My homemade turkey sausage recipe uses just 6 ingredients and cooks in less than 10 minutes. It’s juicy, healthy, and flavorful and works well as a breakfast sausage.
We love cooking with turkey. It’s lean, packed with protein, and contains barely any saturated fat.
I love a savory breakfast, especially if there is some meat involved. I wanted to make a slightly healthier version of traditional breakfast sausage patties, which is how my turkey breakfast sausage came to be.
Contrary to popular belief, ground turkey works well in recipes traditionally made with ground beef. Stores sell turkey sausage already made, but it’s SO easy and tastes ten times better to make it yourself.
Ground turkey, spices, and some kind of fat (usually olive oil) are what make turkey sausage. It can be made into patties or links. It tastes milder and less meaty, just like my chicken sausage, and it has fewer calories than other sausages. Table of Contents.
Cooking turkey sausage properly is important for food safety and maximizing flavor Undercooking turkey sausage can lead to foodborne illness, while overcooking results in dry, rubbery meat So what temperature should you cook turkey sausage to?
The safe minimum internal temperature for turkey sausage is 165°F (74°C) All raw ground poultry products, including turkey and chicken sausage, should reach 165°F prior to serving, according to USDA guidelines
In contrast, pork sausage varieties like breakfast sausage only need to reach 160°F. Pre-cooked turkey sausage that is ready-to-eat can simply be heated through.
Below, we’ll cover everything you need to know about getting your turkey sausage to the perfect temperature without over or undercooking.
Why Temperature Matters for Turkey Sausage
Turkey sausage is very lean and can easily dry out if cooked too long past 165°F Just a few extra minutes over the minimum safe temperature is enough to turn juicy sausage into shoe leather.
That’s why monitoring temperature precisely with an accurate meat thermometer is so important. Don’t guess if the sausage is done – use a thermometer to be sure. Guessing leads to overcooked food more often than not.
Minimum Safe Temperature for Turkey Sausage
The USDA recommends cooking raw ground poultry products to 165°F minimum. Below that point, there is risk of bacteria like salmonella surviving. 165°F is the point at which those pathogens are instantly killed off.
For whole cuts of turkey, a lower temperature of 155°F is acceptable since bacteria exist on the exterior rather than mixed throughout like with ground meat.
But for any type of ground turkey, including sausages and patties, you must hit 165°F at the thickest part of the meat for safety.
How Long Does it Take to Cook?
Cook time varies depending on size, preparation method, and other factors. Here are some general guidelines:
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A 2 oz turkey sausage patty takes about 10 minutes on the stovetop over medium heat.
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Frozen sausage takes longer – around 12-15 minutes on the stovetop and 15 minutes in a 400°F oven.
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Turkey sausage links take 10-15 minutes in a 375°F oven depending on thickness.
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Precooked turkey sausage just needs to be heated through until hot, about 5-10 minutes.
The exact time required comes down to your specific thickness and preparation method. That’s why using an instant read thermometer is so helpful for eliminating guesswork.
Best Cooking Methods for Turkey Sausage
Since turkey sausage is prone to drying out, cooking methods that apply direct heat evenly are ideal. Here are some good options:
Pan-Frying
Pan frying on the stovetop allows you to cook turkey sausage quickly while monitoring temperature. Use a heavy skillet over medium heat. Add just a small amount of oil or butter to prevent sticking.
Flip the sausage frequently and watch temperature closely with a thermometer once it approaches 165°F. Remove immediately once the minimum temperature is reached.
Cooking frozen sausage in a pan can be tricky. See the section below for tips.
Oven Baking
A hot oven ensures even heating all around. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place sausage on a foil lined baking sheet. Check temperature at around 15 minutes for frozen sausage or 10-12 minutes for thawed.
For linked sausages, use a wire rack on the baking sheet so hot air circulates under and around the links. Flip halfway through for even cooking.
Grilling
The hot, dry heat of the grill can easily overcook turkey sausage. Use indirect heat, flipping frequently, and watch temperature closely. Pull off as soon as 165°F is reached.
Brushing with oil helps prevent sticking. Placing a disposable foil pan with water under the grill grate where the sausage sits will add humidity and prevent drying out.
Slow Cooker
A slow cooker isn’t ideal for sausage, especially lean turkey varieties that can overcook. If using one, only cook on low for 2-3 hours maximum, checking temperature periodically after 90 minutes. Add moisture like chicken broth and don’t overfill.
Microwave
Not recommended. It’s difficult to heat turkey sausage evenly in the microwave without creating hot and cold spots. The exterior will overcook before the center reaches a safe temperature.
Cooking Frozen Turkey Sausage
Frozen sausage requires some special care to thaw and cook evenly while avoiding burn spots:
On the Stovetop: Use medium-high heat. Place sausage in a pan and add just enough water to cover the bottom. Cover with a lid. Once water evaporates at around 10 minutes, flip and brown both sides. Check temperature.
In the Oven: Bake at 400°F for around 15 minutes from frozen. Use an instant read thermometer to check doneness.
Thawing First: For best results, thaw sausage overnight in the fridge before cooking. This prevents uneven cooking. Handle thawed sausage as you would fresh.
Microwave Thawing: Not recommended. Microwaves can begin cooking sausage unevenly while thawing.
How to Tell When Turkey Sausage is Done
Appearance and texture clues are helpful indicators, but temperature is the only way to confirm turkey sausage is fully cooked:
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Use an instant read thermometer and check temperature in the thickest part of the sausage. Once 165°F is reached, it’s safe and ready to eat.
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Well cooked sausage will be firm and opaque all the way through with no pink coloration.
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Cut into a sausage to check the interior for yourself. When properly cooked, liquid should be clear with no traces of pink.
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Check for any glossy looking areas, which indicate undercooking. Be extra thorough poking temperature into those spots.
Always verify doneness with a thermometer for safety and perfect texture every time. Letting turkey sausage go even one minute over 165°F dries it out. Good thermometer habits prevent overcooking!
Common Turkey Sausage Mistakes
It’s easy to make mistakes when cooking turkey sausage. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
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Not monitoring temperature and overcooking from guessing or following package times. Those times often result in dried out sausage.
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Cutting into sausage before it reaches 165°F. This releases juices and dries out the interior. Always check temperature first.
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Using high heat that scorches and burns the exterior before the inside cooks through. Keep heat medium.
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Not preheating sufficiently when oven roasting or grilling before adding sausage. Full heat is needed to properly cook sausage without drying.
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Overcrowding the pan or baking sheet. Space sausages out so steam can escape. Too crowded steams the sausage and inhibits browning.
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Under thawing frozen sausage leads to uneven cooking. Thaw completely in the fridge overnight before cooking.
Following temperature guidelines precisely and using thermometers takes the guesswork out of cooking turkey sausage perfectly juicy every time. What temperature do you cook your turkey sausage to? Let us know in the comments!
How to make turkey sausage
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of this post to print out the full recipe instructions and amounts of the ingredients.
Step 1- make the mixture. Add all the ingredients into a mixing bowl and mix together until completely combined.
Step 2- shape. Using your hands, shape the mixture into six patties.
Step 3- Fry. Add oil to a large skillet or pan and place it over medium heat. Once hot, add the breakfast sausage patties and fry for 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step 4- Serve the sausage immediately with your favorite sides.
- Use a meat thermometer. You don’t want to overcook the turkey sausage because it is made with lean meat. To keep this from happening, I suggest checking the temperature inside with an instant-read thermometer. Ready-to-eat turkey should reach 165F.
- Bake the sausage. If you’d rather bake the turkey sausage than fry it, follow the steps given. Put them on a baking sheet that has been greased and lined with foil. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the sausage reaches 165F inside.
- Change up the seasonings. For extra heat, add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. To make it smokeier, add smoked paprika and a little liquid smoke.
- Add cheese. Because cheese is always a good idea, add 1/4 cup of your favorite shredded cheese to the mix. I personally love mozzarella cheese or cheddar cheese.
To store: Leftover breakfast sausage can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to five days.
To freeze, put the sausage in a ziplock bag after it has been cooked and cooled. It will stay frozen for up to two months.
Reheating: Microwave the sausage for 30-40 seconds until hot or in a non-stick pan.
Yes! Turkey sausage is naturally lower in fat, calories, and cholesterol compared to pork sausage. It’s a fantastic source of lean protein, so it’s perfect for a healthier diet.
Since you don’t add any fillers, thickeners, or preservatives when you make your own turkey sausage or breakfast sausage, it is not processed meat.
Why I love this recipe
- Healthy and low calorie. Turkey sausage is great to eat every day because it is low in fat and high in protein. My family and I like to use them to make our own sausage McMuffins.
- Cost-effective. You can make your own for a lot less money than buying one that’s already made. You also don’t use any of the thickeners or additives that store-bought brands do.
- Ready in 6 minutes. Set your timer when the sausage hits the pan. Three minutes on each side, and you are done! .
- Tastier than other kinds of sausage. Unlike pork or beef sausage, it doesn’t have strong meaty flavors that can make a dish taste too bland!
- Ground turkey. Lean ground turkey or extra lean ground turkey. I do not suggest the higher-fat cuts because the sausage gets too wet and greasy.
- Olive oil. Even if you use lean meat, adding oil to the patties makes sure they stay juicy and moist in the middle.
- Kosher salt and black pepper. To taste.
- Dried sage. A key spice to enhance the peppery flavors. It’s also the secret ingredient used in McDonald’s sausage!.
- Garlic powder. Adds a subtle garlic flavor without needing fresh garlic.
- Brown sugar OR maple syrup-. Adding a little of either of these sweeteners makes the savory and salty tastes go together better. Trust me, it makes all the difference.
What is turkey sausage good for?
FAQ
What temperature is turkey sausage done?
How do you tell if turkey sausage is cooked all the way?
Can turkey sausage be a little pink?
What temperature do you cook turkey sausage in the oven?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for cooking turkey sausage. This temperature will allow the sausage to cook through while maintaining a juicy and flavorful result. How do I prepare the turkey sausage for oven cooking?
How long to cook turkey sausage in oven?
Cooking turkey sausages in the oven typically requires a cooking time of 20-25 minutes at a temperature of 375°F (190°C). However, it’s essential to use a meat thermometer to ensure the sausages reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before consuming them.
What temperature should sausage be cooked at?
In contrast, the minimum safe temperature for sausages made from pork like some breakfast sausages is 160 degrees Fahrenheit. There are also many types of turkey sausage that are already fully cooked.
How long should turkey sausage be cooked at 375?
As a general guideline, turkey sausages should be cooked at a temperature of 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes. However, it is important to note that cooking times may differ slightly depending on the specific brand and thickness of the sausages. It is always recommended to refer to the package instructions for the most accurate cooking time.
How to cook turkey sausage patties in oven?
First, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, add a little oil and place your turkey sausage patties on it. Once your oven hits a temperature of 400 degrees, place your turkey sausages in the oven.
Can you cook turkey sausage in a convection oven?
Yes, you can use a convection oven to cook turkey sausages. However, you may need to reduce the cooking time by a few minutes as convection ovens cook food faster. 5. Can I cook turkey sausage in the oven without preheating?