Imagine this: your morning starts with the cozy, mouthwatering aroma of breakfast sausages sizzling in a pan. Sounds like the perfect way to kick off the day, right? These AIP Maple Breakfast Sausages bring a fun twist to a breakfast classic. They’re sweet, savory, and totally Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) friendly—great for anyone on a paleo or anti-inflammatory diet.
Instead of using ingredients that can upset your gut—like nightshades, grains, or dairy—this recipe keeps things simple and wholesome. The maple syrup adds just the right touch of sweetness, while fresh thyme and garlic balance it with savory goodness. Whether you’re whipping these up for Sunday brunch or meal-prepping for the week, these sausages are about to become your new favorite breakfast treat.
Quick Recipe Breakdown
How Long Does It Take?
In a rush? No problem. This recipe only takes 5 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook. That’s just 20 minutes from start to finish.
How Many Does It Serve?
The recipe makes 4 servings (about 8–10 small patties). Cooking for more people? Just double or triple the recipe—easy peasy. If you’re meal-prepping, these are great for making in big batches.
Skill Level
Beginner-friendly. Don’t worry if you’re not a pro in the kitchen—this recipe is super straightforward.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl (to combine all the deliciousness).
- Skillet (non-stick or cast iron works great).
- Spatula (for flipping the patties).
- Optional: Meat thermometer (to make sure they’re perfectly cooked).
No skillet? No problem. You can bake these on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 375°F for about 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Ingredients
Here’s the full list of what you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground pork: Look for good-quality pork with some fat for juicier sausages.
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup: Sweet, but not too sweet. Go for the real stuff!
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Adds that savory punch.
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped: Herby and earthy (so good with the maple!).
- 1 ¼ teaspoons sea salt: Enhances all the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For frying. You can swap this for avocado or coconut oil if that’s your jam.
Substitution Ideas:
- Ground pork not your thing? Try ground chicken or turkey instead. Heads up, though—leaner meats might be a bit drier, so you could mix in a teaspoon or two of olive oil to help.
- No maple syrup? Honey works too (but it’ll slightly change the flavor).
- Fresh thyme not in the fridge? Use 1 teaspoon dried thyme instead.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready? Let’s make these sausages together.
1. Mix It Up
Start with a big mixing bowl. Toss in your ground pork, maple syrup, garlic, thyme, and sea salt. Mix it all together gently—start with a spoon, and then get in there with your hands for an even mix. You want the flavors evenly spread, but don’t overwork the meat or it’ll end up tough.
Pro Tip: Aim for a sticky texture—not too wet, not too dry.
2. Shape Your Patties
Grab about 2 tablespoons of the mixture for each patty. Roll into balls, then flatten into small discs about ½ inch thick. Here’s the goal: same size = even cooking.
3. Fire Up the Skillet
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in your skillet over medium heat. Once it’s nice and hot (shimmering, not smoking), place your patties in the pan. Give them some space!
Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd—if needed, cook in batches so each patty gets that beautiful golden crust.
4. Cook to Perfection
Let the patties cook for 5 minutes on one side—don’t flip them until they’re golden brown and easy to lift. Then flip them and cook for another 5 minutes. Want to be extra sure? Check with a meat thermometer; they should hit an internal temp of 165°F.
Quick Tip: Resist the urge to press down on the patties while cooking—it squeezes out the juices!
5. Serve ‘Em Hot
Once they’re done, place the sausages on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any extra oil. Serve them warm and enjoy!
Tweaks & Variations
Want to switch it up? Here are a few ideas:
- For a leaner option: Use ground turkey or chicken.
- No garlic? Try onion powder, or leave it out entirely.
- Want more spice? Add a pinch of ground ginger or white pepper (paleo-friendly but not strictly AIP).
Serving & Storage Tips
What To Pair Them With
Serve these sausages with sautéed spinach, crispy sweet potato hash, or fried eggs (if you’re not strictly AIP). For something fancier, try topping them with caramelized onions or roasted apples.
How To Store Them
- In the fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- In the freezer: Pop them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
How To Reheat
Reheat in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. If frozen, let them thaw overnight in the fridge first.
These AIP Maple Breakfast Sausages are cozy, flavorful, and wholesome. With their perfect balance of sweetness and savory herbs, they’ll make your mornings feel just a little more special. Whether you’re meal-prepping or cooking them fresh, these sausages are a total win. Happy cooking!
PrintAIP Maple Breakfast Sausages
These AIP Maple Breakfast Sausages are a perfect blend of savory and sweet, featuring ground pork, maple syrup, and fresh thyme. Quick to prepare and packed with flavor, they’re a wholesome breakfast option for anyone following the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) or seeking a delicious, healthy start to the day.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 (8–10 small patties) 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: Paleo, AIP
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground pork
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (pure)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced or crushed
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 1 ¼ teaspoons sea salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Prepare the Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, maple syrup, garlic, thyme, and sea salt. Mix gently with a spoon or your hands until evenly combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the sausages tender.
- Shape the Patties: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and form into small round patties about ½–¾ inch thick and 2 inches wide. Aim for uniform sizes for even cooking.
- Heat the Skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the patties in the pan without overcrowding.
- Cook the Sausages: Cook each side for about 5 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Flip gently using a spatula.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the cooked patties to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite sides!
Notes
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair these sausages with sautéed greens, roasted sweet potatoes, or a side of fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast.
- For an extra cozy touch, serve with caramelized onions or baked apples.
Tips & Tricks:
- Use high-quality ground pork for the best flavor and texture.
- If you’re using leaner meats like turkey or chicken as a substitute, consider adding a teaspoon of olive oil to keep them moist.
- Don’t press down on the patties while cooking—this helps retain their juices.
Storage & Reheating:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. If frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
