Fresh Sausage Links Recipe
Fresh sausage links are a versatile and flavorful addition to any meal. Whether enjoyed for breakfast alongside eggs and toast or incorporated into a hearty pasta dish for dinner, homemade sausage links are sure to impress with their delicious taste and juicy texture. In this recipe, we'll show you how to make your own fresh sausage links from scratch using simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions. Once you try making your own sausage links at home, you'll never want to go back to store-bought options again!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground pork preferably with 20-30% fat content
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Pinch of red pepper flakes optional
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Prepare the Seasoning Mixture:
- In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried sage, dried thyme, dried rosemary, dried marjoram, paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well to ensure that the spices are evenly distributed.
Mix with Ground Pork:
- Place the ground pork in a large mixing bowl.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the ground pork.
Mix Well:
- Using clean hands, gently mix the seasoning into the ground pork until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough sausage links.
Shape into Links:
- Divide the seasoned pork mixture into equal portions, depending on how large you want your sausage links to be.
- Take each portion and roll it into a sausage-shaped link, about 4-5 inches long and 1 inch in diameter. You can also shape them into patties if desired.
Cook the Sausage Links:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Once the skillet is hot, add the sausage links, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook them in batches.
- Cook the sausage links for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are browned on the outside and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the sausage links are cooked, transfer them to a serving platter.
- Serve the fresh sausage links hot with your favorite sides, such as scrambled eggs, toast, roasted potatoes, or vegetables.
Notes
Tips:
- Customize the seasoning mixture according to your taste preferences by adjusting the amounts of herbs and spices used.
- For a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground pork.
- Store any leftover cooked sausage links in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the microwave or skillet before serving.