Homemade Turkey Sausage Patties: A Lean, Flavorful Breakfast Delight

Homemade Savory Turkey Sausage Patties

Start your morning right with these delicious homemade turkey sausage patties that are leaner than traditional pork sausage but packed with flavor. Perfect for a healthier breakfast option that doesn’t sacrifice taste!

Why You’ll Love This Turkey Sausage Recipe

Making your own breakfast sausage allows you to control exactly what goes into it. These turkey sausage patties are:

• Healthier – Significantly less fat than traditional pork sausage
• Customizable – Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences
• Quick to prepare – Ready in just 25 minutes from start to finish
• Meal-prep friendly – Make ahead and freeze for busy mornings

Perfect Breakfast Turkey Sausage Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground turkey (preferably not too lean for best flavor)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons dried sage
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

How to Make Homemade Turkey Sausage Patties

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, sage, thyme, marjoram, and red pepper flakes.
2. Using clean hands, gently mix until all ingredients are well incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, which can make the sausage tough.
3. Form the mixture into 8 equal-sized patties, about 1/2 inch thick. If the mixture is too sticky, slightly wet your hands with cold water.
4. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. You can add a small amount of oil if desired, though the natural fats in the turkey will usually be sufficient.
5. Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and are nicely browned.
6. Remove from heat and allow to rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Tips for Perfect Turkey Sausage Every Time

• Don’t go too lean – Turkey with some fat content (93/7 or 85/15) makes juicier sausage patties
• Test a small patty – Cook a small test patty to check seasonings before cooking the entire batch
• Keep patties uniform – Use a measuring cup or kitchen scale for consistent sizing
• Don’t overcook – Turkey sausage can dry out quickly, so watch carefully while cooking

Serving Ideas for Your Turkey Breakfast Sausage

These versatile turkey sausage patties pair perfectly with so many breakfast favorites:

• Classic breakfast plate with scrambled eggs and toast
• Breakfast sandwich on an English muffin with egg and cheese
• Alongside pancakes or waffles with maple syrup
• Crumbled into a breakfast burrito with eggs and vegetables
• Added to a breakfast hash with potatoes and peppers

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

These turkey sausage patties are perfect for meal prep:

• Refrigerate: Store cooked patties in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze uncooked: Place shaped patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Freeze cooked: Allow patties to cool completely, then freeze in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet.

Nutrition Information

176 calories |
2g carbohydrates |
23g protein |
9g fat |
2g saturated fat |
84mg cholesterol |
545mg sodium |
2g sugar

Variations and Substitutions

Make this turkey sausage recipe your own with these tasty variations:

• Apple Turkey Sausage: Add 1/2 cup finely diced apple and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• Maple Turkey Sausage: Replace brown sugar with 2 tablespoons real maple syrup
• Spicy Turkey Sausage: Double the red pepper flakes and add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Italian-Style: Replace the sage and marjoram with 1 teaspoon each of dried basil and oregano, plus 1 teaspoon fennel seeds

Why Homemade Turkey Sausage Beats Store-Bought

Making your own turkey sausage at home has several advantages:

• No preservatives, fillers, or artificial ingredients
• Significantly less sodium than most commercial brands
• Better flavor customized exactly to your preference
• More economical, especially when making larger batches

Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey Sausage

Can I make this recipe with ground chicken instead?

Yes! Ground chicken works as a perfect 1:1 substitute for ground turkey in this recipe. The flavor will be slightly milder.

How do I know when turkey sausage is fully cooked?

Turkey sausage should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer. The patties should also be browned on both sides with no pink remaining in the center.

What can I add to make turkey sausage more moist?

For moister turkey sausage patties, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil to the mixture or use ground turkey with a higher fat content. You can also add 1/4 cup finely grated apple or onion to add moisture.

Whether you’re looking for a healthier breakfast option or simply love the flavor of homemade sausage, these turkey sausage patties are sure to become a staple in your morning routine. Easy to make and full of savory flavor, they’re the perfect way to start your day!