There’s something uniquely comforting about the sound of sizzling sausage first thing in the morning. It conjures memories of cozy kitchen gatherings and hearty breakfasts that fuel the day ahead. But let’s be honest—sometimes traditional sausage can weigh us down with its richness. That’s where this tasty ground turkey breakfast sausage comes to the rescue! A healthier twist on a beloved classic, these homemade patties deliver all the savory flavor you crave without the guilt.
I first decided to whip these up on a leisurely Sunday, craving something wholesome yet satisfying. With just a handful of spices and lean ground turkey, I found myself creating a breakfast staple that was not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough for meal prep. Whether you want them as savory breakfast patties or crumbled into a breakfast burrito, these turkey sausages are sure to become a family favorite, making mornings feel a little more special. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that balances flavor, health, and convenience!
Why Tasty Ground Turkey Breakfast Sausage Shines
Healthier Alternative: This recipe offers all the mouthwatering flavor of traditional sausage while being low in fat, so you can enjoy breakfast guilt-free.
Easy Meal Prep: Perfectly adaptable for busy mornings, make a batch in advance and store them for quick breakfasts all week!
Savory Flavor: A delightful mix of classic herbs brings richness and depth, making every bite explode with taste.
Versatile Use: Enjoy these turkey sausages as patties or crumbled in burritos—whatever fits your breakfast mood!
Quick Cooking Time: Ready in just minutes, you’ll savor that sizzling sound without the wait. Get ready to elevate your mornings!
Tasty Ground Turkey Breakfast Sausage Ingredients
For the Sausage Base
• Ground Turkey – Forms the heart of the sausage; choose 85/15 or 93/7 for moisture-rich texture.
• Salt – Essential for enhancing overall flavor; don’t skip this crucial ingredient!
For the Herb and Spice Mix
• Sage – Delivers a classic sausage flavor; feel free to use fresh instead of dried if you prefer.
• Black Pepper – Adds a subtle kick; you can adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
• Thyme – Complements the other herbs beautifully; brings an earthy essence to the mix.
• Garlic Powder – Infuses a depth of flavor; can be swapped with fresh garlic if you love that punch.
• Marjoram – Offers a hint of sweetness; can be replaced with Italian seasoning if needed.
• Smoked Paprika – Enhances the sausage with a delightful smokiness; regular paprika can be used for a milder taste.
• Red Pepper Flakes – Provides a spicy kick; tweak the quantity based on your preference for heat!
• Onion Powder – Gives a savory boost; can be substituted with sautéed fresh onions to add moisture.
Optional Add-Ins
• Mushrooms – For a low-fat option, blend in mushrooms for added moisture and flavor.
This tasty ground turkey breakfast sausage is all about savory satisfaction and is sure to find a special place in your morning routine!
How to Make Tasty Ground Turkey Breakfast Sausage
Prepare Spice Mix: In a small bowl, combine sage, salt, black pepper, thyme, garlic powder, marjoram, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, and onion powder. Mix well to evenly distribute the flavors.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add ground turkey to your spice mix. Gently fold them together until thoroughly combined, being cautious not to overwork the meat to keep it tender.
Shape Patties or Keep Loose: Take the turkey mixture and form it into 8 equal patties, each about ½ inch thick. Alternatively, you can leave the mixture loose for crumbled sausage.
Cook: Heat a skillet over medium heat, lightly greasing it to prevent sticking. For patties, cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through at 165°F. For crumbles, add the mixture directly to the skillet, cooking for 4-5 minutes until no pink remains.
Rest and Serve: Once cooked, let the sausages rest for about 2 minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute for a juicier bite, then serve them up!
Optional: Serve these delicious sausages with scrambled eggs or your favorite breakfast sides.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Tasty Ground Turkey Breakfast Sausage
Room Temperature: If left out, consume sausages within 2 hours to ensure freshness and avoid any food safety issues.
Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy homemade breakfast throughout the week.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the patties or crumbles in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, warm in a skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes or microwave for 30-60 seconds, allowing you to savor your tasty ground turkey breakfast sausage effortlessly.
Make Ahead Options
These tasty ground turkey breakfast sausages are ideal for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the spice mix and combine it with the ground turkey up to 24 hours in advance—just be sure to refrigerate the mixture to maintain freshness. Simply mix the spices and ground turkey, shape them into patties or leave them loose for crumbles, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. When you’re ready to cook, simply heat a skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. By prepping ahead, you’ll have wholesome, delicious breakfast sausages ready to pop into your morning routine, making busy days a breeze!
Tasty Ground Turkey Breakfast Sausage Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine by customizing this recipe to satisfy your taste buds!
- Herb Swap: Substitute with fresh dill for a delightful twist; it brightens the flavor profile beautifully.
- Mushroom Boost: Add finely chopped mushrooms for an earthy richness while keeping it low-fat and juicy.
- Spiced Up: Incorporate a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra kick that will wake up your taste buds in the morning.
- Cheesy Delight: Mix in shredded cheese like cheddar or mozzarella for a melty, flavorful addition that enhances savoriness.
- Sweet Touch: Try adding a pinch of brown sugar or maple syrup for a slight sweetness that complements the herbs perfectly.
- Zesty Citrus: A squeeze of lemon juice or zest can brighten the flavors, offering a refreshing balance to the savory elements.
- Veggie Mix-In: Fold in chopped spinach or kale to sneak in some greens and add texture, making breakfast a bit healthier!
- Smoky Flavor: For a more intense smokiness, replace smoked paprika with chipotle powder for a deeper, bolder kick!
Each of these variations opens up a world of delicious possibilities, making your morning ritual all the more exciting and satisfying!
Expert Tips for Tasty Ground Turkey Breakfast Sausage
Heat Wisely: Avoid high heat while cooking; it can cause the turkey to dry out, making the sausage tough.
Gentle Mixing: When combining turkey and spices, mix gently. Overworking the meat can lead to dense, less enjoyable patties.
Resting is Key: Allow cooked sausage to rest for 2 minutes after cooking. This step helps retain juices, ensuring a flavorful, moist bite.
Safety First: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 165°F to ensure food safety.
Customize to Taste: Experiment with different herbs or spices in your tasty ground turkey breakfast sausage to create a version that suits your palate perfectly!
What to Serve with Tasty Ground Turkey Breakfast Sausage?
Create a delicious morning spread that will awaken your senses and delight your family.
Scrambled Eggs: These fluffy eggs add protein and balance, making for a classic breakfast combo that’s hard to resist.
Whole Grain Toast: A slice of toasted whole grain bread is perfect for soaking up the savory juices and creating a satisfying crunch.
Fresh Fruit Salad: Vibrant mixed fruit adds a refreshing touch, with natural sweetness that complements the savory sausage beautifully.
Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado provides healthy fats and a smooth texture, enhancing the flavor profile while keeping it nutritious.
Pancakes or Waffles: Fluffy pancakes or crispy waffles offer a touch of sweetness, creating a delightful balance with the savory sausage.
Breakfast Burrito: Wrap these sausages in a tortilla with scrambled eggs and toppings for a hearty, portable breakfast that’s perfect for busy mornings.
Crispy Hash Browns: Golden-brown hash browns add crunch and texture, making for a comforting side that pairs perfectly with the sausage.
Coffee or Tea: A warm beverage like coffee or herbal tea rounds out the meal, providing warmth and comfort to start your day right.
Maple Syrup Drizzle: A light drizzle of maple syrup on your pancakes or waffles will harmonize beautifully with the sausage’s savory notes, elevating every bite.
Tasty Ground Turkey Breakfast Sausage Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right ground turkey?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and moisture, opt for ground turkey with a fat content of 85/15 or 93/7. This balance gives you just enough juiciness without being overly greasy. If you choose leaner turkey, consider adding a little olive oil to the mixture for added moisture.
How long can I store leftover sausages?
Very! You can store your homemade sausages in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just make sure they are fully cooled before sealing them to maintain their texture.
Can I freeze these sausage patties?
Absolutely! To freeze, first, cook your sausage patties or crumble and spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze them for about 1-2 hours until solid, then transfer to freezer bags or airtight containers. This way, they won’t stick together, and you can enjoy your tasty ground turkey breakfast sausage for up to 3 months!
What’s the best way to reheat sausages?
For a quick and easy option, simply microwave your sausages for 30-60 seconds or until heated through. If you prefer a crispy outside, warm them in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, flipping occasionally to ensure even heating.
Are these sausages safe for dogs?
While ground turkey itself can be safe for dogs, it’s best to avoid giving them any seasoned sausage. The garlic and onion powder present in this recipe can be harmful to pets, so always stick to plain, unseasoned turkey if you want to share with your furry friends.
What if my sausage mixture is too wet?
No worries! If you find your mixture a little too wet, try adding a bit of breadcrumbs or finely chopped oats to absorb some moisture and help bind the patties together. Just mix gently to avoid making them tough, and you’ll be golden!
Savory Tasty Ground Turkey Breakfast Sausage for Healthier Mornings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare Spice Mix: In a small bowl, combine sage, salt, black pepper, thyme, garlic powder, marjoram, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, and onion powder. Mix well to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add ground turkey to your spice mix. Gently fold them together until thoroughly combined, being cautious not to overwork the meat to keep it tender.
- Shape Patties or Keep Loose: Take the turkey mixture and form it into 8 equal patties, each about ½ inch thick. Alternatively, you can leave the mixture loose for crumbled sausage.
- Cook: Heat a skillet over medium heat, lightly greasing it to prevent sticking. For patties, cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through at 165°F. For crumbles, add the mixture directly to the skillet, cooking for 4-5 minutes until no pink remains.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, let the sausages rest for about 2 minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute for a juicier bite, then serve them up!