Pennsylvania Dutch Apple Sausage Patties

Introduction

This Pennsylvania-inspired Dutch Apple Sausage Patties recipe brings together the sweet-tart flavor of apples with savory sausage—grilled to sizzling perfection on the Arteflame grill. Searing the homemade patties on the center grill grate at 1,000°F locks in moisture and creates a golden, caramelized crust. Then we finish them gently on the flat top cooktop for tender, juicy results every time. It’s the ultimate way to explore artisanal sausage flavor using only your outdoor Arteflame grill.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground pork (80/20 blend recommended)
• 1 small Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, and diced
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp dried sage
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for cooking)

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

1. Soak three paper napkins with vegetable oil.
2. Place them in the center fire bowl of the Arteflame grill.
3. Stack quality hardwood on top of the napkins.
4. Light the napkins and allow the fire to burn for about 20 minutes until the center grate reaches 1,000°F and the flat cooktop is evenly hot.

Step 2: Make the Sausage Patty Mixture

1. In a large bowl, combine ground pork, diced apple, salt, pepper, sage, paprika, garlic powder, cinnamon, and maple syrup.
2. Mix gently until all ingredients are evenly incorporated—do not overmix.
3. Form into 6–8 evenly sized patties, about 1/2 inch thick.

Step 3: Sear the Patties on the Center Grill Grate

1. Add a small amount of butter onto a metal spatula and melt it directly on the center grate.
2. Place sausage patties onto the hot center grate for 45 seconds to 1 minute per side, until well caramelized.

Step 4: Finish on the Flat Top Cooktop

1. Move the patties from the grate to the inner zone of the flat cooktop (just outside the grate) to gently bring them up to temperature.
2. Continue cooking until patties reach an internal temperature of 150°F, then remove from the grill (they will carryover cook to 165°F).

Step 5: Rest and Serve

1. Let the patties rest for 5 minutes to finish cooking and redistribute juices.
2. Serve warm with your favorite sides.

Tips

• Dice your apples to small uniform cubes to ensure even cooking and distribution in the patties.
• Use chilled ground pork to make shaping the patties easier.
• Control the cooktop heat by using the inner and outer flat top zones—closer to the fire for searing, outward for gentle cooking.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to track internal temperature precisely.
• Butter instead of oil enhances flavor and browns the patties beautifully.

Variations

1. Spicy Apple Sausage: Add 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes and a dash of cayenne for a kick of heat.
2. Maple Bacon Sausage: Fold in 1/4 cup cooked, crumbled bacon and increase maple syrup to 2 tbsp.
3. Apple Chicken Patties: Substitute ground pork with ground chicken for a leaner version.
4. Apple and Cheddar Sausage: Mix in 1/3 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese before shaping the patties.
5. Herb-Infused Apple Sausage: Add finely chopped thyme and rosemary for a more aromatic patty.

Conclusion

These Pennsylvania Dutch Apple Sausage Patties are the perfect way to celebrate bold, rustic flavors using nothing but your Arteflame grill. With perfectly seared crusts and juicy centers, each bite brings warmth and comfort. Try them for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. Simple to make, even more delicious to enjoy.

Best pairings

• Roasted sweet potatoes grilled on the Arteflame cooktop
• Griddled apple slices with a touch of cinnamon
• Sunny-side-up eggs cooked on the flattop
• Buttermilk biscuits or cornbread made on a steel baking ring on the flat cooktop
• Hot apple cider or a dry Pennsylvania cider