Start your morning with something a little surprising—juicy, savory sausage bursting with pockets of sweet blueberry and the gentle perfume of thyme. That’s right, these Blueberry Breakfast Sausages are about to become your new go-to for effortless, flavor-packed weekday mornings. This simple recipe is prepared in no time, needs just a handful of basic ingredients, and offers all the comforting flavors you crave with an unexpected fruity twist. Whether you’re planning a special brunch or need something hearty and delicious before a busy day, these little patties work for everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast and Fuss-Free: Minimal prep, no complicated steps, and ready before you know it. Mix, mash, sizzle, done!
- Incredible Flavor: The combination of pork and lean chicken makes these sausages rich but not heavy, while syrup mingles with thyme for sweet-savory magic. Blueberries add pops of tart juiciness in every bite.
- Better Than Store-Bought: Homemade means you control the ingredients—no mystery fillers, just honest goodness.
- Easy to Customize: Swap meats, use frozen berries, or tweak seasonings—these sausage patties are all about what you love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s all about picking ingredients that work together in surprising harmony. Here’s what goes into making these irresistible sausage patties:
- Pork Sausage: Brings classic richness, moisture, and all the flavor you expect from breakfast sausage.
Tip: Use plain or lightly seasoned sausage so the blueberries and syrup shine. - Ground Chicken (96% lean): Lightens things up but still holds flavor and texture beautifully.
Note: Ground turkey also works if that’s what you have! - Fresh Blueberries: Softened and gently mashed to create sweet, bursting pockets in every patty.
Tip: Frozen blueberries work in a pinch—just thaw and drain well! - Lite Pancake Syrup: Lends a subtle sweetness that’s not overpowering, echoing those classic breakfast flavors.
- Dried Thyme: Adds savory, herbal notes that play perfectly with sweet blueberries. Don’t skip this—it really balances the dish.
- Olive Oil: Just a bit, for perfect browning and to help the patties release from the skillet.
Note: Any neutral oil works, but olive oil adds a nice touch.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Variations
This sausage recipe welcomes creativity. If you love experimenting in the kitchen, here are some ideas:
- Change Up the Fruit: Try chopped apples, pears, or cranberries instead of blueberries for a different spin.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper or a dash of smoked paprika for mild heat.
- Go Fully Chicken or Pork: Skip the blend and use just one type of meat—just know pork will be richer, chicken will be leaner.
- Maple Lovers: Swap the lite syrup for real maple syrup for deeper flavor.
- Make it Dairy-Free: All the ingredients are naturally dairy-free, but double check your sausage if you’re buying pre-seasoned.
How to Make Blueberry Breakfast Sausage
Making these sausage patties is about as easy as breakfast gets. Here’s how:
Step 1: Combine the Meats and Flavorings
In a large mixing bowl, add the pork sausage, lean ground chicken, pancake syrup, and dried thyme. Use your hands—it’s the best way!—to gently but thoroughly combine everything. Be careful not to overwork the mixture; you want it a little loose so the patties stay juicy and tender.
Step 2: Prepare the Blueberries
Place fresh blueberries in a microwave-safe bowl and heat them for about 30 seconds to soften. Use a fork to gently mash—just until they’re broken and saucy but not fully pureed. The idea is to have texture and whole berries here and there.
Step 3: Fold in the Blueberries
Gently fold the mashed blueberries into your meat mixture. Stir just until they’re evenly distributed. Don’t overmix at this point or you’ll lose those juicy bursts and the mixture might get tough.
Step 4: Form the Patties
Scoop about ¼ cup of the sausage mixture and form into patties—about 2 ounces each works well for even cooking. Flatten slightly so they sizzle up with crispy edges.
Step 5: Cook to Perfection
Heat your trusty cast iron skillet (or any skillet you love) over medium heat. Add the olive oil and, once shimmering, arrange a batch of patties in the pan. Don’t crowd them; give them space for golden crusts.
Cook about 5 minutes per side, flipping once, until cooked through and deeply browned. Move cooked patties to a plate and repeat with the rest.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Handle Gently: Overmixing the meat can make the sausages dense. Mix just until combined.
- Juicy Patties: Leave the blueberries a bit chunky when mashing. Their pops of juice make every bite special.
- Skillet Matters: A well-seasoned cast iron gives you an unbeatable crust, but any nonstick or stainless skillet will do just fine.
- Batch Cooking: Work in batches; overcrowding the pan leads to steaming, not browning.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the sausages sit for a couple minutes after cooking. This keeps them juicy and easier to handle.
How to Serve
These blueberry sausage patties are delightfully versatile for breakfast or brunch. Here’s how to enjoy them at their best:
- Classic Breakfast Plate: Serve alongside fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy hash browns, and whole-grain toast. The sweet-savory flavor is a natural match.
- Brunch Upgrade: Stack inside a toasted English muffin with a smear of cream cheese or herbed chèvre and fresh arugula.
- Sweet & Savory Twist: Drizzle a touch more pancake syrup or honey over the top for added decadence.
- With Pancakes or Waffles: Let the juices from the sausage mingle with maple syrup—absolute breakfast heaven.
- Make-Ahead Snack: These are handy for breakfast meal prep. Tuck them into wraps or breakfast sandwiches for easy, portable weekday breakfasts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool sausage patties completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Perfect for grab-and-go breakfast throughout the week.
Freezing
Lay cooked and cooled patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Pop out as many as needed for busy mornings!
Reheating
Warm patties in the microwave or a skillet over low heat until just heated through. If reheating from frozen, let thaw overnight in the fridge or give them a quick extra minute or two in the microwave.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen blueberries?
Absolutely! Simply thaw the blueberries completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing and folding them into the sausage. This keeps the mixture from getting too wet, which is key for perfect patties.
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Can these sausages be made ahead of time?
Yes—meal prep away! These sausages are just as tasty made ahead. Cool and store them in the refrigerator or freezer, and then reheat as needed for a quick, hearty breakfast any day of the week.
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Can I use all ground chicken or just pork?
Definitely—feel free to use either all lean ground chicken for a lighter patty or all pork for a richer flavor. The combination offers the best of both worlds, but it’s totally up to your preferences and what you have on hand.
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What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet—will another pan work?
No problem! While cast iron gives the crispiest browning, a nonstick or stainless skillet will work just fine. Adjust the heat as needed to get that lovely golden color on the outside.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an easy breakfast recipe that bursts with flavor, these Blueberry Breakfast Sausage patties are a must-try. They come together quickly, store like a dream, and bring a bit of fun to any morning table. Don’t hesitate to make them your own—the combination of juicy berries, savory sausage, and a hint of sweetness is guaranteed to become a breakfast favorite. Give this recipe a try and start your day a little brighter!
Print
Blueberry Breakfast Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 18 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Blueberry Breakfast Sausage recipe combines savory pork and lean ground chicken with bursts of fresh blueberries and a hint of sweetness from lite pancake syrup. Flavored with thyme and pan-seared in olive oil, these homemade sausages are juicy, protein-packed, and perfect for a unique breakfast option that pairs sweet and savory.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb. pork sausage
- 1 lb. ground chicken (96% lean)
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/4 cup lite pancake syrup
- 1/2 tsp. dried thyme
- 1/2 Tbsp. olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Mix the Meat and Seasonings: In a large bowl, combine the pork sausage, ground chicken, lite pancake syrup, and dried thyme. Use your hands to thoroughly mix until the meats and seasonings are well incorporated. Take care not to overwork the mixture to keep the sausages tender.
- Prepare and Mash the Blueberries: Place fresh blueberries in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 30 seconds to soften them. Using the back of a fork, lightly mash the berries, creating a chunky texture without turning them into liquid.
- Combine Blueberries with Meat: Carefully fold the mashed blueberries into the meat mixture. Mix gently to distribute the berries evenly while maintaining a chunky consistency.
- Shape the Patties: Use a 1/4 cup measuring cup (about 2 oz. per patty) to scoop out portions of the mixture. Flatten each portion slightly to form patties. This mixture yields about 17-18 patties.
- Cook the Sausage Patties: Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat and add 1/2 Tbsp. olive oil. When the oil is hot, place the patties in the skillet (about six at a time, depending on your skillet size). Cook for approximately 5 minutes on each side, or until the sausages are cooked through and golden brown. Remove cooked sausages and set aside. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
Notes
- Gently mix the sausage mixture by hand to prevent the meat from getting tough.
- Nutritional information is estimated and may vary based on ingredient substitutions.
- Cast iron skillets yield the best results, but any skillet will work.
- Do not over-mash the blueberries to keep their texture visible in the finished sausages.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 28mg
