Country Sausage

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Country Sausage offers a flavorful blend of herbs and spices with lean ground meat, shaped into cakes for a hearty, satisfying meal. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, it pairs well with eggs or toast, appealing to those who enjoy savory, herb-infused dishes with a crispy exterior.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. ground turkey or lean ground pork
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 1 teaspoon sage
  • 1/2 teaspoon marjoram
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons safflower oil

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients except oil and pat mixture into 8 small cakes.
  2. Heat safflower oil in a large skillet and fry the cakes about 20 minutes, turning until brown and crisp on both sides.

Tips & Substitutions

For a flavorful twist, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or use fresh herbs like basil instead of parsley. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, substitute the breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers. You can also experiment with different meats, using ground chicken or even a plant-based sausage alternative for a vegetarian version.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these country sausage cakes with scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for a hearty breakfast. They also pair nicely with grits or a side of sautéed greens. For a complete meal, consider serving them alongside the Sausage-Peach Breakfast Bake for a delightful brunch spread.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover sausage cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side until heated through, or microwave for 1-2 minutes. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just ensure they're well-wrapped.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Country Sausage contains roughly 520 calories, with 19g protein, 96g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (71% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (56% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2594mg per serving (113% of the Daily Value).

520 kcal 26% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 18.5g 37% DV
Total Fat 8.1g 10% DV
Carbs 96.1g 35% DV
Fiber 11.9g 43% DV
Sugar 7.7g 15% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2594.1mg 100% DV
Potassium 599.9mg 13% DV
Cholesterol 1mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 76.4mcg 8% DV
Vitamin C 50.2mg 56% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 378.8mg 29% DV
Iron 12.7mg 71% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these sausage cakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture in advance and shape the cakes, then refrigerate them for up to a day before cooking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just be sure to cook them thoroughly when you're ready to serve.

What can I serve with these sausage cakes?

These sausage cakes are versatile! Pair them with eggs for breakfast or serve them with a salad and some roasted potatoes for lunch or dinner. They also make a great filling in a breakfast sandwich with a toasted bun and your favorite condiment.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Absolutely! To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the formed cakes on a greased baking sheet, and bake for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method will result in a healthier option with less oil while still keeping them delicious.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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