If you’re looking to start your day with a healthy and hearty meal, breakfast sausage makes a fantastic addition to your plate. But, it’s among the harder early AM proteins to properly cook.
Avoid the common mistakes that leave home chefs with less than delicious results by reading this guide. We’ll walk you through the most common errors and help you dish up perfectly prepared breakfast sausage without all the worry and hassle. Keep scrolling for all the details!
Crowding the Pan
If you’re looking for a perfectly crisp sear and a juicy centre, it’s essential to cook sausage with plenty of room to spare in the pan. Otherwise, you run the risk of accumulating too much moisture and steaming your meat rather than cooking it properly.
Keep an inch or two between each sausage to avoid this issue, using two pans side by side if necessary. You can also prevent accidental steaming by properly defrosting previously frozen meat and drying any excess moisture off of your sausage’s exterior before cooking it.
Poking and Pricking
When cooking sausages, some home chefs prick them with a fork or poke small holes to keep them from swelling up or splitting open. Unfortunately, this tactic leads to a dry result, with all your sausage’s juicy moisture leaking out into the pan and evaporating before you take the first bite.
Instead of poking holes in your meat, ruining its texture, cook your sausage for longer on a lower heat setting, and keep it moving in the pan to avoid sticking. Then, use a thermometer to ensure you’ve reached a safe temperature, rather than relying on unreliable methods like poking holes and checking for the liquid’s color.
Skimping on Quality
The secret to a delicious and perfectly cooked breakfast sausage recipe is easy – start with high-quality ingredients! Whether you’re preparing fresh sausage from scratch or starting with prepared links, opt for the best quality that you can afford.
Not sure if you’re buying a well-made sausage or not? Look for an ethically prepared pork blend with plenty of seasonings and a bit of delicious fat to help it crisp up in the pan. See here for a few delicious examples!
Improper Handling of Ground Sausage
Not all breakfast sausage comes in a link. Ground sausage is just as delicious and works well when added to breakfast scrambles and southern staples like biscuits and gravy.
To properly cook ground sausage, use medium-high heat and keep your meat moving in the pan at all times, rather than sitting in accumulated grease. Then, drain and crumble any large chunks before serving. For exceptionally moist sausage, you can also use a paper towel to pat dry.
Perfectly Prepared Breakfast Sausage
With this article as your guide, you’re ready to cook breakfast sausage like a pro. And, if you enjoyed reading it, we’ve got plenty more to share.
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