I know it might seem easy to just buy your breakfast sausage, but let me tell you, it is actually really easy to make too! Let me tell you all about this Homemade Turkey Breakfast Sausage recipe, I promise you are going to want to make these, SOON!
Reasons for Making Your Own Sausage
Health and flavor are the main reasons to make sausage on your own, let me explain.
Homemade really is much better for you. Most store-bought sausages are full of preservatives and other things you can avoid making in your own kitchen. And you can dictate what goes in.
I made mine with ground turkey, you can use other ground meats. For me, lean protein is what I was going for.
Ingredients
- Ground turkey- I used a 93/7, as I was going for a lean sausage. You can use a turkey sausage that is higher in fat if you like or even chicken sausage. Ground pork is also an option if you want fattier meat.
- Apples- I think granny smith is the best option for this recipe, but you can use any apple you like. This will be grated to use.
- Maple syrup- this is the best flavor for a breakfast sausage in my opinion. It also keeps this recipe refined and sugar-free, which I love!
- Gateway To The North- This spice mix is a must in your kitchen! It is a Spice House blend and so worth it!! If not, you can always use garlic powder, Italian Seasoning, etc. I will include the recipe below with both options.
- Cayenne Pepper- It won't take much, but it adds just a little undertone of heat.
- Dried Sage- Sage is a favorite of mine for breakfast sausage.
- Canola oil- or whatever oil you are going to pan-fry these with. It won't take much oil, but because the turkey is really lean, you will need some fat to cook it in.
Making the Sausage Patties
- First- Start by mixing all your ingredients in a bowl. You will want to mix this well to make sure everything is evenly distributed. I prefer to do this with my hands, but if that grosses you out, use a wooden spoon or stand mixer.
- Second- Form your sausage patties. I made 8 out of this batch, but if you like them bigger or smaller, make them the size you like. You really can't go wrong with this step.
- Third- Heat your pan over medium-high heat. I love to use my Lodge Cast iron skillet for this. Once it is heated, add your canola oil. You will want the pan to be pretty hot before adding the sausage.
- Fourth- Add your sausage patties to the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side. I like to try and flip just one time.
- That is it. See, I told you, this recipe is so simple!
Tips For Making Homemade Breakfast Sausage
- You do not want to overcook these. Whenever you are working with lean meat, you have got to be mindful not to overcook as it will dry the meat out and nothing is worse than that.
- If you don't like a little spice in your life, you can always omit the cayenne pepper. We think it is really delicious, especially with the maple syrup and sage, but if it isn't your thing, leave it out.
FAQ Homemade Turkey Breakfast Sausage
You can! Let me say though, that I like to make them ahead of time- make the mix, form the patties, then freeze them in a single layer. Once they are frozen, bag them. Pull them out and thaw them when you are ready to use them. Fry as shown in the recipe.
Ground pork or chicken is also really good.
I think mangoes are delicious. cut them into small pieces. Pears are also really good and have a milder flavor.
Other Breakfast Ideas
Spicy and Delicious Apple Maple Sausage
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey I used the 93/7, but you can use whatever ground turkey you like.
- ⅓ cup grated apples
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Gateway To The North Seasoning If you do not use this seasoning, use ½ teaspoon garlic powder and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. If you have maple sugar, use 1 teaspoon this as well.
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cayenne this is optional and you can add more if you like it more spicy!
- 1 teaspoon sage I used dry, but you could certainly use fresh, just chop it finely
- 1-3 tablespoons canola oil or another neutral oil. This will be to coat your pan.
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients except canola oil in a small bowl. I like to do this with my hands as I find it so much easier.
- Form into 6-10 patties, this will depend on what size you like your patties. I tend for smaller patties, but that is personal.
- Heat a cast-iron skillet or heavy bottom skillet over medium heat.
- Once the pan is good and hot, add a small amount of oil to coat the bottom
- Add your sausage patties and cook on each side until they are golden brown.
Notes
- You do not want to overcook these. Whenever you are working with lean meat, you have got to be mindful not to overcook as it will dry the meat out and nothing is worse than that.
- If you don't like a little spice in your life, you can always omit the cayenne pepper. We think it is really delicious, especially with the maple syrup and sage, but if it isn't your thing, leave it out.