Cajun cuisine is known for its bold, spicy flavors, and nothing embodies that more than a good hot sausage. Patton’s Hot Sausage, in particular, is a Louisiana icon that captures the essence of Cajun cooking With a simple homemade recipe, you can make your own Patton’s-style sausage patties that will transport your tastebuds to Acadiana.
A Brief History of Patton’s Hot Sausage
Patton’s Hot Sausage was created by John Patton in the 1940s in Eunice, Louisiana. He came from a long line of sausage makers and wanted to create a spicy smoked sausage using local Cajun flavors. Patton’s recipe used a special blend of spices like cayenne, black pepper, garlic, and onion powder to give the sausage its trademark kick. The sausage was smoked over pecan wood, giving it a deep, smoky flavor.
Patton’s new creation was a huge hit, and people would line up out the door to buy the sausages fresh at his shop. Over the years, Patton’s Hot Sausage became a staple in Cajun cuisine, served at restaurants and backyard cookouts all over Acadiana. The recipe remains a closely guarded family secret, but with just a few basic ingredients, you can recreate the magic of Patton’s famous hot sausage at home.
Essential Ingredients for Homemade Hot Sausage
Making your own Cajun-style hot sausage patties requires just a small handful of simple ingredients:
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Ground meat: The traditional base is a mix of ground pork and beef, but you can use all beef or all pork if desired. Go for an 80/20 mix of lean meat to fat for the best texture.
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Spices: The hallmark Cajun seasonings like cayenne pepper, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika give the sausage its signature flavor and heat.
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Binders: Eggs and breadcrumbs help everything bind together nicely into patties.
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Flavorings Additional ingredients like mustard powder, thyme, sage, and red pepper flakes customize the flavor.
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Liquid A bit of water or broth keeps the sausage moist during cooking.
With these basic building blocks, you can easily whip up a flavorful homemade version in your own kitchen.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Smoky, Spicy Sausage
Follow these simple steps to make authentic tasting hot sausage patties:
1. Mix the ground meat and dry seasonings.
In a large bowl, combine 1 pound of ground meat (or meat mix) with 2-3 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning blend, 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder, 1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more to taste), and several grinds of black pepper.
Mix everything together thoroughly using your hands until well combined. This helps distribute the spices evenly throughout the meat.
2. Add the binders and liquid.
Next, add 1 egg and 1⁄4 cup breadcrumbs as binders. Pour in 1-2 tablespoons of water or broth to add moisture. Mix again until fully incorporated.
The liquid will make the sausage easier to form into patties.
3. Form the sausage into patties.
Take portions of the sausage mixture and shape into round, flat patties about 1⁄2 inch thick. Place the shaped patties on a plate or baking sheet.
Aim for equal sizes so the patties cook evenly. Press any cracks back together to keep the patties intact.
4. Chill the patties.
Cover the patties and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps them firm up which makes them easier to cook without falling apart.
Overnight chilling also allows the flavors to meld together more deeply.
5. Cook the sausage patties.
To cook, heat a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil. Cook the patties 4-5 minutes per side until nicely browned.
Alternatively, you can bake them on a parchment lined baking sheet at 375°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
6. Enjoy!
Serve the hot sausage patties fresh on a platter or pile them high on sandwiches and breakfast plates. Customize them with your favorite Cajun toppings like mayo, mustard, pickles, and hot sauce.
Freeze any leftovers up to 3 months so you can enjoy a taste of Louisiana anytime. Just reheat gently before serving.
Tips for Giving Your Sausage More Authentic Cajun Flavor
To take your homemade sausage to the next level, keep these tips in mind:
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Use a blend like Tony Chachere’s seasoning to nail the Cajun spice profile
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Smoke the patties over pecan, oak, or apple wood chips on the grill
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Add a few splashes of hot sauce or pepper sauce into the mix
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Swap in creole mustard for more of the spicy Creole flair
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Prepare some quick dirty rice, beans, or collard greens as flavorful sides
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Fry up some onion and bell pepper to top the patties po-boy style
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Serve with hot sauce, pickles, and a cold Louisiana beer for the full experience
With the right preparation and complementary sides, your homemade sausage will transport you straight to the heart of Cajun Country. Just be prepared to bring some extra napkins to the table!
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of meat works best?
A mix of ground pork and beef is traditional, but you can use all pork or all beef. Go for 80% lean meat mixed with 20% fat.
How spicy should it be?
Adjust the cayenne pepper to your desired level of heat. For mild, use 1/4 teaspoon or less. For spicy, work up to 1 tablespoon.
Can I grill them instead?
Absolutely! Just shape the sausage into patties and grill over medium heat for 4-6 minutes per side.
How do I store and reheat them?
Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven before serving.
What’s the best way to serve them?
Popular options are sandwiches, breakfast plates, or as an entrée with rice. Top with mustard, mayo, pickles, onions, cheese, etc.
Let the Good Times, and the Great Sausage, Roll
Recreating the magic of Patton’s Hot Sausage is easier than you think. With a few simple ingredients and some Cajun know-how, you can whip up a batch of deliciously spicy, smoky sausage patties the whole family will love. Just be prepared for some happy dance moves at the dinner table when you dig in!