Nothing makes a morning feel cozier than the smell of sausage sizzling in a skillet. These homemade turkey sausage patties bring all the savory flavor of classic breakfast sausage in a healthier, lighter way. They’re quick to make, freezer-friendly, and perfect for feeding a crowd at brunch or prepping ahead for busy weekdays.
I like that they use just a handful of pantry spices but taste like something you’d get from a country breakfast spread. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, these patties are a simple recipe that turns an ordinary breakfast into something special.
Turkey Sausage Patties 🦃
These are everything you want in a breakfast recipe. They’re healthy yet full of flavor thanks to lean ground turkey and warm, aromatic spices. They come together quickly, just 20 minutes from start to finish, and the mixture can be made ahead, so mornings feel easy and stress-free. I enjoy how simple it is to double the batch for brunch buffets or holiday mornings, and you can easily adjust the spice level or swap herbs to make them your own. Versatile, customizable, and crowd-pleasing, this is a recipe you’ll turn to again and again.
Ingredient Notes
Here’s a quick overview of the key ingredients for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and exact measurements, be sure to check the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Ground turkey breast: Look for 93% lean. A little fat keeps the patties juicy. Ground chicken also works, though it will taste slightly milder..
- Ground sage: Classic sausage seasoning. If you don’t have it, poultry seasoning is a good substitute.
- Black pepper: Freshly cracked gives the best flavor.
- Ground thyme: Earthy and aromatic, thyme balances the sage.
- Garlic powder: Adds depth without overpowering. Garlic salt can be used, but reduce the added salt.
- Dried marjoram: Slightly sweet, but oregano or Italian seasoning makes a good swap.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a warm, smoky undertone.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Optional for heat, adjust to taste.
How To Make Turkey Sausage Patties
Season Turkey & Chill
Place ground turkey in a large bowl. Sprinkle all spices evenly over the top. You can mix it with a large spoon, but I prefer using my hands. It’s the best way to make sure everything is combined without overworking the meat.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight. This step isn’t required, but it makes the flavors so much better.
Shape & Cook Patties
Divide into 8 equal portions (about 2 ounces each). Roll into balls, then flatten into patties about ½ inch thick. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook patties 4 to 5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
Pair with eggs, pancakes, or biscuits for a hearty breakfast, or tuck into a sandwich for a grab-and-go option.
Use turkey that’s at least 93% lean and avoid overcooking. Adding a little grated onion also helps.
Absolutely. They freeze beautifully, both cooked and uncooked, making them perfect for meal prep.
Variations, Substitutions, and Recipe Tips
Make it spicier: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
Flavor twists: Try adding a little maple syrup for a sweet-savory version, or fresh herbs like rosemary for an aromatic touch.
Oven-baked option: Bake patties at 400°F for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
Air fryer option: Cook at 375°F for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning halfway.
Dairy-free / Gluten-free: Naturally dairy-free and gluten-free so they fit easily into most diets.
Hospitality Challenge
Invite your children into the kitchen to help shape and cook the turkey sausage patties, using the time not just to cook but to teach them that hospitality is one of the ways we live out the love of Jesus. Once the patties are ready, wrap them neatly on a plate and walk with your kids to deliver them to an elderly neighbor or someone who may not often receive visitors. You can make the gift even more special by adding warm biscuits like Easy Sourdough Discard Biscuits: Flaky and Buttery, a slice or two of Quick Banana Bread Using Cake Mix Recipe, or including a small jar of Instant Pot Applesauce for a wholesome touch.
Use the opportunity to encourage your children to greet the neighbor warmly, perhaps offering a short prayer at the doorstep, so it becomes a lesson in seeing and serving others as Christ did. Remind them of Hebrews 13:16, “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God”, planting in their hearts a vision of hospitality as joyful obedience to the Lord.
More Delicious Breakfast Ideas
- Fluffy Mediterranean Egg Bites in Muffin Tins
- Juicy Homemade Pork Sausage Recipe in Just 20 Minutes
- How to Cook Turkey Bacon: Crispy, Flavorful, and Full-proof
- Sausage Gravy and Biscuits: Creamy Southern-Style
- Juicy Maple Chicken Breakfast Sausage
These turkey sausage patties are simple, flavorful, and the perfect addition to a breakfast spread for family or guests. If you have any questions about making this recipe, feel free to ask in the comments below. I’m here to help!
Homemade Turkey Sausage Patties
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Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey breast, 7% fat
- 3/4 teaspoon ground sage
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram, or substitute with oregano or Italian seasoning
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional, more for spicier sausage
Instructions
Season the Turkey
- Place the ground turkey in a large mixing bowl.1 pound ground turkey breast
- Sprinkle all the spices on top of the turkey.3/4 teaspoon ground sage, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon ground thyme, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram, 1/8 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Mix everything together until well combined. Use clean hands or a large spoon.
- Cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least 1 hour, or overnight, to let the flavors blend. (You can skip this step if short on time, but it makes the sausage more flavorful.)
Shape the Patties
- Divide the turkey mixture into 8 equal portions (about 2 ounces each).
- Roll each portion into a ball, then press into a patty about 1/2 inch thick.
- Place patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer, leaving a little space between each one.
Cook the Patties
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. (No oil is usually needed since the turkey releases some fat, but add a little if the patties stick.)
- Cook the patties for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked.
- The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
Serve and Enjoy
- Serve hot with eggs, pancakes, or your favorite breakfast sides.
Gina’s Notes and Tips
- Refrigerator: Store cooked patties in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To keep them extra fresh, place a piece of parchment between layers so they don’t stick together.
- Freezer (uncooked): Place shaped patties on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then store in a freezer bag with wax paper between layers. Cook from frozen, adding 2 to 3 extra minutes per side.
- Freezer (cooked): Freeze cooled patties up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen or thaw overnight for faster cooking.
- Reheating: For best texture, reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth.
