Ground Turkey Sausage (Printable)
Lean, seasoned ground turkey patties with aromatic herbs and spices
# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1 lb ground turkey, preferably thigh meat for enhanced flavor
→ Spices & Seasonings
02 - 1 tsp kosher salt
03 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
04 - 1 tsp dried sage
05 - 1/2 tsp dried thyme
06 - 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, optional for heat
07 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
08 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
09 - 1/2 tsp onion powder
→ Herbs
10 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, optional
→ Other
11 - 1 tbsp olive oil for cooking
# Directions:
01 - Place ground turkey in a large mixing bowl. Add all spices, seasonings, and fresh parsley if using. Mix gently with clean hands or a spoon until just combined—avoid over-mixing to prevent dense texture.
02 - Divide the seasoned turkey mixture into 8 equal portions. Form each portion into a patty approximately 1/2 inch thick, or leave the mixture loose if incorporating into other recipes.
03 - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place patties in the pan without overcrowding. Cook for 4–5 minutes per side until well-browned and crispy. Verify internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer.
04 - Serve immediately as breakfast sausage, in sandwiches, or crumble into scrambled eggs and pasta dishes. For freezing, arrange uncooked patties on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 2 months.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- You get all those breakfast sausage flavors with about half the guilt and none of the mystery meat vibes
- Mixing up your own spice blend means you control exactly what goes into your morning protein
02 -
- Overmixing makes tough patties, so stop as soon as the spices look evenly distributed
- Letting the mixture rest for 10 minutes in the fridge helps the flavors meld and makes shaping easier
03 -
- Use a kitchen scale if you have one for perfectly portioned patties every time
- Let cooked patties rest on a paper towel for a minute before serving