The Ultimate Guide to Aldi’s Delicious Turkey Cheddar Sausages

As an avid Aldi shopper and food blogger one of my all-time favorite Aldi finds is their Kirkwood Turkey Cheddar Sausages. These juicy, cheese-studded sausages have become a staple in my household for quick and easy grilled meals. I wanted to share an in-depth guide on everything you need to know about these popular sausages, from cooking tips to how they taste.

Overview of Kirkwood Turkey Cheddar Sausages

• Sold at Aldi grocery stores in the refrigerated meat section
• Come in a 13.5 oz vacuum sealed package with 6 sausages
• Made with smoked turkey and real cheddar cheese
• 60% less fat than beef sausage
• Seasonal item usually available during grilling season
• Excellent price at around $3.09 per package

Why Aldi Shoppers Love These Sausages

There are several reasons these turkey cheddar sausages have developed a cult following among Aldi fans:

Convenience – Fully cooked, so ready in minutes Easy to grill, pan fry or microwave

Flavor – Smoked turkey and melted cheddar cheese is a tasty combo. More flavor than plain turkey dogs.

Lower Fat – With 60% less fat than beef sausage, they are a healthier alternative.

Budget-Friendly – At just around 50 cents per sausage, the price is right.

Limited Time Item – As a Seasonal Special Buy, they generate excitement.

How Do Kirkwood Turkey Cheddar Sausages Taste?

These sausages have a delicious, smoky turkey flavor combined with gooey bits of melted cheddar cheese inside. Many people describe the taste as a cross between a hot dog and a smoked sausage. They are more flavorful than a plain turkey dog. The cheese gives them a nice richness.

The sausage texture is nicely juicy and plump, not rubbery. The casing has a satisfying snap when you bite into it. The smoky flavor really comes through.

Overall, the consensus is these taste far better than the low price would suggest. Aldi really delivers with these premium-tasting sausages.

Nutrition Facts

Here are the nutrition facts per sausage:

• Calories: 120
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5g
• Sodium: 570mg
• Carbs: 6g
• Sugar: 2g

As you can see, the fat and saturated fat content is lower compared to beef sausages, due to using lean turkey meat. But sodium is still quite high at 25% of the daily value per sausage.

Ingredients

Turkey cheddar sausages contain:

• Turkey
• Water
• Cheddar cheese
• Contains 2% or less of: salt, corn syrup, sugar, spices, garlic powder, mustard, sodium phosphates, sodium erythorbate, sodium nitrite.

The ingredients list is fairly simple and identifiable. Keep in mind they do contain processed ingredients like corn syrup and sodium nitrite to preserve the color and extend shelf life. But that’s expected for a packaged cured sausage product.

How to Cook Kirkwood Turkey Cheddar Sausages

These versatile sausages can be prepared in a number of quick and easy ways:

• Grilling – The best way to get a nice char while heating through. Avoid flare ups.

• Pan Frying – Cook in a skillet with a bit of oil turning frequently.

• Microwaving – Place in microwave safe dish, add water, cover and microwave.

• Camping – Easy to cook over the campfire.

They cook up fast, in just 10-15 minutes. Be careful not to overcook or they can become dry.

Serving Suggestions

There are so many ways to enjoy Kirkwood’s turkey cheddar sausages:

• In a bun with favorite toppings for an easy lunch or dinner.

• Chopped up in pasta dishes, eggs scrambles or casseroles.

• On a charcuterie or antipasto board for parties.

• In breakfast burritos or bowls with veggies and eggs.

• On kebab skewers alternated with veggies and fruit.

• As an appetizer tray item cut into bite sized pieces.

• In couscous or quinoa bowls topped with veggies.

Really you can sub them anytime you would use a hot dog or sausage. Get creative!

How to Tell When Bad or Expired

Since these are a fully cooked, perishable product, it’s important to watch for signs they may have spoiled. Here’s what to look for:

• Unpleasant odor when package is opened

• Discoloration or slimy texture

• Mold growth on sausages

• Expired best by date printed on package

For food safety, it’s best to freeze them if you can’t use within 3 days of opening. Consume within 4 months from freezing date for best quality.

Buying Tips

Here are some tips for getting your hands on these beloved seasonal sausages:

• Check weekly ads to find out when they return each year.

• Arrive early in the season, as they often sell out fast.

• Don’t expect employees to hold stock in backrooms or take rainchecks.

• Consider freezing extras to enjoy later in the year.

• Look for manager markdowns if you spot any discoloration.

• Inquire about status regularly if they are out of stock.

Top Recipes Using Kirkwood Turkey Cheddar Sausages

Here are some of my favorite ways to use up these Aldi sausages:

Sausage Pepper and Onion Skillet – Cooked with tri-color bell peppers and onions for a quick and easy one-pan meal.

Cheesy Sausage and Potato Bake – Layered with cheddar cheese, potatoes, and spinach for a hearty casserole.

Sausage Kebabs – Alternate pieces of sausage with peppers, onion, pineapple and mushroom.

Sausage Corn Chowder – Simmered in a creamy corn and potato chowder for added protein.

Sausage Egg Sandwiches – Fried egg, cheese and sausage stacked on an English muffin for breakfast.

Sausage Gravy Over Biscuits – Chopped sausage simmered into a rich creamy Southern-style gravy.

Sausage and Sauerkraut – Simmered in beer and served over mashed potatoes for a German-inspired dish.

The possibilities are endless! These flavorful sausages make it easy to quickly prepare so many different meals.

Is Aldi’s Turkey Sausage Worth It?

In my opinion, Kirkwood’s turkey cheddar sausages are absolutely worth buying if you spot them at Aldi. The convenience, versatility and amazing price simply can’t be beat.

They cook up quick on busy weeknights, offer a healthier alternative to beef sausage, and please big crowds at parties and cookouts. Even picky kids seem to love them.

Just be sure to check them promptly and cook within 3 days of purchasing for food safety. Properly stored in the freezer, they will keep even longer.

Next time you see Kirkwood turkey cheddar sausage at Aldi, I definitely recommend tossing a package in your cart. They deliver premium taste without the premium price tag. In my house, they’ve become a staple that I eagerly anticipate returning every grilling season.