The Top 20 Breakfast Sausages, Ranked By Taste And Ingredients
A good breakfast sausage can turn an ordinary morning into something warm, cozy, and satisfying. But when the ingredients aren’t great or the taste falls flat, even the sizzle disappoints.
That’s why it pays to know which sausage brands get it right, balancing real flavor with clean, wholesome ingredients.
This list ranks 20 breakfast sausages from best to worst, so you can choose what deserves a spot on your plate.
1. Applegate Chicken & Maple Breakfast Sausage
Sweet maple and savory herbs bring balance to these tender chicken links, which cook up juicy with a golden-brown edge. They’re made from simple, organic ingredients with no fillers or antibiotics.
The maple flavor is subtle and natural, not syrupy. Every bite offers a clean taste that doesn’t overpower your eggs or toast.
2. Jones Dairy Farm All Natural Pork Sausage
Crafted with just pork, salt, and spices, this old-fashioned sausage is all about timeless, well-seasoned flavor. Its texture is firm but not dry.
The pork is antibiotic-free, and there are no added sugars or preservatives. It tastes homemade, perfect with scrambled eggs or tucked into a biscuit.
3. Aidells Chicken & Apple Breakfast Links
Real bits of apple lend a gentle sweetness to these plump, smoky sausages. Their texture is juicy and pleasantly coarse.
Spices like sage and nutmeg give a warm, fragrant finish. They pair beautifully with pancakes or grain bowls.
4. Beyond Meat Plant-Based Breakfast Sausage
These patties offer an earthy, peppery flavor with a crispy crust when seared in a hot pan. The texture mimics ground sausage well.
Made entirely from plant ingredients, they’re soy- and gluten-free with pea protein as the base. They hold their shape and deliver satisfying umami.
5. Bilinski’s Organic Chicken Sausage
This clean-label sausage is lightly seasoned and made with organic free-range chicken. It’s subtly sweetened with fruit juice concentrate.
The links are lean but still moist, ideal for those looking for a mild yet hearty morning protein. No artificial flavors or nitrates here.
6. Applegate Natural Pork Breakfast Sausage Patties
These pork patties fry up with a crispy crust and juicy interior, thanks to a perfect fat ratio. They’re seasoned simply but boldly.
No antibiotics, hormones, or artificial anything. They’re a solid staple for those who want classic flavor from a trusted brand.
7. MorningStar Farms Veggie Sausage Patties
Made with egg whites, soy, and wheat protein, these meatless patties are savory and lightly herbed. The texture is firm but tender.
They crisp well in a skillet and add a plant-powered punch to your plate. Their mild taste pairs easily with bold breakfast sides.
8. Pederson’s Natural Farms No Sugar Pork Sausage
With a short ingredient list and no added sugars, this sausage is keto- and paleo-friendly. The pork is minimally processed and richly seasoned.
Its robust flavor makes it ideal for breakfast bowls or casseroles. The smoky-sage balance feels both rustic and refined.
9. Al Fresco Apple Maple Chicken Breakfast Sausage
This lightly sweet sausage combines apple and real maple syrup for a mellow, aromatic profile. The links are small but flavorful.
Made without artificial ingredients or nitrates, they offer a guilt-free touch of sweetness. Best served with hearty whole grain toast.
10. Trader Joe’s Chicken Breakfast Sausage
This store-brand sausage is lean and juicy, with clean, simple seasoning. It’s a solid pick for those wanting mild flavor and quick prep.
The texture is tender and slightly springy, ideal for those watching fat and calories. It’s free of added sugar and gluten.
11. Lightlife Plant-Based Breakfast Sausage
These soy-based patties cook up fast and have a well-rounded flavor with hints of sage and black pepper. They’re not greasy or crumbly.
They offer 8 grams of protein per patty with minimal saturated fat. A dependable vegan choice for quick weekday mornings.
12. Johnsonville Turkey Breakfast Sausage Links
These links are juicy and slightly smoky, offering a good middle ground between lean protein and bold flavor. The casing adds a gentle snap.
They’re lower in fat than pork versions but retain Johnsonville’s signature spice blend. Good for those easing into healthier swaps.
13. Bob Evans Original Pork Sausage Patties
Classic flavor with a nostalgic feel, these patties fry up juicy and deeply seasoned. The texture is slightly soft, bordering on crumbly.
Not the cleanest option ingredient-wise, but undeniably tasty and comforting. A weekend indulgence for traditionalists.
14. Swaggerty’s Farm Pork Sausage Patties
Known for bold seasoning and rich pork flavor, these patties deliver a robust, meaty bite. The fat content keeps them moist.
They’re not organic or sugar-free, but the texture and flavor make them stand out. A go-to for southern-style breakfasts.
15. Banquet Brown ’N Serve Original Sausage Links
Pre-cooked and budget-friendly, these links offer a mild, uniform flavor with a soft bite. They brown up in minutes.
They’re heavily processed with additives and sugar, but convenient in a pinch. Not ideal for clean eaters, but family-friendly.
16. Jimmy Dean Turkey Sausage Patties
Lean but heavily seasoned, these turkey patties lean on salt and spices for flavor. They’re juicy but lack the depth of other options.
The ingredients list is long, but they’re an accessible swap for traditional pork. Best enjoyed in a breakfast sandwich.
17. Great Value Pork Sausage Patties
Walmart’s store brand offers surprising spice and texture at a low price point. The patties cook up crispy on the edges.
They contain preservatives and artificial flavors, but satisfy if you’re not picky. A wallet-friendly option with decent flavor.
18. Kroger Original Sausage Links
These links are soft and slightly sweet, with a mellow spice blend. Their texture can be inconsistent depending on the batch.
They fall short on clean ingredients, but work well in casseroles or large family breakfasts. A modest crowd-pleaser.
19. Johnsonville Original Pork Sausage
Boldly seasoned but heavy on salt and fat, these sausages are flavorful but intense. The casing gives a strong bite.
Less refined than healthier picks, they bring big flavor at the cost of clean eating. Best reserved for indulgent brunches.
20. Jimmy Dean Pork Sausage Links
The taste is salty and familiar, with a dense, slightly greasy finish. The meat holds together well when cooked.
These links are highly processed and include sugar, additives, and preservatives. A nostalgic pick for flavor, not nutrition.