Breakfast sausages are the unsung heroes of morning meals. These savory links and patties add protein and flavor that transforms ordinary eggs into a feast. Everyone has their favorites, whether you prefer spicy, sweet, or smoky flavors.
Join me as we rank the 18 best breakfast sausages that’ll make your morning routine something to look forward to!
1. Jimmy Dean Original
America’s breakfast icon delivers consistent flavor in every bite. The perfect balance of salt, pepper, and sage creates that classic breakfast taste we all recognize.
Many families consider these sausages their Sunday morning tradition. The snap of the casing and juicy interior make these links irresistible.
2. Maple Leaf Farms Duck Sausage
Luxurious duck meat creates a gourmet breakfast experience. These unique sausages offer a richer, more complex flavor than traditional pork varieties.
The subtle sweetness pairs wonderfully with pancakes or waffles. Duck fat renders beautifully, creating an unmatched juicy texture that elevates any breakfast spread.
3. Johnsonville Vermont Maple Syrup
Real maple syrup infuses these delicious links with natural sweetness. Each bite delivers a perfect harmony of savory pork and authentic maple flavor.
Kids especially love these sweet-meets-savory sausages. The natural casing provides that satisfying snap while keeping all the juicy goodness inside.
4. Bob Evans Original
Farm-fresh quality makes these sausages a breakfast table staple. The coarse grind gives them an authentic, homemade texture that mass-produced brands can’t match.
Their signature seasoning blend has remained unchanged for generations. These versatile links work equally well alongside eggs or crumbled into gravy.
5. Applegate Naturals Chicken & Apple
Health-conscious breakfast lovers rejoice! These lean chicken sausages with sweet apple chunks offer guilt-free morning protein.
No antibiotics or artificial ingredients here. The combination of savory chicken and sweet apple pieces creates a lighter alternative that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
6. Banquet Brown ‘N Serve Original
Budget-friendly convenience makes these pre-cooked sausages a weekday hero. Just heat and eat for quick protein on busy mornings.
The familiar flavor brings back childhood breakfast memories. While not gourmet, these reliable links deliver consistent taste that satisfies basic breakfast cravings.
7. Jones Dairy Farm All Natural Pork
Simple ingredients create extraordinary flavor. These old-fashioned sausages contain just pork, salt, and spices – no fillers or preservatives.
Family farms supply the premium pork. The clean label approach results in a pure sausage taste that lets the quality meat shine through.
8. Odom’s Tennessee Pride Hot
Southern heat brings morning meals to life! These spicy sausages pack enough cayenne to wake up your taste buds.
The fiery kick cuts through egg yolks perfectly. Not overwhelmingly hot, they offer just enough warmth to energize your breakfast without overwhelming the other flavors.
9. Aidells Italian Style with Mozzarella
Mediterranean flavors transform ordinary breakfast into a gourmet experience. These Italian-inspired links contain basil, garlic, fennel, and pockets of melty mozzarella cheese.
The cheese creates delightful surprise bites. Perfect with roasted tomatoes and eggs for an Italian-themed morning meal.
10. Beyond Meat Plant-Based Breakfast Links
Plant-powered breakfast sausages that actually taste good! These vegan links mimic traditional pork sausage flavor using pea protein and coconut oil.
Even meat-eaters might be fooled by the authentic taste. The texture holds up well to cooking, making them a game-changer for vegetarians missing morning meat.
11. Hatfield Sage Breakfast Sausage
Aromatic sage dominates these herbaceous breakfast links. The prominent herb flavor transports you to grandma’s kitchen on Sunday morning.
Coarse black pepper adds pleasant heat. These sausages shine when paired with sweet maple syrup, creating a delicious sweet-savory-herbal flavor combination.
12. Trader Joe’s Chicken Breakfast Sausage
Cult-favorite grocery chain delivers lean protein with big flavor. These chicken sausages contain 60% less fat than traditional pork varieties without sacrificing taste.
Maple and sage create the familiar breakfast profile. The links brown beautifully, developing a caramelized exterior that seals in the juices.
13. Smithfield Hometown Original
Virginia’s pork experts create perfectly seasoned breakfast staples. These classic patties deliver consistent quality with a traditional flavor profile.
The thin patty style cooks up with crispy edges. Great for breakfast sandwiches, they fit perfectly on English muffins or biscuits without overwhelming other ingredients.
14. Niman Ranch Uncured Maple Bacon Sausage
Bacon lovers rejoice – your favorite breakfast meat is now in sausage form! These premium links combine ground pork with chunks of their famous uncured bacon.
Real maple sugar adds subtle sweetness. The bacon pieces create pockets of smoky flavor throughout each bite, delivering the best of both breakfast meats.
15. Hillshire Farm Lit’l Smokies Original
Tiny sausages pack big breakfast flavor. These bite-sized links might be marketed for appetizers, but they make perfect kid-friendly breakfast options.
The smoky flavor profile works wonderfully with pancakes. Their small size means faster cooking time, perfect for hungry families who can’t wait.
16. Farmer John Maple Pork Sausage Links
West Coast breakfast favorite delivers consistent quality. These maple-infused links achieve the perfect balance of sweet and savory.
The natural casings create that satisfying snap. California families have trusted this brand for generations, making them regional breakfast royalty.
17. Conecuh Hickory Smoked Sausage
Alabama’s famous sausage maker creates breakfast magic. Though traditionally sold as dinner sausage, these intensely smoky links have become a southern breakfast tradition.
Real hickory smoke permeates every bite. The coarse grind and natural casings deliver authentic texture that mass-produced varieties can’t match.
18. Premio Sweet Italian Sausage
Italian-American tradition transforms breakfast. These sweet Italian sausages might be dinner classics, but they’ve found a second home on breakfast plates.
Fennel seeds and sweet basil create distinctive flavor. Try them with eggs and roasted peppers for a Mediterranean-inspired morning meal that breaks the breakfast routine.