying, if cooking on a stovetop)

Equipment Needed

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Meat grinder (if using fresh meat)
  • Sausage stuffer (for stuffing into casings)
  • Sharp knife or kitchen shears
  • Large skillet or griddle
  • Tongs for flipping sausages
  • Meat thermometer
  • Plastic wrap or parchment paper (if freezing or storing)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sausage Mixture

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork (or meat of choice) with all the seasonings, including salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, sage, thyme, fennel seeds, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, brown sugar, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, and white vinegar.
  2. Mix thoroughly using your hands or a spoon to ensure even distribution of spices.
  3. Add the cold water and maple syrup (or honey) and mix again until the sausage mixture becomes slightly sticky.
  4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors blend together.

Step 2: Prepare the Sausage Casings (If Using)

  1. If using natural sausage casings, rinse them thoroughly under cold water to remove excess salt.
  2. Soak the casings in warm water for 15-20 minutes to soften them.
  3. Rinse the inside of the casings by running water through them to clean out any residue.
  4. Place the casings on a sausage stuffer, ensuring they are well-lubricated to prevent tearing.

Step 3: Stuff the Sausages

  1. Attach the sausage stuffer to your meat grinder or use a manual stuffing tool.
  2. Carefully feed the sausage mixture into the stuffer, ensuring that the casings fill evenly without air pockets.
  3. Once filled, twist the sausages at regular intervals (about 3-4 inches apart) to form links.
  4. Use a sharp knife or kitchen shears to separate individual sausage links.

Step 4: Cooking the Sausages

Pan-Frying Method:

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
  2. Place sausage links in the pan, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
  3. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the sausages are browned evenly and cooked through.
  4. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Baking Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Place sausages on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking.
  4. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer before serving.

Grilling Method:

  1. Preheat the grill to medium heat (about 350°F (175°C)).
  2. Place sausages on the grill and cook for about 15 minutes, turning occasionally for even browning.
  3. Remove from heat once they reach 160°F (71°C).

Step 5: Rest and Serve

  1. Remove sausages from heat and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  2. Enjoy with eggs, toast, pancakes, or your favorite breakfast sides.

Storage and Freezing

  • Refrigeration: Store cooked sausages in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: Arrange uncooked sausage links on a baking sheet and freeze for 2 hours before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Store for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: Reheat sausages in a skillet over medium-low heat for 5 minutes or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.

Nutrition Information (Per Sausage Link)

  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Protein: 10g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Fat: 12g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 300mg

Conclusion

Homemade breakfast sausage links are a delicious and healthier alternative to store-bought varieties. With the ability to customize the seasoning and choose high-quality ingredients, you can make flavorful, juicy sausages that elevate your morning meals. Whether you pan-fry, bake, or grill them, these sausages will become a breakfast favorite for your family. Try this easy Breakfast Sausage Links Recipe and enjoy the satisfaction of homemade goodness!

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