This easy Homemade Breakfast Sausage recipe turns simple ground pork into tender, flavorful patties in minutes. The mix of herbs, spices, and maple syrup gives it that classic breakfast flavor everyone loves.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Homemade Breakfast Sausage Recipe

• Tender ground pork
• Seasoned with a mix of spices and herbs
• Maple syrup for a touch of sweetness
• Better than store bought, without hidden preservatives
• Family friendly

Making breakfast sausage at home means you get to control the seasoning and the sweetness. I use tender ground pork, fresh herbs, and a touch of sugar free maple syrup for a balanced and delicious flavor. It cooks fast, freezes well, and tastes so fresh.

On weekends, I love to mix up a double batch, chill it, and press even patties so they brown beautifully in the skillet. It truly cooks up like a dream with the centers staying juicy, and the edges getting that perfect sear. You just can’t beat it!

For a complete meal, serve your sausage patties with your favorite egg dish, a veggie scramble, or a stack of keto pancakes.

🛒 Ingredients for Keto Breakfast Sausage

• Ground pork: Choose one with enough fat content to keep the patties juicy and tender.
• Sugar-free maple syrup: Adds a light touch of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the herbs.
• Avocado oil: Helps the sausage brown nicely and adds a clean, neutral flavor.
• Fresh sage: The classic breakfast sausage herb that brings warmth and depth.
• Fresh thyme: Adds a gentle, savory note that complements the pork.
• Salt: Balances the flavors and makes everything taste brighter.
• Fennel seeds: A subtle hint of that traditional sausage flavor with a mild sweetness.
• Dried marjoram: Soft and earthy, it rounds out the spice blend.
• Garlic powder: Gives just enough garlicky flavor without overpowering the herbs.
• Red pepper flakes: A light kick that’s easy to adjust based on how spicy you like it.
• Ground nutmeg: Adds a touch of warmth that ties all the flavors together.
• Ground black pepper: Finishes it off with a little bite and aroma.

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

🥣 Recommended Tools

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Skillet
• Meat thermometer

🔪 How to Make Breakfast Sausage

Add all the spices, salt and pepper to a small mixing bowl.  And whisk to combine.

In a large mixing bowl, add in the ground pork, then sprinkle the herbs mixture of the top.

Drizzle the maple syrup over the top.

Mix until well combined, without over mixing.  Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, which is actually better.

Using your hands or your favorite scoop, divide the mixture into 12 equally sized patties.

I actually weigh them to make sure they are the same size and will cook evenly.

Fry the patties in batches in a large skillet for several minutes on each side, gently pressing them down with a silicone spatula, to maintain their shape. 

You’ll know they’re cooked through when they reach an internal temperature of at least 145°F, when checked with a meat thermometer.

☑️ Storage Instruction

Refrigerator: Store cooked patties in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet.

Freezer: Freeze raw or cooked patties on a tray, then bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

🍴 What to Serve with Breakfast Sausage

• Keto Biscuits and Gravy
• Buttermilk, Blueberry, or Tiramisu Pancakes
• French Toast
• Homemade Keto Cinnamon Rolls
• Homemade Keto Bagels

💡 Tips

• Mix with a light hand to keep the texture tender. Over mixing makes sausage dense.
• Chill time matters. The rest lets herbs hydrate and flavors blend.
• Wet your hands or lightly oil them before shaping to prevent sticking.
• Make a tiny dimple in the center of each patty so they stay flat as they cook.
• Preheat the skillet before adding patties for better browning and less sticking.
• Do not crowd the pan. Space helps the edges crisp instead of steam.
• Use an instant read thermometer for doneness so you do not overcook.

🔄 Substitutions and Additions

• Prefer spicier sausage. Increase red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne.

• Want a maple free version. Skip the syrup and add a pinch of sweetener if desired.

• Love smokiness. Add a little smoked paprika.

• No fresh sage or thyme. Use half the amount of dried and crumble it well.

• Italian style dinner patties. Swap sage for Italian seasoning and add extra fennel.

• Turkey or chicken are other options. Use dark meat and mix in one tablespoon avocado oil for moisture.

• You can batch cook them on a sheet pan. Just bake the patties at 400°F on a parchment lined pan until they reach 145°F.

Can I Make the Patties Ahead and Cook Them Later?

Yes, you can just shape, cover, and refrigerate them up to 24 hours before cooking.

Why are My Patties Crumbling?

They were likely mixed too lightly or shaped too loosely. Press the edges firmly and chill before cooking.

Why Do My Patties Shrink a Lot?

High heat can tighten the proteins. Use medium heat and avoid pressing hard as they cook.

Can I Cook Them from Frozen?

You can. To do so, cook them over lower heat and add a few extra minutes, checking for 145°F in the center.

🍽️ More Breakfast Recipes

• Eggs Benedict
• Blueberry Muffins
• Italian Sausage and Spinach Quiche
• Sausage Gravy & Biscuits
• Fluffy Pancakes with Strawberry Sauce