Crispy Apple and Pork Breakfast Sausage Patties
These homemade breakfast sausage patties combine the natural sweetness of fresh apples with perfectly seasoned ground pork for a healthier alternative to store-bought versions. With 70% less sodium and no artificial preservatives, these patties are bursting with complex flavors that will transform your morning routine.
Equipment
- Box Grater
- Large Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
- Kitchen Towel
Ingredients
Sausage Mixture
- 1 pound ground pork preferably 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio
- 1 medium apple Honeycrisp or Granny Smith recommended, peeled and grated
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried sage)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional, for heat
For Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil for cooking
Instructions
- Peel the apple and grate it using the large holes of a box grater. Place the grated apple in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze to remove excess moisture.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, grated apple, minced garlic, sage, thyme, salt, black pepper, nutmeg, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix gently with your hands until just combined.
- Take a small portion of the mixture (about a teaspoon) and cook it in a hot pan for 1-2 minutes until no longer pink. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
- With slightly damp hands, divide the mixture into 8-10 equal portions. Form each portion into a patty approximately 3 inches in diameter and ½ inch thick. Create a slight depression in the center of each patty.
- Allow the patties to rest for 10 minutes before cooking.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is shimmering but not smoking, add the patties (working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding).
- Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy on the outside and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Transfer the cooked patties to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a leaner option, substitute ground chicken or turkey (add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the mixture to maintain moisture).
Apple varieties can be swapped based on preference – sweeter varieties like Fuji or Pink Lady will yield a more subtle sweetness.
For an AIP-friendly version, omit red pepper flakes and black pepper.
The mixture can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored in refrigerator for enhanced flavor development.
Cooked patties will stay fresh in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator or can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
Calories: 145kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 9gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 240mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 1.5g
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