If you’re craving a breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a chilly morning, this Maple and Rosemary Breakfast Sausage Recipe is exactly what you need. It strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory, with the subtle earthiness of fresh rosemary weaving through tender, juicy pork and a hint of pure maple syrup for just the right touch of natural sweetness. This recipe is straightforward, packed with flavor, and makes your morning routine feel special without demanding extra time or complicated steps. Once you try it, these sausage patties are going to become your weekend favorite and a steady companion to your sunny-side-up eggs and fluffy pancakes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Maple and Rosemary Breakfast Sausage Recipe plays an important role in creating a harmonious flavor and perfect texture. From the fresh herbs to the touch of spice, each component brings a little something special that comes together beautifully.
- Ground pork: The juicy, rich base that carries all the flavors and keeps the patties tender.
- Pure maple syrup: Adds a delicate sweetness that complements the savory spices and herbs.
- Fresh rosemary: Finely chopped for a fragrant, woodsy note that elevates the sausage.
- Dried thyme: Works in tandem with rosemary to build depth and complexity.
- Garlic powder: Delivers subtle warmth and enhances the overall taste.
- Onion powder: Brings a gentle savory backbone to the mix.
- Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors to life.
- Black pepper: Adds a mild kick and balances the sweetness.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a hint of heat if you like a little spice in your breakfast.
- Olive oil or butter: Perfect for cooking and achieving that golden-brown crust.
How to Make Maple and Rosemary Breakfast Sausage Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Sausage Ingredients
Start by combining the ground pork, maple syrup, freshly chopped rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Use your hands or a spoon to gently mix everything together until just combined—avoid overmixing because that can make your sausages tough instead of tender.
Step 2: Form the Sausage Patties
Divide the mixture into eight equal portions and shape each into a small patty about 2½ inches wide. Keeping the size uniform helps them cook evenly, and they’ll fit perfectly on your breakfast plate.
Step 3: Cook the Patties
Heat your olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, place the patties in the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown crust and an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure they’re fully cooked but still juicy.
How to Serve Maple and Rosemary Breakfast Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
To add an extra burst of color and freshness, sprinkle the cooked sausages with a little more chopped rosemary or a few bright green parsley leaves. The herbs not only make the dish pop visually but also add a lovely aromatic lift that complements the flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
This sausage pairs like a dream with classic breakfast staples. Think fluffy scrambled eggs, warm buttery toast, or even your favorite stack of pancakes drizzled with maple syrup to echo the sweetness inside the patties. Roasted potatoes or fresh fruit can round out the meal beautifully too, turning it into a hearty and balanced breakfast spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling adventurous? Serve these sausages sliced atop a savory breakfast bowl with quinoa, sautéed greens, and a poached egg. You could also thread crumbled cooked sausage onto skewers with colorful bell peppers for a fun brunch appetizer. No matter how you plate them, these sausages are guaranteed to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, no worries! Keep the sausage patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They maintain their wonderful flavor and texture, making them easy to reheat for a quick breakfast the next day.
Freezing
To freeze, separate the uncooked patties with parchment paper layered between them to prevent sticking, then seal them tightly in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep perfectly for up to three months—perfect for stocking your freezer for busy mornings when time is tight.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy the sausages again, reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave them covered to retain moisture. This way, you’ll have that freshly cooked taste without the extra effort.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground pork with another meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great leaner alternatives that work well with the herbs and maple syrup. Just be mindful that leaner meats cook faster and can dry out more easily, so keep an eye while cooking.
Is fresh rosemary necessary, or can I use dried?
Fresh rosemary really shines in this recipe for its bright, fragrant quality, but if fresh isn’t available, dried rosemary can be used in a smaller amount—start with half the amount and adjust to taste.
Can I make the sausage patties ahead of time?
Yes, forming the patties ahead of time makes busy mornings a breeze. You can prepare them and refrigerate for a day or freeze for longer storage—just cook them straight from the fridge or thaw gently before cooking.
What if I don’t like spicy food? Should I add the red pepper flakes?
The crushed red pepper flakes are optional for a bit of heat, so feel free to leave them out if you prefer your sausage mild. The recipe remains delicious without them.
How do I know when the sausage patties are fully cooked?
The safest and best way is to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F using a meat thermometer. This ensures they’re properly cooked but still juicy and tender.
Final Thoughts
Trying this Maple and Rosemary Breakfast Sausage Recipe will bring so much joy to your breakfast table with its cozy flavors and simple preparation. It’s a wonderful way to treat yourself and your loved ones to a homemade touch that feels just a bit more special than the usual. Once you make these patties, your mornings will never look or taste the same—ready to become your next home-cooked favorite?
Print
Maple and Rosemary Breakfast Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 sausage patties
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Maple and Rosemary Breakfast Sausage recipe features flavorful homemade pork patties enhanced with pure maple syrup and fresh rosemary. Perfectly seasoned with herbs and spices, these sausage patties are quick to prepare and cooked on the stovetop to a golden brown finish. Serve them warm with eggs, pancakes, or toast for a delicious, hearty breakfast.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasonings
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter for cooking
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, maple syrup, finely chopped rosemary, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Mix gently using your hands or a spoon until the ingredients are just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the sausage.
- Form Patties: Shape the mixture into 8 equal-sized small patties, each approximately 2½ inches in diameter, ensuring they are even in thickness for consistent cooking.
- Heat the Pan: Heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat until hot. This will help achieve a nice golden brown sear on the patties without sticking.
- Cook the Sausage: Place the patties in the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes on one side until golden brown. Flip and cook the other side for an additional 3–4 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), indicating they are fully cooked through.
- Serve: Remove the cooked patties from the skillet and serve warm alongside eggs, pancakes, or toast for a classic breakfast experience.
Notes
- For a leaner alternative, substitute half or all of the ground pork with ground turkey.
- Prepare patties ahead of time and freeze between layers of parchment paper for convenient weekday breakfasts.
