What’s the secret to a truly amazing breakfast? For many, it’s the sizzle and savory flavor of a perfect sausage patty. But let’s be honest, navigating the breakfast aisle can feel like a maze. You grab one package, then another—one claims to be “classic,” another boasts “all-natural.” How do you cut through the marketing noise to find the patty that actually tastes good and fits your budget?
Choosing the wrong sausage patty can lead to breakfast disappointment: too much grease, too little flavor, or weird fillers. We all want that satisfying, meaty bite that complements our eggs and pancakes perfectly, without feeling guilty about what we’re eating. It’s frustrating when your morning starts with a bland or overly salty mistake.
That’s exactly why we dove deep into the world of sausage patties. In this guide, we break down everything you need to know. We will explore the key differences between brands, explain what those ingredient lists really mean, and reveal our top picks for flavor, texture, and value. Get ready to upgrade your breakfast game!
Top Sausage Patties Recommendations
- 12-ounce package of original breakfast sausage patties
- No added MSG
- No artificial colors or flavors, and no fillers
- Prepared in a pan or in the oven, these are an easy and quick way to add flavorful protein to your breakfast plate, next to some eggs and pancakes or as part of your favorite breakfast sandwich.
- Our Fresh brand products are all about high-quality food that fits every budget, every day.
- One 8 count package of Jimmy Dean Fully Cooked Original Pork Sausage Patties
- Fully cooked sausage made with premium pork
- Breakfast sausages are seasoned to perfection with our signature blend of spices
- Jimmy Dean sausage patties have 8 grams of protein per serving
- Simply heat and eat for a delicious addition to any meal
- Simply microwave and serve
- Good source of protein 10g per serving
- Fully cooked sausage made with quality turkey
- Seasoned to perfection with a bold blend of spices
- Made with 100% premium pork
- 8 breakfast sausage patties
- 5g of protein per patty
- Cook 10-12 minutes over medium heat
- Keep frozen. Use within 14 days of thaw.
- One 40-count* pack of Banquet Brown 'N Serve Original Fully Cooked Sausage Patties
- Enjoy the savory taste of browned breakfast sausage patties with the ease and convenience of frozen meat any morning of the week
- Fully cooked, breakfast sausage that is gluten free, with 6 g of protein per serving, for breakfast food the whole family can enjoy every day
- Prepare frozen sausage patties in a skillet for delicious, out-of-the-pan taste, or microwave for a quicker cook time so you can have breakfast on the table fast
- Pork and turkey precooked sausage patties are a great addition to any hot breakfast, including skillets and breakfast burritos; they also make a tasty snack
- Applegate, Natural Chicken & Maple Breakfast Sausage Patties, 16oz (Frozen)
- No Antibiotics or Added Hormones
- No Chemical Nitrites or Nitrates
- No Artificial or GMO Ingredients
- Certified Gluten Free
- One package of 8 Maple Pork Sausage Patties
- Fully cooked sausage made with premium pork
- Seasoned to perfection with our signature blend of spices and maple
- Good source of protein - 8 grams per serving
- Simply microwave and serve
- Applegate, Natural Chicken & Maple Breakfast Sausage Patty, 7oz (Frozen)
- No Antibiotics or Added Hormones
- No Chemical Nitrites or Nitrates
- No Artificial or GMO Ingredients
- Humanely Raised
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Perfect Sausage Patties
Sausage patties are a breakfast staple. They offer a savory, quick start to your day. Choosing the right ones makes a big difference. This guide helps you select the best patties for your table.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for sausage patties, look closely at a few important things. These features tell you a lot about the product inside the package.
- Shape and Consistency: Good patties hold their shape well. They should not crumble easily before or during cooking. Look for uniform thickness. This helps them cook evenly.
- Seasoning Level: Taste matters most! Some patties are very spicy. Others are mild. Check the label for seasoning descriptions like “sage,” “maple,” or “spicy.”
- Size: Consider how you will eat them. Smaller patties work well for sliders or small sandwiches. Larger patties are better for a main breakfast plate.
Important Ingredients and Materials
The quality of the meat used is crucial. What goes into your patty affects its flavor and texture.
Meat Type
Most sausage patties use ground pork. However, you can find alternatives. Chicken or turkey sausage patties are often lower in fat. Beef sausage is less common for breakfast but offers a richer flavor.
Fillers and Binders
Good quality sausage uses very few extra ingredients. Look for labels where the first few ingredients are the meat itself. Some cheaper brands add fillers like soy protein or breadcrumbs to bulk up the patty. These can make the texture mushy.
Natural Casings (If Applicable)
While most patties are sold loose or pre-formed, if you buy fresh sausage to form your own, the quality of the grind is important. A coarse grind often means a better texture.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things determine if a sausage patty is top-notch or just okay.
Quality Boosters
- High Meat Percentage: Patties made mostly of actual meat taste better. They stay juicier when cooked.
- Natural Flavorings: Real spices and herbs like sage, pepper, and thyme make a big difference.
- Frozen vs. Refrigerated: Flash-frozen patties often retain more moisture than those that sit in the refrigerated section for a long time.
Quality Reducers
- Excessive Water or Broth Added: Some manufacturers add liquid to increase weight. This liquid cooks out, leaving you with a dry, flavorless patty.
- Artificial Preservatives: While necessary for shelf life, too many artificial additives can mask the true flavor of the meat.
- High Sodium Content: Very high salt levels can overpower the natural sausage flavor.
User Experience and Common Use Cases
How you plan to use the patties influences your purchase decision.
Quick Mornings
For busy weekday mornings, pre-formed, frozen patties are excellent. They heat up fast in the microwave or a skillet. Look for brands that cook quickly without needing much added oil.
Weekend Brunch
If you have time, buy fresh sausage meat and form your own patties. This lets you control the thickness and seasoning perfectly. These homemade versions offer the best texture.
Beyond Breakfast
Sausage patties are versatile! You can crumble them over pizza. They work well mixed into scrambled eggs. Some people use them as the meat layer in a breakfast casserole.
10 Frequently Asked Questions About Sausage Patties
Q: How do I know if the sausage patty is fully cooked?
A: The safest way is to use a meat thermometer. Pork sausage should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Visually, the juices should run clear, and the center should no longer look pink.
Q: Can I cook sausage patties in the oven?
A: Yes, you can! Baking is a great way to cook many patties at once without much mess. Place them on a foil-lined baking sheet at 375°F (190°C) until done, usually about 15–20 minutes.
Q: What is the difference between sausage links and patties?
A: The main difference is shape! Patties are flat and round. Links are ground sausage stuffed into a casing. The flavor is often the same, but patties cook faster.
Q: Are turkey sausage patties healthier than pork?
A: Often, yes. Turkey patties usually have less saturated fat than traditional pork sausage. Check the nutrition label, as some turkey versions add extra fat back in for flavor.
Q: Why do my sausage patties shrink so much when I cook them?
A: Sausage shrinks because the fat melts away during cooking. Higher-quality patties with less added water shrink less noticeably than cheaper brands.
Q: Can I freeze leftover cooked sausage patties?
A: Absolutely! Make sure they are completely cooled first. Wrap them tightly in freezer bags or foil. They usually last well in the freezer for up to three months.
Q: What should I do if my patties stick to the pan?
A: This usually means the pan was not hot enough or you need a little fat. Ensure your skillet is medium-hot before adding the patties. A small amount of oil or butter prevents sticking.
Q: What makes some sausage taste like maple?
A: Maple flavor is added using real maple syrup or maple flavoring during the mixing process. This adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory meat.
Q: Should I thaw frozen sausage patties before cooking?
A: For best results, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. However, you can cook them directly from frozen. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Q: Are “bulk sausage” and “patties” the same thing?
A: Bulk sausage is just ground sausage meat without a specific shape. You can use it for crumbles or form it into patties yourself. Patties are pre-shaped from bulk sausage.