Turkey Breakfast Sausage Links (Print Version)
Juicy homemade turkey sausage links seasoned with sage, thyme, and smoked paprika—ready in 30 minutes for a hearty breakfast.
# What You'll Need:
→ Ground Meat
01 - 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean)
→ Seasonings & Flavorings
02 - 1 ½ tsp kosher salt
03 - 1 tsp ground black pepper
04 - 1 tsp dried sage
05 - 1 tsp dried thyme
06 - ½ tsp dried rosemary, crushed
07 - ½ tsp smoked paprika
08 - ½ tsp garlic powder
09 - ½ tsp onion powder
10 - ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
11 - 1 tsp brown sugar
→ Binder
12 - 2 tbsp cold water
# How to Cook:
01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey with all seasonings and brown sugar. Mix gently until thoroughly combined; do not overwork the meat.
02 - Add cold water and mix just until incorporated; this helps keep the sausages juicy during cooking.
03 - Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions. With damp hands, shape each into a compact sausage link about 3 inches long.
04 - Set a large nonstick skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat. Lightly oil the surface if desired.
05 - Cook the turkey sausage links in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F), about 10–12 minutes.
06 - Drain on paper towels if needed. Serve hot alongside eggs, pancakes, or on a breakfast sandwich.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- You get that classic breakfast sausage taste with way less guilt and more protein
- Mixing your own means you control exactly what goes into your morning meal
- These freeze beautifully so you can batch cook and have breakfast ready in minutes
02 -
- Overworking the meat makes tough sausages, so mix just until combined
- Use an instant read thermometer because color is not reliable with poultry
- Letting the sausages rest for a couple minutes after cooking keeps them juicy
03 -
- Damp hands are your best friend when shaping raw turkey mixture
- Do not crowd the pan or the sausages will steam instead of develop a nice crust