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Savory Juicy Applewood-Smoked Breakfast Sausage

Delicious homemade breakfast sausages infused with smoky applewood flavor and a perfect blend of spices for a cozy start to your day.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 8 links
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the sausage mixture
  • 1 pound ground pork (preferably high-quality, organic) You can substitute with turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt Seasoned salts can work too.
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ground sage
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes Adjust to your spice preference.
  • 2 tablespoons cold water Helps bind everything.
  • 1 teaspoon liquid smoke applewood Adds depth.
  • 1 package hog sausage casings Soaked and rinsed.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Soak the hog sausage casings in warm water for 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and keep moist while you prepare the sausage mixture.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the kosher salt, black pepper, ground sage, dried thyme, onion powder, garlic powder, ground nutmeg, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes.
  3. Gently add the ground pork to the bowl, then pour in the cold water. Use your hands to mix everything together until the mixture becomes sticky and well blended. This process should take about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Stir in the liquid smoke to evenly distribute the smoky flavor throughout your sausage mixture.
  5. Load your sausage stuffer with the meat mixture, slide the prepared casings onto the stuffing tube, and carefully fill them. Twist the casings into individual links every 6 inches, being careful not to overstuff.
  6. Transfer the sausages to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help them firm up.
  7. Preheat your grill or skillet to medium heat. Cook the sausages for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
  8. Remove the sausages from heat and let them rest for 5 minutes before cutting or serving.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can freeze the uncooked sausages for up to 3 months for easier meal planning. If your sausages fall apart while cooking, it could be a sign of too much moisture. Ensure the mixture isn't overly wet before stuffing.