Here’s a simple and hearty breakfast sausage recipe made with lean ground turkey and a handful of pantry spices. It’s loaded with savory-sweet flavor, cooks up in one skillet, and tastes just like classic breakfast sausage—only lighter. Perfect for busy mornings or weekend brunch, this has become a regular in my kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Breakfast Turkey Sausage
This sausage is one of those recipes that checks all the boxes. It’s incredibly flavorful with the warm notes of sage, rosemary, and garlic, balanced by a subtle sweetness from maple. It takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish, and the best part? You can use it in everything—from scrambles to casseroles, or even just piled on toast. Whether you’re feeding picky kids or prepping meals for the week, this one is a real breakfast MVP.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here’s what you’ll need to pull this together:
- Ground turkey – I usually go with 93% lean, but turkey breast works too if you want it extra lean. Ground chicken or lean pork also work great as swaps.
- Worcestershire sauce – Adds that rich umami depth. Soy sauce, tamari, or coconut aminos are all good substitutes.
- Salt – Use what you have—sea salt, kosher salt, or even pink Himalayan if you’re feeling fancy.
- Garlic powder – Fresh minced garlic is totally fine, just chop it really small so it blends in.
- Ground sage – Classic sausage flavor. Fresh sage can be chopped and added too.
- Crushed rosemary – Dried or fresh both work. I sometimes give fresh rosemary a quick chop so it mixes in well.
- Paprika – I usually use regular, but smoked paprika gives it a nice twist. Chili powder can add a bit of heat.
- Thyme – Dried oregano or a little fresh thyme work just as well if that’s what you’ve got.
- Maple extract – Optional, but adds a hint of sweetness. A tiny drizzle of real maple syrup or honey can do the trick too.
- Black pepper – Or white pepper if you want a more subtle spice.
How to Make This High-Protein Breakfast Turkey Sausage
This comes together fast—no need to shape patties or use fancy equipment. Just a skillet, a spatula, and a few minutes.
Step 1: Brown the Turkey
Heat a teaspoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and break it up with your spatula. Sprinkle in the Worcestershire sauce, salt, garlic powder, sage, rosemary, paprika, thyme, and maple extract (if using). Keep stirring and breaking it up until the turkey is fully cooked and no longer pink—about 8–10 minutes.
Once done, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any extra fat. That’s it!
Expert Tips
- Watch the cook time – Turkey can dry out if you overcook it. Once it’s no longer pink, you’re good.
- Boost the flavor – Like it bolder? Add a touch more sage or rosemary.
- No maple extract? – Don’t sweat it. It’s great without it too.
Delicious Ways to Serve It
- Classic Breakfast Plate – Pair with scrambled eggs, toast, and some fruit.
- Loaded Breakfast Sandwich – Add to an English muffin with egg and cheese.
- Low-Carb Style – Serve with avocado and sautéed greens or cherry tomatoes.
- Brunch Board – Works beautifully next to pancakes, waffles, or breakfast casseroles.
- Meal Prep – Make a big batch and reheat through the week.
- Kid-Friendly – Serve with hash browns, mini pancakes, or inside a quesadilla.
Storage Tips
- Fridge – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer – Cool the sausage completely, portion it out, and freeze for up to 3 months. I like to freeze them flat in resealable bags.
- Reheating – Warm it up in a skillet or microwave until heated through. If frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge first.
Breakfast Ground Turkey Sausage
This simple and flavorful turkey sausage recipe brings all the taste of traditional breakfast sausage using lean ground turkey. Cooked in a skillet with everyday seasonings, it includes hints of maple, sage, rosemary, garlic, paprika, and a touch of Worcestershire sauce to give it that classic sausage flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (ensure it's gluten-free if needed)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground sage
- 1 teaspoon crushed rosemary
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1/8 teaspoon maple extract (optional)
- Dash of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon light olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.
- Place the ground turkey in the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula.
- Add Worcestershire sauce, salt, garlic powder, ground sage, rosemary, paprika, thyme, maple extract (if using), and black pepper.
- Stir occasionally and cook until the turkey is no longer pink and is fully cooked.
- Once done, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess moisture or oil.
Notes
- Avoid Overcooking: The sausage is ready as soon as there’s no pink left.
- Boost the Flavor: For a stronger taste, add a bit more sage or rosemary.
- Optional Sweetness: It still tastes great without the maple extract if you prefer to skip it.
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 156Total Fat 11gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 7gCholesterol 60mgSodium 334mgCarbohydrates 1gFiber 0gSugar 0gProtein 14g
Dinnerfocus.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is turkey sausage healthier than pork sausage?
Yes, it’s usually leaner and lower in fat, especially if you use ground turkey breast. It’s still full of flavor thanks to the herbs and spices.
Can I make the sausage mix ahead of time?
Definitely. Mix the turkey and seasonings ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Cook it fresh when you’re ready.
What other spices can I add to change it up?
Fennel seeds give it a classic sausage profile, or try a pinch of cayenne for heat. You can also play around with smoked paprika or chili flakes.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As long as your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free, you’re all set.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! It’s a great one to double and freeze in batches for easy breakfasts later.
This turkey sausage is one of those back-pocket recipes I always come back to. It’s cozy, flavorful, and totally fuss-free—exactly what I need on a hectic morning. And once you try it, I think you’ll agree: homemade really does taste better.
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