If you've never made a Sage Sausage Recipe before, pull up your chair, and let's get to it.
This homemade sausage is delicious not only for breakfast but with appetizers too. It is a versatile recipe that can be made into patties, links or cooked in bulk and crumbled.
However you make it, you're going to love this sage sausage recipe.
This recipe is: Low Carb, Keto, Gluten Free, Dairy Free and Paleo
Table of Contents
8 Reasons to Love This Recipe
Here are 9 reasons why you'll fall in love with this sage sausage recipe:
- Savor the aroma of sage, thyme, and roasted garlic cooking together.
- Versatile: Use for appetizers, breakfast, or in casseroles.
- Enjoy homemade goodness made from scratch.
- Economical with bulk ground pork and spices.
- Low carb and keto-friendly for guilt-free enjoyment.
- Family favorite—kids ask for it regularly.
- Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or special occasions.
- Simple ingredients and preparation for stress-free cooking.
Is Sage Sausage Recipe Low-Carb?
Yes, sage sausage can be low-carb, especially if it’s made without high-carb ingredients like breadcrumbs or added sugars. Typically, a simple recipe with ground pork, sage, and spices would be low in carbs. This recipe has only 7 g net carbs per patty, which makes it ideal to be included in your low-carb diet.
Sage Sausage Recipe: So Good. So Simple.
Why does the sausage that is being sold at the grocery store have so many weird ingredients in it? Dextrose, MSG, and a lot of these prefab sausage mixes have wheat gluten as an additive as well... Disappointing at best. Don't get me wrong, there are some sausage mixes at some grocery stores that have only ground pork and spices, but they are not only hard to find but a lot more expensive.
Sausage is just so easy to make. There is no reason to buy store-bought sausage if you have just a little time. I have a hard time finding sausage without added sugars or hidden gluten, so I've opted to make my own and share the recipe with you.
Easy Tip for Sage Sausage Recipe
Most flavored breakfast sausages you can buy in the grocery store (maple sausage, sage sausage, black pepper sausage, cayenne pepper sausage) are packed full of ingredients that might be a little confusing to understand. It seems that additives and preservatives are everywhere.
This is where pre-ground pork saves the day. Most grocery stores sell ground pork, which is simply pork and pork fat. Nothing else. This is what we need for this recipe.
It's important to note that pre-ground pork already has the appropriate mixture of lean protein to fat. The ratio of protein to fat is important. Too much fat and the mixture will be way too greasy. Too little fat and you will end up with "pork crumble" in the pan. Buying pre-mixed ground pork is the easiest way to make this sage sausage recipe, that's for sure.
Sage Sausage Ingredient List
Below is the list of ingredients you'll need to make sage breakfast sausage recipe:
- 2 pounds ground pork
- 4 cloves roasted garlic
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely diced fine
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped, stems removed
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Ingredient Substitutions
Here are some easy swaps you can use as an alternative for homemade sage sausage:
- Fresh sage: Use dried sage (1 teaspoon) or substitute with fresh rosemary or oregano.
- Fresh thyme: Substitute with 1 teaspoon of dried thyme or use fresh oregano.
- Red pepper flakes: Opt for Aleppo pepper flakes for a fruitier flavor, or omit if you prefer less heat.
- Roasted garlic: For fresh garlic, dice 2 cloves. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook until it starts to bubble. Stir for 1-2 minutes, then turn off the heat and let it sit in the hot oil for 2-3 minutes. Drain off the oil and use the garlic in the recipe.
Additional Ingredients
Enhance the flavors of this breakfast sausage recipe with these delicious pairings:
- Fresh herbs: Enhance with additional fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a burst of freshness.
- Toasted fennel seeds: Add a subtle earthy sweetness that complements the sage and thyme.
- Pinch of cumin: Introduce a warm, smoky note to round out the savory profile of the sausage patties.
Note: These are optional ingredients, and are not included in the recipe for sage sausage.
Cooking Tools Required
Below is the list of cooking tools you'll need to make homemade sage breakfast sausage:
- Large mixing bowl
- Skillet with a tight-fitting lid
- Baking sheet
- Wax paper
- Spatula or tongs
- Knife for chopping herbs
How to Make Sage Sausage Recipe: Complete Cooking Guide
Cooking Method
- Frying
Preparation Steps
- Gather all the tools and ingredients to make sage sausage recipe.
- Dice fresh sage.
- Remove stems from fresh thyme and chop it.
Cooking Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients together. My suggestion is to use your hands and really get it mixed well.
- Form the sage breakfast sausage patties: either form by hand or spread the meat mixture over a baking sheet lined with wax paper. Cut out the sausage into patties with a ring mold or round cookie cutter.
- Heat about a tablespoon or so of olive oil in a skillet with a tight-fitting lid, over medium-high heat.
- When the oil is shimmering, add the sausage patties. Don't overcrowd the pan and cover immediately.
- After 3-4 minutes (depending on the thickness of the patty), flip the sausage in the pan using tongs, reduce the heat to medium, and cover.
- Cook another 3-4 minutes or until they are cooked through.
- Remove from the pan to a plate lined with paper towels.
- Serve hot with your favorite breakfast!
Step 1: Gather up your fresh herbs. I just love how thyme and sage mix together.
Step 2: Mix all the ingredients, going light on the herbs. Don't over-mix as it will get dense.
Step 3: Cook off a test sausage to see what spices need to be adjusted.
Step 4: Once the spices are adjusted, make the remaining sage sausage patties.
Step 5: Cook your sage sausage patties to perfection. They are delicious for breakfast or as an appetizer.
Step 6: Pair it with squash or pumpkin for a fantastic experience!
💡 My Pro Tip
While store-bought flavored breakfast sausages (like maple, sage, black pepper, or cayenne pepper) often contain confusing additives and preservatives, pre-ground pork comes to the rescue.
Most grocery stores offer ground pork that consists solely of pork and pork fat, without additional additives. This simplicity ensures the right balance of lean protein and fat - crucial for a successful sausage mixture. Too much fat leads to greasiness, while too little results in crumbly texture. Opting for pre-mixed ground pork simplifies the process of making this sage sausage recipe effortlessly.
⏲️ Time-Saving Tips
- Prepare the sausage mixture in advance. Test a small patty to allow the flavors to develop. Adjust sage sausage seasonings as needed to ensure you enjoy the final result without any surprises.
- Opt for bulk ground pork over sausages in casings to save time and money. Removing sausages from casings can be messy and costly due to wastage.
- Skip the hassle of grinding your own pork. While it may be appealing for control over quality, commercially ground pork from a trusted source saves valuable time without compromising on taste or freshness.
What to Serve with Sage Sausage Recipe?
Sage sausage recipe is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. The following are a few sage sausage recipe ideas:
- Cauliflower Purée: A creamy, low-carb side that complements the juicy sage sausage.
- French Haricot Verts: Delicate and crisp, providing a light and nutritious accompaniment to the delicious sausage recipe.
- Roasted Asparagus: Enhances the meal with its earthy flavor and crisp texture, balancing the richness of the sausage.
- Fresh Summer Broccoli Salad: Refreshing and vibrant, offering a contrast in flavors and textures to the savory sausage patties.
- Cheesy Broccoli Frittata: Pairs perfectly, adding richness and depth to the meal while complementing the sausage's savory notes.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Instructions
Storage
Keep the leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week.
Freezing
Store in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat as desired.
Reheating
Warm in a pan with clarified butter, butter, or ghee over medium heat until heated through. Alternatively, place in a 350°F (180°C) oven until warmed, or microwave on medium heat for 2-3 minutes.
Recipe Conclusion
When I went gluten-free on January 1, 2014, my whole world was turned upside down... and then again in 2017 when I moved into the low-carb lifestyle. I've been obsessed with reading labels and finding hidden gluten and sugars everywhere!
To me, it is just crazy where you will find gluten and added sugar... but the last place it should be is in sausage. There are no two ways about it.
If you love breakfast sausage and want to be sure you're staying within the gluten-free or low-carb lifestyle guidelines, then give this Sage Sausage Recipe a try. You will like it.
Last week I used it in an appetizer as the base for an amuse-bouche that was just outstanding. The sage sausage was topped with a roasted butternut squash mash and a fried sage leaf. Simple, elegant, and delicious.
Next time you head to the grocery, grab some ground pork and give this recipe a try. If you're not so into the sage and want to give another sausage recipe a try, take a look at my sweet fennel sausage recipe. It is just so damn good. Then let me know which you made and how it turned out. Thanks!
Favourite Breakfast Recipes
- Crispy Keto Waffles Recipe: Dive into a delightful morning with these irresistibly crispy keto waffles, perfect for a guilt-free, low-carb indulgence.
- Spicy Chorizo Egg Skillet: Kickstart your day with a burst of flavor from this spicy chorizo egg skillet, marrying the heat of chorizo with the comforting embrace of eggs.
- Homemade Mexican Chorizo Recipe: Unleash the authentic flavors of Mexico in your breakfast with this homemade Mexican chorizo recipe, a spicy, savory twist to your morning routine.
- Broccoli Cheddar Frittata: Revel in the wholesome goodness of this broccoli cheddar frittata, a perfect low-carb blend of tender broccoli and melted cheddar.
- Homemade Hash Browns (not low carb): Indulge in the classic comfort of homemade hash browns, a crispy, golden delight that's worth the carb splurge.
- Homemade Bacon Bits: Elevate your breakfast experience with these crunchy, savory homemade bacon bits, adding a delightful low-carb crunch to any morning dish.
FAQs
Use approximately 1 tablespoon of sage per pound of sausage for optimal flavor.
Cook sausages for about 3-4 minutes per side or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
A sausage is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and shows no signs of pinkness or raw meat inside when cut open.
Sage Breakfast Sausage Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground pork
- 4 cloves roasted garlic
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage finely diced fine
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme chopped, stems removed
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Gather all the tools and ingredients to make sage sausage recipe.
- Dice fresh sage.
- Remove stems from fresh thyme and chop it.
Cooking Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients together. My suggestion is to use your hands and really get it mixed well.
- Form the sage breakfast sausage patties: either form by hand or spread the meat mixture over a baking sheet lined with wax paper. Cut out the sausage into patties with a ring mold or round cookie cutter.
- Heat about a tablespoon or so of olive oil in a skillet with a tight-fitting lid, over medium-high heat.
- When the oil is shimmering, add the sausage patties. Don't overcrowd the pan and cover immediately.
- After 3-4 minutes (depending on the thickness of the patty), flip the sausage in the pan using tongs, reduce the heat to medium, and cover.
- Cook another 3-4 minutes or until they are cooked through.
- Remove from the pan to a plate lined with paper towels.
- Serve hot with your favorite breakfast!
Nutrition
“This website provides approximate nutrition data and information for convenience and as a courtesy only.”
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13 Responses
I used to buy Jimmy Dean Sage Sausage. I say used to because I'll never buy it again now that I have tasted just how good sage sausage should be! Great recipe and really good instructions too. So easy.
Hey Rebecca:
Thank you for trying this delicious breakfast and for sharing your thoughts about it.
Have a fantastic day!
Scott
working on getting back into the low carb way of eating but started making my own breakfast sausage. we can usually find pork butts on sale for about $.99lb. I use them for all sorts of things. pulled pork, tamales, and recently for breakfast sausage.
While the pork butts are low carb - I added some of my freshly boiled down maple syrup from this year's sap haul - to a small batch (not keto friendly). really good but the sausage itself needs a bit more spice. going to give your recipe a try.
I typically grow and harvest my own herbs, but this year didn't have any fresh, so used dried. I think fresh has a better and different flavor from the store bought stuff
thanks for sharing
Made 1/2 recipe; added one beaten egg & some fennel. Delicious! I don't need to lose weight & am not on a low carb diet, but I get kidney stones & the added salt, preservatives & other additives in store-bought sausage are not healthy for a stone former (or anyone else). Thank you for the recipe.
I was searching for a good sage breakfast sausage recipe. I too am on the keto diet and have lost 51 pounds so far. Just 25 more to go, but these last pounds are going very, very, slow! I don't care, I'm sticking with it until I reach my goal, and beyond. After about 14 months on keto, I can't imagine myself eating any other way. Good luck to all keto enthusiasts. Key is to just stick with it. I'll post a rating for the Simple Sage Sausage recipe when I make it.
I can't wait to try this! My grocer has 80/20 and 90/10 ground pork. Can I use the 90/10 or will it be too dry?
Hi Kathy: 90/10 will work just fine. Might want to add in a touch of butter to increase the fat content if you would like, but I'm sure it will taste delicious! Have a great day in the kitchen! Scott
Absolutely delicious! I made these for brunch and everyone loved the distinct sage flavor.