
These smoky, spiced breakfast patties are the kind of morning protein that actually makes you want to get out of bed. Ground pork gets layered with smoked paprika, crushed fennel seeds, sage, garlic, and onion powder for a deeply savory flavor that tastes like it came from a specialty butcher — not your own kitchen. The thumb-dimple trick keeps each patty flat and even in the pan, so you get that gorgeous, deep golden crust on both sides without any fussing. Avocado oil brings the heat without any unwanted flavors, and the whole thing comes together in one skillet with zero complicated steps. For anyone navigating a Whole30 reset or simply trying to avoid hidden additives, store-bought breakfast sausage can be a minefield of fillers, sweeteners, and mystery oils — this recipe sidesteps all of that with a clean, straightforward ingredient list. Every component is exactly what it says it is, and there's nothing sneaky lurking in the mix. The optional red pepper flakes add a gentle kick if you like a little heat to start your morning, but the patties are bold and satisfying either way. Make a batch, and breakfast suddenly feels like something worth sitting down for.
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Combine the ground pork, smoked paprika, fennel seeds, garlic powder, onion powder, dried sage, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt in a large mixing bowl. Mix with your hands until the spices are evenly distributed throughout the meat, about 30 seconds — stop as soon as the mixture is uniform to avoid overworking.
Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and press each into a round patty about 3 inches wide and 1/2 inch thick. Press a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to help them cook flat.
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