Turkey sausage is growing in popularity as a healthier leaner alternative to traditional pork sausage. With fewer calories and less fat turkey sausage still delivers big, bold flavor. It can be incorporated into recipes anywhere you’d use regular sausage, from breakfast tacos to pasta dishes. While cooking sausage may seem straightforward, there are some tips and tricks to take your turkey sausage from good to great!
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to cook various types of turkey sausage to perfection. Whether pan-frying, baking, grilling or smoking, we’ve got you covered with pro tips for maximizing flavor and texture. Let’s dive in!
Choosing the Best Turkey Sausage
Turkey sausage comes in a wide range of flavor varieties, spice levels, and meat blends Here are some of the most common types
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Breakfast sausage – Sage-seasoned, perfect for breakfast dishes.
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Andouille – Packs a spicy Cajun-inspired kick.
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Bratwurst – Delicate seasoning like caraway, nutmeg, garlic.
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Italian – Robust blend of fennel, paprika, garlic.
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Chorizo-style – Hearty chili powder and smoked paprika flavors.
For the juiciest, most flavorful result, look for turkey sausage with 10-15% fat content. This adds moisture and richness that extremely lean turkey sausage can lack.
Pan-Frying Juicy Turkey Sausage
Pan-frying is one of the quickest and easiest ways to cook turkey sausage. Follow these tips:
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Use a heavy pan like cast iron or stainless steel to brown evenly. Nonstick prevents fond from developing.
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Heat pan over medium-high before adding just enough oil to prevent sticking, around 1 tsp per link.
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Brown sausages on one side about 2-3 minutes, then flip and cook 2 more minutes.
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Lower heat if browning too quickly. Cook through fully without burning.
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Insert a meat thermometer to check 165°F internal temperature for doneness.
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Let rest 1-2 minutes before slicing to redistribute juices.
Baking Turkey Sausage to Perfection
The oven yields evenly cooked turkey sausage with a touch of crisping. Follow these baking tips:
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Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment for easy cleanup.
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Arrange sausages on sheet with even space between each. Brush lightly with oil if desired.
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Bake 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through. Turkey sausage is done at 165°F.
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Add veggies like peppers, onions, potatoes alongside for a sheet pan meal.
Grilling for Maximum Smoky Flavor
Grilling brings out delicious smoky notes in turkey sausage. Be sure to:
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Oil the grill grates well so sausages don’t stick. Use a grill brush.
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Grill over direct medium heat, around 350-400°F. Avoid direct high heat.
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Rotate sausages every 2-3 minutes to prevent burning. Cook to 165°F internal temperature.
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Move sausages to indirect heat if flare ups occur or they are browning too fast.
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Allow to rest 5 minutes before slicing into grilled sausage.
Cooking Smoked Turkey Sausage
Smoked turkey sausage has extra flavor from hardwood smoking. Cook it:
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In a skillet to quickly pan-fry, brown, and heat through.
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Simmered in soups, beans or sauces to infuse more flavor.
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On the grill or in the oven roasted alongside veggies.
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Chopped up in egg scrambles, pasta dishes, pizza toppings.
Handling Raw Turkey Sausage Safely
To safely handle and prep raw turkey sausage:
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Store in the fridge 1 week max. Freeze for longer storage.
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Defrost in the refrigerator, not room temperature to prevent bacteria growth.
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Wash hands and surfaces after handling raw sausage to avoid cross-contamination.
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Cook thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F to kill any potential bacteria.
Tips for Perfect Turkey Sausage Every Time
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Always use a meat thermometer to confirm 165°F doneness.
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Avoid poking sausages while cooking to prevent juices escaping.
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Boost flavor with spices, herbs, garlic, onions, peppers.
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Prevent curling by making shallow slits on underside before cooking.
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Cook links whole, then slice after cooking for juiciest texture.
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Allow 2-3 minutes of rest time after cooking for juices to redistribute.
Common Turkey Sausage Mistakes
It’s easy to dry out or undercook turkey sausage if you aren’t careful. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them:
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Undercooked or raw inside – Use a meat thermometer to confirm 165°F.
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Dried out, tough texture – Don’t overcook, 165°F max internal temperature.
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Not enough flavor – Boost with extra spices, herbs, garlic, etc.
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Too much charring – Use lower heat setting and watch closely when cooking.
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Curled or warped – Score underside before cooking to prevent curling.
Delicious Ways to Use Turkey Sausage
With so many varieties available, turkey sausage is incredibly versatile. Here are some tasty ways to use it:
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Breakfast tacos – Scrambled eggs, cheese, peppers, potato, turkey sausage crumbles.
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Hearty pasta dishes – Sausage ragu with chunky tomato sauce tossed with pasta.
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Sausage sandwiches – Grilled sausage patties with sautéed onions and peppers on rolls.
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Sausage balls – Combine sausage, cheddar, biscuit mix then bake into flavorful appetizer bites.
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Sausage gravy – Make a rich sawmill gravy with crumbled sausage to top biscuits.
With the proper cooking technique, turkey sausage can be just as flavorful and enjoyable as traditional pork sausage. Experiment with different seasoning blends and cooking methods to find your favorites.
Turkey Sausage, Pepper and Onion Skillet
- Prep Time 50 min
- Total 50 min
- Servings 4
- Ingredients 9
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- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 lb Italian turkey sausage links, cut into 1-inch slices
- 1 1/2 cups sliced onions
- 2 medium red, yellow or green bell peppers, cut into strips (about 2 cups)
- 2 teaspoons finely chopped garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 can (14.5 oz) Muir Glen™ organic fire roasted crushed tomatoes, undrained
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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- Step 1 In 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add sausage; cook 8 to 10 minutes or until no longer pink and completely cooked (at least 165°F). Using slotted spoon, transfer to plate, and keep warm.
- Step 2 Reduce heat to medium; add onions and peppers to drippings. Cook 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender. Stir in garlic and seasoning; cook 30 to 60 seconds or until garlic is fragrant.
- Step 3 Stir in tomatoes and sausage; heat to simmering, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat; cook uncovered 8 to 10 minutes or until completely heated through.
- Step 4 Garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese.
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How To Cook Turkey Sausages
FAQ
How long should turkey sausage be cooked?
Cook turkey sausages until they begin to brown and firm up, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove to a cutting board and let cool slightly before cutting into 1/2-inch thick diagonal slices; they will not be completely cooked at this point.
How do you cook turkey sausage without drying it out?
If you find that your sausages dry out too easily in the oven, try boiling them beforehand. This can help them stay juicy on the inside after cooking.Dec 20, 2019
Do you cook sausage in the oven or stove?
Loose bulk sausage is usually browned in a skillet before being added to a dish, like Ree Drummond’s delicious stuffed peppers or baked ziti. Whole or sliced sausage links enclosed in casing can be cooked in the oven, skillet, or on a grill. (Try Ree’s grilled sausage at your next cookout!)