Turkey Italian Sausage

While you could buy a premade turkey Italian sausage at the store, why not make your own? This straightforward recipe calls for a few key spices and herbs, and some sugar to round out the savory. Beyond that, you’ll need lean ground turkey to make a delicious, ready-to-eat Italian sausage that can be added to whatever meal might benefit from a touch of savory turkey.

While you do need to plan in advance (this one requires at least eight hours of resting time in the fridge to really meld the flavors), the actual cooking time is just a few minutes. Serve it for dinner with pasta and a cheesy sauce, or as a breakfast patty with fried eggs and sauteed veggies. It’s a versatile turkey Italian sausage, making this an ideal recipe if you like to meal-prep for the week ahead.

Ingredients for Turkey Italian Sausage

• Turkey: We recommend lean ground turkey for this recipe.
• Spices: To flavor the turkey, you’ll be adding garlic powder, crushed fennel seed, salt, dried oregano and pepper.
• Sugar: Just a bit of sugar helps to balance the more savory flavors of the herbs and spices.

Directions

Step 1: Combine the meat and seasonings

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In a bowl, combine the turkey, garlic powder, fennel seed, sugar, salt, oregano and pepper, and mix well to combine. Cover the bowl, and refrigerate it for at least eight hours, or overnight.

Step 2: Shape the patties

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Remove the meat from the fridge, and shape the sausage mixture into eight patties.

Step 3: Cook the sausage

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Cook the patties in a nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray for about three minutes on each side, or until a meat thermometer reads 165°F.

Editor’s Tip: If you’d prefer a turkey crumble instead of patties, you can crumble the turkey mixture into a nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray. Cook and stir for about four minutes, or until the meat is no longer pink.

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Turkey Italian Sausage Variations

• Toss in some veggies: Add some bell pepper, onion, mushrooms, cubed sweet potato, broccoli or frozen corn and peas (or any other veggies of your choice!) into the turkey Italian sausage as you’re mixing it.
• Add tomatoes: Fresh sliced cherry tomatoes added into the pan while you’re cooking the sausage would be a delicious way to serve this, especially over a bowl of steaming rice or quinoa.

How to Store Turkey Italian Sausage

Store any leftovers in the fridge wrapped in foil or in an airtight container. Wait until the sausages are cooled before storing, however.

How long does turkey Italian sausage last?

If stored properly, ground turkey Italian sausage will last three to four days.

Turkey Italian Sausage Tips

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Can I use frozen turkey?

Yes, you can use frozen turkey. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge prior to making this turkey Italian sausage recipe.

Why are my turkey sausage patties crumbling?

You may have overcooked them. Remove the patties from the heat as soon as the internal temperature reaches 165° (or just before, as they will continue cooking as they cool). Additionally, you can add an egg or two to the recipe, which will not only add protein, it will also work to keep the sausages together.

What should I serve with Italian turkey sausage?

These savory sausage patties would be delicious as an option for an epic brunch spread, with a fried egg on top or smothered in avocado on toast.