This Maple Sausage recipe is a quick, flavorful addition to any brunch spread or special holiday breakfast. With only four ingredients and minimal prep time, it offers the perfect blend of savory and sweet. Whether served alongside pancakes, eggs, or a breakfast casserole, these sausages will become a family favorite for Christmas morning or weekend brunches.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) ground pork sausage

• 2 tbsp pure maple syrup

• ½ tsp ground sage

• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground pork, maple syrup, sage, and black pepper. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.

2. Divide the mixture and shape into small patties (about 8).

3. Heat a non-stick or cast iron skillet over medium heat.

4. Cook the patties for 3–4 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through (internal temp: 160°F/71°C).

5. Serve warm with eggs, pancakes, or French toast.

Nutrients (Estimated per serving — 2 patties)

• Calories: ~230 kcal

• Protein: ~12g

• Fat: ~19g

  • Saturated Fat: ~7g

• Carbohydrates: ~3g

  • Sugars: ~2g

• Cholesterol: ~50mg

• Sodium: ~270mg

• Iron: ~0.7mg

• Calcium: ~10mg

• Potassium: ~150mg

A Balanced Flavor Profile in Every Bite

What makes this recipe special is the thoughtful combination of flavors. Ground pork provides a juicy, meaty foundation that is elevated by the subtle sweetness of maple syrup. The syrup doesn’t overpower the sausage; instead, it adds a gentle caramelized depth that balances perfectly with the savory herbs. Ground sage contributes a warm, woodsy aroma often associated with breakfast sausage, giving the patties their classic, comforting taste. Freshly cracked black pepper introduces a mild spiciness that rounds out the sweetness and creates a well-balanced, crave-worthy flavor. This sweet-and-savory contrast is what makes maple sausage so appealing and so versatile on the breakfast plate.

Why Maple Syrup Is the Star Ingredient

The use of pure maple syrup—not pancake syrup or corn syrup-based alternatives—is key to the rich, authentic flavor of these sausage patties. Maple syrup adds natural sweetness with hints of caramel and vanilla, enhancing the pork without masking its flavor. During cooking, the maple syrup helps create a subtle glaze on the surface of the patties, lending them a beautiful golden color and light stickiness that’s characteristic of classic breakfast sausages. This little touch transforms a simple ground pork mixture into something special, memorable, and worthy of being a family favorite.

Simplicity That Shines in Any Breakfast Setting

One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is its simplicity. With only four ingredients and no need for additional fillers or complex techniques, it’s a fuss-free option that even beginner cooks can master. The ingredients are easy to find and affordable, making this recipe a great go-to for both spontaneous brunches and planned holiday meals. The sausage mixture comes together in just minutes, and cooking the patties in a skillet takes less than 10 minutes. Despite its ease, this dish delivers bold flavor and a gourmet feel, especially when paired with elevated breakfast sides like poached eggs, brioche French toast, or a winter fruit compote.

Perfect for Holiday Mornings and Weekend Brunches

There’s something about maple sausage that makes it particularly suited for festive occasions. On Christmas morning or Easter brunch, it offers a homey, comforting start to the day that feels indulgent yet familiar. Its aroma fills the kitchen with the unmistakable scent of a special breakfast in the making. Serve it alongside scrambled eggs, cinnamon rolls, or a hearty breakfast casserole, and it becomes part of a celebratory morning tradition. The balance of sweetness and savoriness makes it appealing to guests of all ages, from toddlers to grandparents, and its make-ahead flexibility means you can prep the patties the night before and simply cook them fresh in the morning.

Customizable to Suit Your Flavor Preferences

Although this recipe is delicious as written, it’s also incredibly adaptable. You can experiment with additional spices like crushed red pepper flakes for heat, nutmeg or allspice for a hint of warmth, or garlic powder for added savoriness. Want to reduce the sweetness? Cut the maple syrup to one tablespoon or substitute with a drizzle of honey. You can also make the sausage leaner by using ground turkey or chicken instead of pork, though this may slightly alter the texture and flavor. For a heartier option, mix in a small amount of finely chopped cooked apple or caramelized onion to add more depth and texture.

Great for Meal Prep and Freezer-Friendly

These maple sausage patties aren’t just great for a one-time meal—they’re ideal for meal prep and batch cooking. Make a double or triple batch, cook them through, and store them in the fridge for up to four days. They reheat beautifully in a skillet or microwave and make an excellent grab-and-go protein for busy mornings. You can also freeze the uncooked patties on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a zip-top bag for longer storage. When you’re ready to cook, simply thaw overnight in the fridge or cook directly from frozen at a slightly lower temperature to ensure even doneness.

Serving Suggestions to Complete the Meal

Maple sausage pairs well with a wide range of breakfast dishes. Serve it with sunny-side-up eggs and hash browns for a diner-style plate, or add a few patties to a breakfast sandwich with a toasted English muffin, fried egg, and slice of cheddar. These sausages also shine when nestled alongside a stack of pancakes or waffles, allowing the syrupy sweetness to echo the maple flavor in the patties. For a lighter, more modern twist, try them with avocado toast or a side of sautéed greens. No matter how you plate them, these sausage patties offer a flavor-packed protein element that rounds out any breakfast spread.

A Healthy Indulgence With Protein and Flavor

Each serving of two patties delivers around 12 grams of protein, making it a satisfying and energizing breakfast choice. While sausage is naturally higher in fat, using lean ground pork can help reduce the saturated fat content. Additionally, because these patties are homemade, you have full control over the quality of the ingredients and can avoid the preservatives, excess sodium, and fillers found in many store-bought breakfast sausages. With just four clean ingredients, this recipe offers a more wholesome alternative that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

Tips for Cooking Perfect Sausage Patties

For best results, form the patties with a light touch and avoid overmixing the sausage mixture, which can make the patties tough. Aim for uniform thickness to ensure even cooking, and press a small indent in the center of each patty before cooking to prevent puffing. Cook the patties over medium heat to develop a golden crust without burning the maple sugars. If you’re using a cast iron skillet, the patties will develop an extra-crispy edge that contrasts beautifully with the juicy interior. Let them rest briefly before serving to allow juices to redistribute for maximum flavor.

Conclusion

This Maple Sausage recipe is a delightful way to elevate your breakfast routine with just a few ingredients and minimal effort. Its perfect blend of sweet and savory makes it an instant favorite, whether served on a busy weekday morning or as part of a holiday brunch. The ease of preparation, flexibility in pairing, and freezer-friendly nature make it a practical addition to your breakfast repertoire. Rich in flavor and made with wholesome ingredients, these sausage patties offer everything you want in a breakfast dish—comfort, convenience, and a taste that keeps you coming back for more. Once you try them, they just might become a cherished part of your family’s morning traditions.