Morton Sausage Seasoning Recipe: Flavorful Blend for Homemade Sausage

Creating your own Morton sausage seasoning blend at home is simpler than you think. By mixing together common spices, you can achieve that signature flavor without relying on store-bought mixes.

This homemade blend uses basic pantry ingredients like paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper, allowing you to control the exact flavor profile. Perfect for homemade sausage, it’s a game-changer for breakfast dishes and beyond.

Ingredients for Morton Sausage Seasoning

Eight spices. One jar. Better than store-bought Morton sausage seasoning.

The quality of spices matters here. Penzeys has great options for paprika and spices. Freshness is key—old spices lose their punch. I always check the aroma before using. If it smells stale, it’s time to replace. (trust me on this)

No cayenne? Red pepper flakes work at half the amount. Want more depth? Add a pinch of coriander. The garlic powder should be pure—not mixed with salt. Some brands like Spice Island do this well. (frozen works in a pinch)

Store in an airtight container. Keeps for 6 months at room temperature. I make a big batch and portion it into smaller jars for gifts or future use. Label with contents and date—worth the extra minute.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Morton Sausage Seasoning

Creating your own Morton sausage seasoning blend is straightforward and rewarding. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Gather and Measure Ingredients

Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients and measuring them accurately. You’ll need 2 tbsp of Paprika, 1 tbsp of Garlic Powder, and 1 tbsp of Onion Powder. Measure out 2 tsp of Black Pepper, 1 tsp of Salt, 0.5 tsp of Cayenne Pepper, 0.5 tsp of Dried Sage, and 0.25 tsp of Dried Thyme. Using a digital scale can help ensure precision, especially for the smaller quantities.

Having all your ingredients measured and ready will make the mixing process smooth and efficient. I like to use small bowls or ramekins to hold each ingredient until I’m ready to mix them.

Step 2: Mix the Seasoning Blend

In a small bowl, combine the measured Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Black Pepper, Salt, Cayenne Pepper, Dried Sage, and Dried Thyme. Whisk the mixture thoroughly to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed. You’ll want to break up any clumps that might have formed in the spices, especially if you’re using spices that have been stored for a while.

Mixing thoroughly is crucial for achieving a consistent flavor in your sausage. I find that using a small whisk or fork works well for this task. Make sure to mix in any spices that might have stuck to the sides or bottom of the bowl.

Step 3: Store Your Homemade Seasoning

Transfer the mixed seasoning blend to an airtight container. I prefer using glass jars with tight-fitting lids to keep the flavors fresh and prevent moisture from getting in. Label the jar with the date and contents so you can easily identify it later.

Store the container in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or spice cabinet. The seasoning blend will stay fresh for several months when stored properly. If you notice the aroma or flavor diminishing over time, it might be time to make a fresh batch.

Step 4: Use Your Morton Sausage Seasoning

When you’re ready to make sausage, use your homemade Morton sausage seasoning blend according to your recipe. Typically, you’ll mix this blend into ground meat along with other ingredients like salt and perhaps some additional flavorings. The exact amount can vary depending on your recipe and personal taste preferences.

I like to start with the recommended amount on the original Morton seasoning packet and adjust to taste. This blend is quite versatile and can be used in various sausage recipes, from breakfast links to Italian sausage.

Pro Cooking Tips for Great morton sausage seasoning

Perfect Proportions Matter

The key to a great Morton sausage seasoning blend is getting the proportions right. I start with 2 tablespoons of paprika as the base, which provides that characteristic color and smoky flavor. The 1 tablespoon of garlic powder and 1 tablespoon of onion powder add depth without overpowering the mix. 🔥

Spice Freshness Counts

Using fresh, high-quality spices makes all the difference in your seasoning blend. I recommend checking the aroma of your spices before using them—if they don’t smell potent, it’s time to replace them. For instance, Penzeys offers excellent paprika and other spices that maintain their flavor well.

Customizing the Heat

The 0.5 teaspoon of cayenne pepper adds a nice kick, but you can adjust this to your taste. If you prefer a milder blend, start with 0.25 teaspoon and work your way up. Remember that you can always add more heat, but it’s harder to remove it once it’s added.

Mixing Techniques

When combining your spices,

Storage Solutions

Transfer your mixed seasoning blend to an airtight container, such as a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Label the jar with the date and contents—this helps keep track of freshness. Stored properly in a cool, dark place, the blend will stay fresh for 6 months. ❄️

Using Your Blend

When making sausage, start with the recommended amount on the original Morton seasoning packet and adjust to taste. This homemade blend is versatile and works well in various sausage recipes, from breakfast links to Italian sausage. Experiment with different ratios to find your perfect flavor.