Grilling turkey sausages over an open flame can leave you with a dry and burnt meal if you’re not careful. If you want better flavor and texture, try braising your turkey sausages! Smoke braising will deliver the flavors of smoked sausages with the juiciness of braised meat.
Grilling up plump, juicy turkey sausages is a great way to add flavorful lean protein to any meal. But to get the best results it’s crucial to know how long to grill turkey sausages so they turn out fully cooked without drying out. The right grilling time and technique is key.
Here’s a complete guide to achieving perfectly cooked turkey sausage on the grill every time.
How Long Does it Take to Grill Turkey Sausage?
Most turkey sausage links need 10-15 minutes of grilling time over medium heat, turning occasionally. Thicker sausages may take a bit longer, up to 18-20 minutes
The cooking time can vary based on a few factors:
-
Thickness – Thinner sausages will grill faster than thicker links. Allow more time for jumbo sausage.
-
Grill Temperature – Cook over medium heat. Too high and the outside burns before the inside cooks. Too low and it takes much longer.
-
Preparation – Partially pre-cooked or marinated sausage may cook faster. Frozen or cold sausage right out of the fridge will require more time.
-
Cooking Method – Direct heat grilling cooks faster than indirect heat. Turning infrequently leads to uneven cooking.
No matter what, use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Turkey sausage is safely cooked at an internal temperature of 165°F.
If grilling alongside other foods, you can remove the sausage sooner when it reaches 155°F since the temperature will continue rising as it rests off the grill.
Grilling Tips for Perfect Turkey Sausage
Follow these simple tips for grilling moist, flavorful turkey sausage every time:
-
Use Medium Heat – High heat scorches the outside before the inside cooks. Medium heat between 350-450°F is ideal.
-
Preheat the Grill – Let the grill heat up completely before adding sausage to prevent sticking. Clean and oil the grates too.
-
Don’t Crowd – Leave space between sausages for air circulation and even cooking. Avoid flare ups.
-
Turn Frequently – Rotate sausages every 2-3 minutes to prevent burning. Turn gently to keep casings intact.
-
Check Internal Temp – Use an instant read thermometer in the thickest part to test for 165°F.
-
Rest Before Serving – Let sausage rest 5 minutes off grill before eating so juices redistribute evenly.
How to Get Perfect Grill Marks
Picture-perfect grill marks add great visual appeal. Follow these tips for defined sear marks on your turkey sausages:
-
Cook over direct high heat 500°F+ to sear the surface.
-
Keep the lid open while grilling for optimum contact with the grates.
-
Only turn once to get crisscross marks. Don’t move or turn frequently.
-
Brush or rub a thin coating of oil on sausage before grilling to help it brown.
-
Use a grill basket or skewers so sausage won’t roll around.
Getting Juicy, Flavorful Sausage
Turkey sausage can dry out quickly on the grill. Here are some expert tips to lock in moisture and make each bite burst with flavor:
-
Marinate Before Grilling – Soak sausage for 30 min to 2 hrs in an oil-acid marinade, like balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
-
Partially Pre-Cook – Boil or sauté sausage briefly before grilling to set juices and seasoning inside.
-
Use a Two-Zone Fire – Sear over direct heat then move to indirect heat to finish cooking gently.
-
Add Smoky Flavor – Use fragrant wood chips, chunks or pellets in a smoker box for sweet, smoky flavor.
-
Baste While Cooking – Brush on a glaze, sauce or marinade during grilling to keep moist.
-
Grill Low and Slow – Cook using indirect heat around 325°F for up to 30 minutes for ultra-juicy sausage.
Popular Variations
Turkey sausage makes a tasty and healthier alternative to beef and pork sausage. Try these fun variations on the grill:
-
Sausage Kabobs – Thread sausage chunks and colorful veggies onto skewers for a one-dish meal.
-
Sausage Wrapped in Bacon – Salt, fat and smoke – a flavor trifecta! Wrap links in bacon and grill until crispy.
-
Sausage Sandwiches – Nestle sausage in a toasted bun and add favorite toppings – peppers, onions, cheese, slaw, etc.
-
Sausage with Veggies – Grill colorful mixed bell peppers, zucchini, potatoes or other veggies alongside sausage.
-
Sausage Breakfast – Wake up to savory patties and links paired with scrambled eggs and hash browns.
Pair with Flavorful Side Dishes
What goes well with grilled turkey sausage? Just about anything! Here are some sensational sides to serve it with:
-
Grilled vegetables – onions, peppers, zucchini, eggplant, corn, etc.
-
Fresh green salad or Caesar salad
-
Roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes
-
Quinoa or brown rice
-
Macaroni and cheese or cheesy grits
-
Fruit salad with berries and citrus
Now that you know exactly how long to grill turkey sausages for plump, juicy links bursting with flavor, it’s time to get grilling! Dazzle your family at the next cookout with your perfectly cooked turkey sausage.
Preparing Turkey Sausages for the Grill
Prepping your turkey sausages before braising on the grill is a simple task. First, if your sausages are frozen, you must thaw them before cooking. Cooking frozen sausages can lead to a longer cooking time and unevenly cooked sausages. We recommend thawing frozen sausages in the refrigerator, so be sure to plan for that extra time.
After thawing the sausages, take them out of the package and pat them dry with paper towels. Some cooks slice open sausages before grilling, but we do not recommend doing this with turkey sausages. Leaving the casing intact will allow the turkey to cook in its juices and retain much of its moisture and flavor.
To make braised turkey sausages, you will need:
- Shady Brook Farms turkey sausages
- Aluminum pan
- Seasonings (salt and black pepper)
- A grill
- Liquid (water, beer, stock, or your preferred braising mixture)
Instructions for Braising Turkey Sausages on the Grill
After prepping your turkey sausages and gathering everything needed for braising them, follow these steps to create a delicious braised sausage.
Put your thawed turkey sausages inside an aluminum pan with your preferred aromatics, such as garlic, onions, ginger, or bay leaves. Avoid overcrowding the pan, or your sausages may not cook evenly.
Pour in enough water to cover the bottom half of your sausages. If you want to add more flavor to your sausages, substitute the water with beer, chicken stock, wine, or a braising mixture. Leaving the upper part of the sausage un-submerged ensures that the smoke from your grill can penetrate the meat and flavor it.
After you’ve preheated your grill, place the pan with your turkey sausages and braising liquid in it. Cover the grill and leave your sausages to cook for about 20 minutes. The braising liquid will cook the sausages without drying them out.
When your turkey sausages reach an internal temperature of 165°F, take them out of the braising liquid and pat them dry with paper towels. If you want your sausage casing to have a nice sear and snap, coat the braised sausages with olive oil and place them over direct heat on your grill. Grill for only a couple of minutes to crisp up the exterior.
Are you ready to make delicious braised turkey sausages? Discover where to buy your sweet or hot Italian turkey sausages from Shady Brook Farms today.
Grilled TURKEY SAUSAGE | How to make Turkey Sausage on THE GRILL
FAQ
How long does it take to grill turkey sausages?
Prepare a grill for cooking over medium heat. Grill the turkey sausages until seared on both sides and cooked through, about 10 minutes per side.
How do you know when turkey sausage is cooked?
Internal Temperature: The most reliable way is to use a meat thermometer. Cook sausages until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for pork and beef sausages, and 165°F (74°C) for chicken or turkey sausages.
How to grill sausage on a gas grill?
To accomplish this, grill the sausage over direct low (300 F) heat for approximately 2 minutes a side. This helps add color and flavor to the meat. Next, move the sausage to indirect heat and continue to grill another 8-10 minutes with the lid closed.
How long to cook turkey sausage?
Here’s a general guideline for how long to cook turkey sausage using different methods: Grilling: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (375°F to 400°F). Grill the turkey sausage for 10-15 minutes, turning once halfway through, until cooked through and browned. Pan-frying: Heat a skillet over medium heat.
How long do you cook sausage on a grill?
Place sausages on the preheated grill. Grill until browned and cooked through, turning occasionally, 10 to 16 minutes. Your cooking time will depend on your grill and how close the sausages are to the heat. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read 165 degrees F (73 degrees C) for well done.
How do you cook a turkey sausage patty?
Turkey sausage comes in link form or pre-made patties. Cook them as follows: Sausage links – Follow pan frying, baking, or grilling steps above. Sausage patties – Cook like you would a burger patty in a skillet or on the grill. Look for internal temp of 165°F. Patties typically cook quicker than links. Watch closely to prevent overcooking.
What temperature should turkey sausage be cooked to?
It’s crucial to cook turkey sausage to a safe internal temperature of 165°F to prevent foodborne illness. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the sausage in the thickest part. If the temperature is below 165°F, continue cooking until it reaches the safe temperature. Here are some additional tips for cooking turkey sausage:
How do you cook turkey sausage in the oven?
Turkey sausage should reach 165°F internally. Let sausage rest 1-2 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows juices to redistribute. The oven yields evenly cooked turkey sausage with just a touch of crisping. Follow these tips for perfect oven-baked sausage: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
How do you cook turkey sausage links?
Cut turkey sausage links apart with a sharp knife. To help the sausages brown as they cook, you can brush them with a little cooking oil or melted butter — preferably unsalted, since sausage is usually fairly salty. Grease the rack of a roasting pan, oven-safe casserole or baking sheet and line the sausages without letting them touch each other.