Sausage Seasoning

This spice blend will transform the way you think of (and eat!) traditional sausage.

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Sometimes, I think breakfast might be my favorite meal of the day. That is, if it has all the fixings (hint: breakfast sausage). Whether I’m eating a full breakfast spread or an egg sandwich, I don’t think it’s complete without the sweet and earthy flavors of breakfast sausage. But sometimes, I don’t love the flavors in store-bought sausage. That’s why I decided to take things into my own hands. Have you ever tried making your own sausage seasoning? Trust me, your taste buds will be blown away!

The full-bodied flavor of sausage that you know and love is all thanks to a mix of herbs, spices and sugar. For example, fresh thyme and sage lend their woodsy aromas, while ground fennel, nutmeg, paprika, red pepper flakes, and white pepper provide even more oomph. Add some garlic, salt, and brown sugar, and you’ve got yourself a flavor that basically sums up the word cozy.

Once you have your spice blend prepared, the only thing left to do is cook your sausage! You can shape your sausages into the classic oblong breakfast shape, or into patties if you’re making breakfast sandwiches. You also don’t necessarily have to use this seasoning for breakfast. It can be great as crumbled sausage in stuffing or included in a cozy pasta dish.

Is Sausage Seasoning Healthy?

Since this recipe for seasoning mainly consists of spices and herbs, it can be considered healthy since many contain phytochemicals and antioxidants. Ground fennel, for example, has anti-inflammatory properties. On the other hand, brown sugar is still a sweet, high-calorie ingredient that should be consumed in moderation. You can easily substitute brown sugar for coconut sugar, maple syrup, or honey, should you wish.

The History of Sausage Seasoning

Different variations of sausage seasoning have been around for much longer than you may think! Records show that recipes started popping up in various cookbooks in England as early as the 1600s, such as The English Huswife by Gervase Markham in 1615, then later in Hannah Glasse’s 1747 cookbook The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy. In the past, ingredients could include rosemary, cloves, mace and sage. Though the rosemary, cloves, and mace mostly fell out of the recipe, sage has remained as a staple in this sausage seasoning. So when you’re using your sausage seasoning, you’ll be part of a tradition that dates back more than 400 years!

FAQs & Tips

How Do I Store Leftovers?

This sausage seasoning blend can keep wonderfully. Simply store it in an airtight container—like a glass jar—and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to extend the life of your seasoning for more long-term use, swap the garlic for garlic powder and fresh herbs for dried herbs. Then, store the seasoning blend in your spice cabinet for easy access until you’re ready to use it.

Can I Make My Sausage Seasoning More or Less Spicy?

Definitely! The great thing about this sausage seasoning is that it’s endlessly customizable. You can add more red chili flakes or even chili powder to make it spicier. The same goes for making it less spicy: you can omit the red pepper flakes entirely if you like, or add a touch of cinnamon to offset the spice.

Do I Have To Use Ground Pork With My Sausage Seasoning?

While pork is the most common ingredient for breakfast sausage, you can use ground turkey or ground chicken, if you prefer.

Serving Suggestions

Sweet and savory, sign me up! Sausages seasoned with this spice blend pair phenomenally with pancakes. The sweet notes of brown sugar in the sausage seasoning and the extra kick of paprika and white pepper provide the perfect balance for these Cottage Cheese Pancakes and Banana Pancakes. Just imagine it all drizzled with maple syrup!

If pancakes aren’t your breakfast choice, try using this seasoning blend in sausages served with a classic breakfast spread of Soft Scrambled Eggs, Air-Fryer Toast and Air-Fryer Breakfast Potatoes. Or, if you really want to impress your guests, give this Eggs In A Basket recipe a shot. No matter what you serve with your sausage seasoning, it’s bound to be one blend that you keep on hand!