Turkey sausage is a versatile ingredient that can add flavor to many dishes while being a healthier option compared to traditional pork sausage. I love exploring different ways to prepare it, and I find that there are countless recipes that showcase its unique taste and adaptability. In this article, I will share the nine best turkey sausage recipes that are not only delicious but also easy to make.

From breakfast to dinner dishes, turkey sausage can fit into any meal. I have gathered a collection of recipes that highlight its versatility and how it can be incorporated into various cuisines. These recipes can satisfy your cravings while providing a nutritious option for you and your family.

Table of Contents

1. Savory Herb Turkey Sausage

a white plate holds several cooked sausages, browned and glistening with herbs and oil. the sausages are arranged loosely, and the plate sits on a wooden surface. the sausages appear to be well-cooked and flavorful, with visible herbs and a glossy sheen from the cooking oil

Savory Herb Turkey Sausage is a flavorful option made from ground turkey and a mix of herbs. This dish is tasty and easy to prepare, making it perfect for any meal.

To make it, I gather the ingredients: ground turkey, garlic, sage, thyme, and pepper. I find using fresh herbs adds a great taste.

Here are the simple steps to prepare it:

In a bowl, I combine one pound of ground turkey with two minced garlic cloves.

I add one tablespoon of fresh sage and one tablespoon of fresh thyme.
I sprinkle in half a teaspoon of black pepper and mix everything well.
I shape the mixture into patties or links.

Next, I heat a skillet over medium heat. I cook the sausages for about 6-7 minutes on each side until they are browned and cooked through.

This Savory Herb Turkey Sausage can be enjoyed in various dishes, whether it’s for breakfast or dinner.

2. Spicy Italian Turkey Sausage

a white plate holds several cooked sausages, browned and glistening with herbs and oil. the sausages are arranged in a row, and the plate sits on a light surface. the sausages appear to be well-cooked and flavorful, with visible herbs and a glossy sheen from the cooking oil

Spicy Italian turkey sausage is a flavorful option that adds zest to many dishes. It is made from ground turkey mixed with spices like fennel, garlic, and red pepper flakes. This combination not only tastes great but also offers a healthier alternative to traditional sausage.

Making spicy Italian turkey sausage is quite easy. I prefer using fresh ingredients to enhance the flavor. Here are the steps I follow:

In a bowl, I combine 1 pound of ground turkey with 1 tablespoon of fennel seeds, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
I add 1 teaspoon of salt and mix everything together until well blended.

I then shape the mixture into patties or links, depending on my preference.
Finally, I cook them in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes per side or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

This recipe is quick to prepare and can be enjoyed in various meals, from breakfast to pasta dishes.

3. Apple Maple Turkey Sausage

a plate holds three cooked turkey patties, browned and slightly textured, with a side salad of mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, feta cheese, and red onion. the patties are arranged in the foreground, and the salad is in the background, creating a balanced and appetizing meal

Apple Maple Turkey Sausage is a tasty dish that combines lean turkey with sweet apple and maple flavors. This sausage is a great choice for breakfast or any meal.

I find this recipe easy to make and enjoyable for all ages. It requires simple ingredients like ground turkey, diced apples, and maple syrup.

To prepare this sausage, I follow these steps:

In a bowl, I mix 1 pound of ground turkey with 1 cup of diced apples.
Then, I add 1/4 cup of maple syrup, 1 teaspoon of salt, and a dash of pepper.
Next, I form the mixture into patties or links, depending on my preference.

I heat a skillet over medium heat and cook each sausage for about 5-7 minutes on each side until browned.

This dish not only tastes good but also brings a warm, comforting feeling to the table. It’s a perfect balance of savory and sweet that I always enjoy.

4. Cajun-Style Turkey Sausage

a white plate holds four small, browned sausage patties, a scoop of white rice, and a small bowl of yellow mustard. the patties are stacked in the center of the plate, and the rice and mustard are placed to the side. the plate sits on a wooden surface

Cajun-style turkey sausage is a flavorful dish inspired by the vibrant cooking of Louisiana. It blends spices and herbs that give it a distinct taste. This sausage is made with ground turkey, making it a leaner option compared to traditional sausage.

I find this recipe quite easy to make. With a few ingredients and simple steps, I can create delicious sausage at home.

Here’s how I prepare it:

Gather Ingredients: I use ground turkey, salt, black pepper, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Mix Seasonings: In a bowl, I combine the spices and mix them well with the ground turkey.
Shape the Sausage: I shape the mixture into patties or links, depending on my preference.
Cook: In a skillet, I heat a little oil over medium heat. I cook the sausage for about 5-7 minutes on each side until it’s browned and cooked through.

Cajun-style turkey sausage can be served in various ways. I often enjoy it with rice or in a hearty gumbo for an authentic Cajun experience.

5. Garlic and Fennel Turkey Sausage

a white plate holds sliced sausage, a halved boiled egg with a bright orange yolk, and a small side salad of lettuce, tomato, and cucumber. the sausage slices are arranged in two groups, and the egg halves are placed at opposite ends of the plate. the salad adds a fresh element to the meal

Garlic and fennel turkey sausage is a flavorful and healthy choice. It’s made with ground turkey, minced garlic, and fennel seeds. This mix adds a nice twist to traditional sausage recipes.

I find this recipe easy to make and perfect for weeknight dinners. It takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.

To prepare, follow these steps:

Ingredients: Gather 1 pound of ground turkey, 3 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of fennel seeds, and 1 teaspoon of salt.
Mix: In a bowl, combine ground turkey, garlic, fennel seeds, and salt. Mix everything well until fully blended.

Shape: Form the mixture into patties or links based on your preference.
Cook: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.

This dish is versatile. You can serve it with breakfast or in sandwiches. Enjoy the delicious taste of garlic and fennel in every bite!

6. Smoky Chipotle Turkey Sausage

a white plate holds four cooked sausages, browned and glistening with herbs. the sausages are arranged loosely on the plate, and a few cilantro leaves are scattered around them. the plate sits on a light surface, and a white cloth is visible in the bottom left corner. the sausages appear well-cooked and flavorful

Smoky Chipotle Turkey Sausage is a flavorful option for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious sausage without the extra fat found in traditional pork sausages. The chipotle adds a nice smoky heat that enhances the turkey’s natural taste.

I find this recipe easy to make at home. You’ll need ground turkey, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, garlic, and a few spices. The preparation takes only about 15 minutes.

Start by mixing 1 pound of ground turkey with 1-2 minced chipotle peppers, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper.

Shape the mixture into sausage links or patties, depending on your preference.
Preheat a skillet over medium heat and cook the sausages for about 6-7 minutes on each side.
Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe eating.

This recipe is perfect for breakfast or as an ingredient in other dishes. Enjoy the smoky flavor and health benefits of turkey!

7. Honey Dijon Turkey Sausage

a white plate holds three cooked sausage patties and two sunny-side-up eggs. the patties are browned and slightly textured, and the eggs have bright yellow yolks and cooked whites. the plate sits on a wooden surface, and the meal appears to be a classic breakfast combination

Honey Dijon turkey sausage is a flavorful twist on traditional sausage. It combines the sweetness of honey with the tang of Dijon mustard. This gives the sausage a unique taste that I really enjoy.

Making this dish is quite simple. I find it to be an easy recipe that anyone can follow. Plus, it can be ready in less than 30 minutes.

Here are the steps I follow:

In a bowl, I mix 1 pound of ground turkey, 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, and 2 tablespoons of honey.
I add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.

I mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
I shape the mixture into patties or links.
In a skillet over medium heat, I cook the sausage for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until browned and cooked through.

This Honey Dijon turkey sausage can be enjoyed in many ways. I like serving it with eggs for breakfast or in a sandwich for lunch. It’s a delightful choice for those who want a tasty, healthier alternative to regular sausage.

8. Sweet and Sour Turkey Sausage

a plate holds sliced sausage pieces, topped with a red sauce, resting on a bed of mashed potatoes. broccoli florets and asparagus spears are arranged on the side. the sausage slices are browned and the mashed potatoes are creamy, creating a balanced and comforting meal on a light-colored plate

Sweet and sour turkey sausage combines the savory taste of turkey with a delightful mix of sweet and tangy flavors. This dish is easy to prepare and makes a satisfying meal.

To make it, I start by cooking sliced turkey sausage in a pan over medium heat. It usually takes about 5-7 minutes until it gets a nice brown color.

Next, I mix together some sweet and sour sauce, which includes ingredients like ketchup, vinegar, and a bit of brown sugar. I pour this sauce over the sausage in the pan.

I let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend well. This dish pairs nicely with rice or vegetables.

Sweet and sour turkey sausage is not only tasty but also a quick option for a weeknight dinner. It’s a delicious way to enjoy turkey sausage with a twist.

9. Thai Basil Turkey Sausage

a plate holds two cooked sausages resting on a bed of white rice, accompanied by a side salad of mixed greens, red bell peppers, and yellow vegetables. the sausages are browned and glistening, and the salad adds a fresh element to the meal. the plate sits on a wooden surface

Thai Basil Turkey Sausage is a flavorful dish that combines ground turkey with aromatic Thai basil. This herb adds a unique taste that elevates the turkey, making it a delicious option for any meal.

Making Thai Basil Turkey Sausage is quite easy. I appreciate how simple it is to prepare this dish at home. All I need are fresh ingredients and a few steps to follow.

To make it, I start with these steps:

Gather 1 pound of ground turkey and a cup of chopped fresh Thai basil.
Add 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper.
Mix everything together in a bowl until well combined.

Shape the mixture into patties or links, depending on my preference.
Cook the sausage on a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked.

The outcome is a savory and aromatic sausage that pairs well with rice or salad. I enjoy experimenting with different sides to complement the flavors.

What Are the Nutritional Benefits of Turkey Sausage?

Turkey sausage offers several nutritional advantages that make it a great choice for those looking to enjoy a tasty meal while maintaining a healthy diet. I find that focusing on the protein content and calorie count really highlights why it’s a popular alternative to pork or beef sausages.

Why Is Turkey Sausage a Good Lean Protein Source?

Turkey sausage is an excellent source of lean protein. A typical serving contains about 14-20 grams of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. It’s lower in fat compared to traditional sausage options.

Protein plays a crucial role in overall health. It helps maintain energy levels and keeps you feeling full longer. This can be beneficial for weight management. I appreciate that turkey sausage can easily fit into a balanced diet plan, offering quality nutrition without excess calories.

In addition, turkey is rich in essential amino acids, which are vital for various bodily functions. This makes turkey sausage not just tasty, but a smart choice for anyone looking to boost their protein intake.

Why Is Turkey Sausage Low in Calories?

When it comes to calories, turkey sausage stands out as a lower-calorie option. On average, it contains about 120-150 calories per serving, which is often less than other types of sausage. This lower calorie count can help those who are watching their weight or trying to maintain a healthier lifestyle.

The reduced calorie content does not mean sacrificing flavor. Many brands offer flavorful varieties that include spices and herbs, enhancing the taste without adding extra calories.

I especially appreciate that I can enjoy turkey sausage in various dishes while keeping my calorie intake in check. It’s a fulfilling option that supports a nutritious meal without overindulging.

Choosing turkey sausage as part of my diet allows me to enjoy meals that are both satisfying and aligned with my health goals.

What Are Some Cooking Tips for Turkey Sausage?

When cooking turkey sausage, it’s essential to choose the right type and understand the best methods to prepare it. These tips help ensure great flavor and the right texture for your dishes.

How Do You Choose the Right Turkey Sausage?

Selecting a quality turkey sausage is crucial for the best results. I recommend looking for sausages made from lean turkey meat, ideally with a fat content around 10-20%. This balance keeps the sausage juicy without being overly greasy.

Check the ingredient list for natural spices and seasonings. Avoid options with fillers like high-fructose corn syrup or artificial additives. You can also consider specialty sausages, such as those flavored with herbs or spices, for unique recipes.

If possible, buy from local farmers or trusted brands. Fresh sausages often have better flavor. Always check the expiration date to ensure freshness before cooking.

What Are the Ideal Cooking Methods for Turkey Sausage?

Turkey sausage can be cooked using various methods, each offering distinct flavors and textures. One popular way is grilling. This method adds a smoky flavor while allowing excess fat to drip away. Heat your grill and cook sausages for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally.

Pan-frying is another excellent option. I use a non-stick pan with a bit of oil and cook the sausages over medium heat for 10-12 minutes. This method browns the outside while keeping the inside juicy.

Oven baking is also effective. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and bake the sausages for 20-25 minutes. This method is hands-off and perfect for meal prep.

Regardless of the method, ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety and the best flavor.

9 Best Turkey Sausage Recipes for Delicious and Healthy Meals