My homemade turkey sausage is juicy, well-seasoned, and ideal for a quick breakfast. Made with simple ingredients and ready in minutes, this turkey breakfast sausage pairs beautifully with eggs, roasted vegetables, or folded into a hearty breakfast casserole.
Why Make Turkey Sausage
This homemade turkey breakfast sausage delivers classic sausage flavor with less fat than many pork sausages. It’s a simple, nutritious option that freezes and reheats well, making it a great choice for meal prep. You can crumble the cooked sausage into scrambles, form patties for sandwiches, or use the mixture in casseroles and burritos.
- Healthy and high-protein. Using lean ground turkey creates a savory sausage that’s lower in calories and saturated fat while still providing plenty of protein.
- Quick to make. The sausage mixture comes together in minutes and cooks quickly in a skillet.
- Meal prep friendly. Make the patties or cooked crumbles ahead of time and reheat for fast weekday breakfasts.
Ingredient Notes
Exact ingredient amounts appear in the recipe card below. These notes explain why each item matters and offer simple substitutions.
- Ground turkey. A 93% lean ground turkey works well for moist, flavorful patties. Ground chicken can be used as a substitute if preferred.
- Oil. A small amount of olive oil or another neutral oil prevents sticking when frying.
- Seasoning blend. This recipe uses sage, cinnamon, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, red pepper flakes (or black pepper), and salt to achieve a balanced savory-sweet profile. Paprika, marjoram, or fennel seeds are optional additions.
- Brown sugar. A tablespoon adds a subtle maple-like sweetness that complements the spices; reduce it if you prefer less sweetness.
Steps To Make Turkey Breakfast Sausage
Step One. In a large bowl, mix the ground turkey with the seasonings and brown sugar. Use a spatula or clean hands to combine thoroughly so the spices are evenly distributed.
Step Two. Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned turkey—either form it into small patties or add it to the pan and break it up into crumbles with a spatula.
Step Three. Cook for about 4–5 minutes, stirring or flipping patties occasionally, until the turkey is cooked through and no longer pink. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety. Serve warm alongside eggs, in breakfast sandwiches, or folded into casseroles and scrambles.
Recipe Tips
- Avoid overcooking. Ground turkey can dry out if cooked too long. Remove from heat once it’s fully cooked and no pink remains.
- Flavor pairings. Serve with sautéed bell peppers, onions, spinach, or shredded cheese to round out the plate.
- Make uniform patties. For even cooking, form patties using about 1/4 cup of mixture each if you prefer patties over crumbles.
How to Store Turkey Sausage Patties
Prepare the seasoned meat the night before and refrigerate so the flavors meld—this makes morning cooking even faster. Cooked sausage patties or crumbles keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze cooked patties for up to 4 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Other Turkey Recipes To Try
If you enjoy this turkey sausage, here are a few other ground turkey dishes that make great weeknight meals or meal-prep options:
Dinner
Air Fryer Ground Turkey Meatballs
Dinner
Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
Dinner
Korean Ground Turkey
Dinner
Turkey Smash Burgers
If you try this recipe, let me know how it turned out. Follow along for more wholesome, easy recipes and breakfast ideas that are quick enough for busy mornings.
Turkey Sausage
Equipment
- 1 large skillet
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey (93% lean)
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp ground sage
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp pepper or red pepper flakes
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar (optional for a maple-like flavor)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, seasonings, and brown sugar. Mix thoroughly so the spices are evenly distributed.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned turkey to the pan. Either crumble it with a spatula for loose sausage or form small patties before adding to the skillet.
- Cook until the meat is fully cooked and no pink remains, about 4–5 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use immediately or cool and store for later use.
Notes
- Do not overcook: Lean turkey can dry out. Remove from heat when just cooked through.
- Brown sugar: Adds a pleasant sweetness reminiscent of maple—reduce if you prefer less sweetness.
- Patties: For burgers or sandwiches, form 1/4-cup patties and cook until browned on both sides.
- Serve with veggies: Bell peppers, onions, spinach, and shredded cheese pair well for a balanced breakfast.
Nutrition
Serving: 3 patties | Calories: 565 kcal | Protein: 107 g | Carbohydrates: 14 g | Fat: 9 g
Nutrition information is an approximation and should be used as a guide only.