Description
This Turkey Breakfast Sausage recipe is a healthy and flavorful alternative to traditional pork sausage. Made with lean ground turkey and a blend of aromatic spices like poultry seasoning, fennel seed, and smoked paprika, these sausages can be formed into patties or crumbled for versatile breakfast options. Quick to prepare and cook on the stovetop, they provide a high-protein, low-fat start to your day.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound 93% lean ground turkey
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 ¼ teaspoons poultry seasoning
- ½ teaspoon fennel seed (lightly crushed)
- ½ teaspoon rubbed sage
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon granulated garlic or garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste, optional)
Instructions
- Mix the Spices: In a small bowl, combine poultry seasoning, fennel seed, sage, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and optional red pepper flakes to prepare the spice blend.
- Combine with Turkey: Place the ground turkey in a medium mixing bowl and pour the spice mixture over it. Mix thoroughly until the spices are evenly incorporated into the meat.
- Form Sausage Patties: Divide the meat mixture into 8 equal portions. Shape each into a round ball, then flatten to about ¼-inch thickness forming patties. Place the patties on a foil-lined baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to cook. They can be stored overnight or cooked immediately.
- Cook Patties on Skillet: Heat a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat and spray generously with nonstick cooking spray. Arrange patties in the skillet with space between them. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the bottoms are well browned. Flip each patty, lightly pressing down with a spatula, and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until browned and internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C).
- Alternative – Crumbled Sausage: For crumbled sausage, coat a 12-inch nonstick skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium. Add the raw turkey mixture and press it flat across the pan. Let cook undisturbed for 2 minutes, then use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it into large chunks. Continue cooking and breaking up the meat for about 4 minutes or until fully cooked through.
Notes
- You can refrigerate the formed patties overnight or cook them immediately.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure sausages reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted to your preferred spice level.
- Nonstick cooking spray helps prevent sticking and reduces added fat.
- This recipe can be used for both patties or crumbled sausage for versatile breakfast dishes.
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast Sausage
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
