Sausage isnt exactly a health food — its usually high in calories and full of fat, preservatives and fillers. But its not all bad news: You can opt for turkey sausage instead of beef or pork sausage for a healthier meal.
“Minimally processed turkey sausage can be a great protein source at meals,” Krista King, RDN, tells LIVESTRONG.com. Plus, its lower in saturated fat and calories compared to pork sausage, she says. A bun-sized (2.6-ounce) turkey sausage link boasts 176 calories and 13 grams of fat while the same serving of pork and beef sausage has 297 calories and 27 grams of fat.
Since its already assembled and seasoned, turkey sausage is an easy, convenient way to add protein to your breakfast or other dishes. “Its lean, delicious and cooks quickly because its ground and compact,” says Yankel Polak, head chef at ButcherBox. All you have to do is cook the sausage completely through, and you can do that with minimal mess and trouble by baking it in the oven.
Turkey sausage is a delicious, healthier alternative to pork or beef sausage. It tends to be lower in fat, calories, and sodium compared to other types of sausage. One of the easiest ways to cook turkey sausage is right in your oven. Oven-baking ensures the sausages cook up evenly browned, juicy, and properly cooked every time.
In this comprehensive 1889 word guide, we will walk through the entire process of cooking turkey sausage in the oven. Whether you are a beginner cook or a seasoned pro, this article provides all the tips, tricks, and step-by-step instructions you need to bake turkey sausage to perfection.
Benefits of Cooking Turkey Sausage in the Oven
There are a few key reasons why oven-baking is one of the best cooking methods for turkey sausage:
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Even heating: The indirect heat of the oven surrounds the sausages, ensuring they cook through evenly from the interior to the exterior. No need to worry about undercooked centers or burnt exteriors.
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Perfect browning: The hot, dry oven air promotes nice browning on the sausage exterior to enhance flavor and texture.
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Minimal fat: Unlike pan frying, oven-baking doesn’t require added fat or oil. The sausages brown thanks to the oven’s ambient heat.
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Easy cleanup Simply line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for super easy cleanup after cooking,
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Hands-off Once the sausages are in the oven, you don’t need to monitor them constantly like on the stovetop. Just set a timer and go enjoy time away from the kitchen!
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Versatile The oven bakes sausages evenly whether they are links, patties, uncooked, or pre-cooked.
With all these advantages, it’s easy to see why oven-baking is an excellent choice for preparing turkey sausage.
Ingredients Needed
To bake turkey sausage in the oven, you will need just a few ingredients:
- Turkey sausage links, patties, or ground turkey sausage
- Olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, or cooking spray
- Fresh or dried herbs and spices like garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, oregano, etc.
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
- Baking sheet or oven-safe pan
- Meat thermometer (optional)
That’s really all you need for perfect oven-baked turkey sausage! Now let’s get into the easy process.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for baking turkey sausage in the oven:
1. Preheat Oven
First, preheat your oven to 350°F. This temperature ensures the oven will be hot enough to properly bake the sausages when they go in.
2. Prepare Sausages
If using links, separate them apart. For patties or ground sausage, shape it into patties if desired.
3. Coat with Oil
Drizzle or brush the sausages lightly with oil on all sides. This helps promote even browning and prevents sticking to the pan.
4. Season Generously
Sprinkle or rub the desired spices and herbs onto the sausages. Get creative with fun flavor blends! Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic, and onion are all tasty options.
5. Arrange on Baking Sheet
Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment. Arrange the sausages in a single layer without overcrowding.
6. Bake at 350°F
Place the baking sheet with the seasoned sausages in the center rack of your preheated oven.
7. Flip and Rotate
After 12-15 minutes, use tongs to flip and rotate the sausages for even cooking on all sides.
8. Cook Until Done
Continue baking until the sausages reach an internal temperature of 165°F, about 20-25 minutes total. The sausage should look nicely browned on the outside.
9. Allow to Rest
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cooked sausages rest for 5 minutes before serving.
And that’s it! Just follow these simple steps for oven-baked turkey sausage that turns out juicy, flavorful, and safely cooked every time.
Handy Oven-Baking Tips
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Don’t exceed 350°F oven temperature, as higher heat can cause casing to burst.
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Use metal tongs rather than forks for flipping to avoid puncturing the casings.
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Line the baking sheet with foil or parchment for fast, easy cleanup.
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Leave space between sausages to allow heat circulation and prevent uneven cooking.
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Cut sausage links apart before baking so the insides get cooked through.
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Brush with oil or butter to enhance browning and prevent sticking.
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Add a pat of butter on top after baking for extra richness.
Cooking Time and Temperature
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Cook at 350°F: This moderate oven temperature prevents over-browning.
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Flip halfway: Flipping the sausages midway through allows both sides to cook evenly.
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Cook to 165°F internal temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the sausage reaches food-safe doneness.
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Check for done cues: The sausage should be nicely browned on the outside with juices running clear when cut.
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Total time: 20-25 minutes. Cooking times vary based on size, but 20-25 minutes is typical for fully cooked turkey sausage.
Serving Suggestions
Turkey sausage cooked in the oven can be served in so many delicious ways:
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Breakfast – Serve with eggs, hashbrowns, pancakes, biscuits, etc.
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Lunch/Dinner – Chop and add to pastas, pizzas, sandwiches, salads, bowls.
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Appetizers – Slice and serve on toothpicks or assemble mini sausage bites.
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Sides – Pair with roasted veggies or rice.
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Meal Prep – Make a batch for easy reheating throughout the week.
The possibilities are endless! Oven-baked turkey sausage is one of the most convenient, fool-proof ways to enjoy this lean, protein-packed sausage anytime.
FAQs
Should turkey sausage be cooked to 165°F?
Yes, turkey sausage should always be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F as measured by a food thermometer. This ensures any bacteria is killed and the sausage reaches safe doneness.
How long does uncooked turkey sausage take in the oven?
If using raw, uncooked turkey sausage, the baking time may be slightly longer, around 30 minutes total to fully cook through. Check temperature and doneness cues.
What oven temperature is best for turkey sausage?
350°F is ideal, as higher heat risks over-browning. Lower temperatures (250°F or above) can be used but increase cooking time.
Should I flip turkey sausage while baking?
Yes, flipping halfway through is recommended so both sides cook evenly. Use tongs to carefully flip each sausage.
Can I add veggies to the baking sheet with sausage?
Absolutely! Roasting veggies alongside adds flavor. Just ensure similar cooking times so nothing over or undercooks.
Is baking healthier than frying turkey sausage?
Yes, baking uses less added fat while still producing browned, delicious sausage. It’s one of the healthiest cooking methods.
The Takeaway
Cooking turkey sausage in the oven is one of the easiest hands-off ways to enjoy this tasty, lean sausage option. With just a baking sheet, a bit of oil and seasonings, you can bake flavorful, juicy turkey sausage in under 30 minutes.
Follow the instructions above for perfect results every time. Then get creative with fun flavor combinations and serving suggestions. Oven-baked turkey sausage makes a quick, healthy addition to so many meals, from breakfast through dinner.
How to Bake Turkey Sausages
What Youll Need
- Knife
- Cooking brush
- Cooking oil or melted butter (optional)
- Roasting pan or baking tray and aluminum foil
- Meat thermometer
- Tongs
How to Do It
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes.
- 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.
- Put the sausages in the center of the oven. Turn them over using tongs after about 15 minutes to aid even cooking and to prevent burns from the roasting pans rack.
- Bake the turkey sausages until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. It should take approximately 25 minutes, and the juices should run clear when you cut into a fully cooked sausage. When the sausage is firm throughout, thats another sign that its completely cooked, says Polak.
1. Don’t bump the temperature higher than 350 degrees Fahrenheit, even if you’re in a hurry, says Polak. “With turkey sausage links, chances are they are in a casing and if the moisture inside begins to boil, the casing will burst and you’ll lose all the delicious juices,” he says. Plus, it’s messy.
2. Don’t use a fork to flip the sausages, since that could result in puncturing the casing and losing the moisture and flavor from the links. “Use tongs and be careful to keep the sausage intact,” says Polak.
How to Buy Turkey Sausage
“All types of sausage can be high in sodium,” King notes. A turkey sausage link contains 479 milligrams of sodium, which is about 20 percent of the maximum amount of sodium the American Heart Association recommends per day (2,300 milligrams). Look for low-sodium options in the grocery store, advises King.
And seek out nitrite- and nitrate-free options, she suggests. These food additives are associated with increased cancer risk, according to a December 2015 meta-analysis published in the journal Nutrients. In general, King says, look for a short ingredient list that contains items that you recognize and can pronounce — thats a sign that the sausage does not contain additives or preservatives.
Read more: The Harmful Effects of Sodium Nitrite in Food
“Look for labels that read free-range and all-vegetarian feed,” recommends Polak. Check if the sausage has a Global Animal Partnership (GAP) certification label, which means that the turkey was raised on a vegetarian diet without any antibiotics or added hormones. These elements may require more time and expense from the farmer, Polak says, but theyll result in a more delicious turkey with higher quality meat.