Breakfast sausage is even better when you make it from scratch! These Apple Jalapeño Breakfast Sausage Patties are packed with juicy shredded apples, fresh jalapeños, and simple seasonings for a sweet and savory flavor in every bite. They are tender, flavorful, and a fun way to change up your usual breakfast.
If you love homemade sausage patties, be sure to try my Jalapeño Cheese Sausage Patties, too. They have a cheesy, slightly spicy flavor that is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or meal prep!
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Ground pork: This is the base of the sausage patties and gives them a rich, savory flavor. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken, but the texture and flavor will be a little different.
- Honeycrisp apples: Shredded apples (no need to peel!) add a subtle sweetness and moisture to the patties. Another sweet, crisp apple can be used, but be sure to squeeze out excess moisture after shredding.
- Jalapeño peppers: Add a little heat and flavor. Remove the seeds and membranes for a milder sausage, or leave some in for more spice.
- Seasonings: A simple blend of garlic, garlic powder, onion, black pepper, kosher salt, marjoram, and optional crushed red pepper flakes gives these patties their savory flavor with just a little heat.
- Eggs: Help bind the sausage mixture together and keep the patties tender.
- All-purpose flour: Helps absorb moisture from the apples and keeps the patties from falling apart while cooking.
Tips for the Best Apple Jalapeño Breakfast Sausage Patties
- Squeeze the apples well: Shredded apples add great flavor and moisture, but removing the excess liquid helps the patties hold together and cook properly.
- Do not overmix the sausage mixture: Mix just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can make the patties dense instead of tender.
- Roll between parchment paper: The sausage mixture can be sticky, so rolling it between greased parchment makes it easier to create evenly sized patties.
- Keep the patties the same thickness: Even patties will cook more evenly and help prevent some from drying out while others are still undercooked.
- Cook over medium-low heat: Cooking the patties slowly helps them brown nicely while allowing the center to cook through.
- Check the temperature: Use a meat thermometer to make sure the patties reach 160°F before serving.
FAQs
Do these sausage patties taste sweet because of the apples?
No. The apples add a little natural sweetness and moisture, but they do not make the sausage taste like a sweet breakfast dish. They balance the savory pork and jalapeño flavors.
Are these sausage patties spicy?
They have a mild kick from the jalapeños. Removing the seeds and membranes will make them less spicy, while keeping some in or adding crushed red pepper flakes will add more heat.
Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes! Honeycrisp works well because it is crisp and naturally sweet, but other firm apples like Fuji or Gala can also be used. Avoid very soft apples, which can add too much moisture.
Can I make these sausage patties ahead of time?
Yes. The patties can be shaped ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to cook. They are also great for meal prep because they reheat well.
What to Serve with Apple Jalapeño Breakfast Sausage Patties
These homemade sausage patties are a delicious addition to breakfast or brunch. The sweet apples, savory pork, and little kick from the jalapeños pair well with classic breakfast favorites or can be enjoyed as part of a make-ahead meal.
- Eggs: Serve with scrambled eggs, fried eggs, or an omelet for a simple, protein-packed breakfast.
- Breakfast potatoes: Crispy hash brown patties, roasted potatoes, or breakfast potatoes make a hearty side.
- Biscuits or toast: Add a patty to a butter swim biscuit, sourdough English muffin, or slice of toast for a homemade breakfast sandwich.
- Fresh fruit: A bowl of berries or sliced fruit adds a fresh contrast to the savory sausage.
- Breakfast casseroles: Add these sausage patties to a larger brunch spread with your favorite egg casserole or baked breakfast dish.
How to Store Apple Jalapeño Breakfast Sausage Patties
Store cooked sausage patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, in the microwave, or in the oven until warmed through.
These sausage patties are also great for meal prep. Cook a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week with eggs, toast, or your favorite breakfast sides.
Can I Freeze Breakfast Sausage Patties?
Yes! Let the cooked patties cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or warm from frozen in the microwave, oven, or skillet until heated through.
Apple Jalapeño Breakfast Sausage Patties
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced (about ½ cup)
- 2 medium Honeycrisp apples, shredded (no need to peel), squeezed dry (about 1 heaping cup)
- 2 medium jalapeño peppers, seeded and finely diced
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried marjoram
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ¾ cup (94 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, for cooking
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, onion, shredded apple, jalapeños, brown sugar, garlic, salt, pepper, garlic powder, marjoram, red pepper flakes, eggs, and flour. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the patties tough.
- Place a large piece of parchment paper on a work surface and lightly spray the top with nonstick cooking spray. Add half of the sausage mixture to the center of the parchment.
- Spray a second piece of parchment paper with nonstick cooking spray. Place it spray-side down over the sausage mixture.
- Using a rolling pin, roll the sausage mixture between the parchment sheets until it is about ½-inch thick. Remove the top piece of parchment.
- Use a 3 ½- to 4-inch round cutter or a glass to cut out patties. Gather any scraps, reroll, and cut additional patties as needed. Repeat the process with the remaining sausage mixture. You should get about 12 to 14 patties.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Working in batches, cook the patties for 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Serve warm.
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