How to Make Turkey Breakfast Sausage Patties: Easy Homemade Recipe

The morning kitchen ritual has always been sacred in my household. The gentle sizzle of breakfast sausage patties hitting a hot skillet, that distinctive aroma wafting through the house—these sensory experiences simply can’t be matched by store-bought alternatives. My grandmother’s turkey breakfast sausage patties recipe has been passed down through generations, evolving with each family cook who’s taken up the mantle.

Did you know that over 67% of Americans who regularly cook breakfast at home report higher overall satisfaction with their morning routine? There’s something deeply satisfying about crafting your own turkey breakfast sausage patties from scratch—controlling exactly what goes into them and customizing the flavors to your family’s preferences.

Why Homemade Turkey Breakfast Sausage Patties Matter

Store-bought sausages often contain preservatives, excessive sodium, and mystery ingredients you can’t pronounce. Making your own turkey breakfast sausage patties puts you in control of what goes into your first meal of the day. Plus, the flavor possibilities are endless when you craft these patties in your own kitchen!

If you’re interested in exploring more ways to use ground turkey, check out these Healthy Ground Turkey Recipes for inspiration. For those watching their calorie intake, these patties fit perfectly into Low-Calorie Breakfast Ideas. And if you’re meal planning for the week, consider pairing these with Greek Turkey Meatballs with Lemon Herb Rice for dinner or serving them alongside a weekend brunch featuring Homemade Pizza Dough for breakfast pizza.

Ingredients for Perfect Turkey Breakfast Sausage Patties

Turkey Breakfast Sausage Patties Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey (preferably 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio)
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or brown sugar)
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

The aroma of these turkey breakfast sausage patties cooking will transport you right back to cozy weekend mornings. The maple syrup caramelizes slightly as the patties cook, creating a subtle sweetness that balances perfectly with the savory herbs.

Ingredient Spotlight

Ground Turkey: The foundation of our patties. Using 85/15 ground turkey provides enough fat to keep the patties juicy without being greasy. If you use 93/7 lean ground turkey, consider adding a tablespoon of olive oil to the mixture to prevent dryness.

Maple Syrup: Authentic maple syrup adds a subtle sweetness and helps the patties develop a beautiful caramelized exterior. It’s what gives these turkey breakfast sausage patties their distinctive morning flavor profile.

Dried Herbs: Sage and thyme are classic breakfast sausage flavors. They infuse the turkey with that unmistakable breakfast sausage essence. Fresh herbs can be substituted at a ratio of 3:1 (three times the amount of dried).

Nutmeg: This may seem unexpected, but a hint of nutmeg adds warmth and complexity that elevates these turkey breakfast sausage patties beyond basic breakfast fare.

Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Resting Time: 15 minutes (optional but recommended)
• Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
• Total Time: 25-35 minutes

Making these turkey breakfast sausage patties from scratch takes just 30% longer than cooking pre-made frozen patties, but the flavor payoff is at least 200% better! Plus, the active prep time is minimal—most of the time is hands-off while the flavors meld or while the patties cook.

Instructions

Step 1: Mix the Seasonings

In a small bowl, combine the dried sage, thyme, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, cayenne (if using), and nutmeg. Mixing the seasonings separately ensures they’ll distribute evenly throughout the meat, giving you consistent flavor in every bite of your turkey breakfast sausage patties.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Mixture

In a large bowl, add the ground turkey and drizzle with maple syrup. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the meat. Using clean hands (the best tools for this job!), gently mix until the seasonings are just incorporated. Avoid overworking the meat, which can make your turkey breakfast sausage patties tough rather than tender.

Step 3: Rest the Mixture (Optional)

For the best flavor development, cover the seasoned meat and let it rest in the refrigerator for 15 minutes or up to overnight. This resting period allows the turkey to absorb all those wonderful seasonings, resulting in more flavorful turkey breakfast sausage patties. If you’re in a hurry, you can skip this step, but even 15 minutes makes a noticeable difference.

Step 4: Form the Patties

Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions (about 2 ounces each). With slightly damp hands (to prevent sticking), gently form each portion into a patty about ½-inch thick. Press a small indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb—this prevents the turkey breakfast sausage patties from puffing up in the middle during cooking.

Step 5: Cook to Perfection

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the patties, being careful not to overcrowd the pan (work in batches if necessary). Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The perfect turkey breakfast sausage patties have a beautiful golden crust while remaining juicy inside.

Step 6: Rest Before Serving

Transfer the cooked turkey breakfast sausage patties to a paper towel-lined plate and let them rest for 2 minutes before serving. This brief rest allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is as succulent as possible.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Turkey Breakfast Sausage Patties

1. 
   

   Temperature Matters: Start with cold ground turkey straight from the refrigerator. Cold meat is easier to handle and form into patties.

   
   
2. 
   

   Don’t Skip the Fat: Turkey can be lean, so don’t remove any fat. The fat helps keep your turkey breakfast sausage patties moist and flavorful.

   
   
3. 
   

   The Thumb Trick: That small indentation in the center of each patty prevents them from doming up during cooking, ensuring even patties that cook uniformly.

   
   
4. 
   

   Don’t Rush the Sear: Let the patties cook undisturbed for at least 3 minutes before flipping to develop a delicious caramelized crust.

   
   
5. 
   

   Batch Cooking: These turkey breakfast sausage patties freeze beautifully. Make a double batch and freeze the extras for quick breakfasts on busy mornings.

   
   

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

Mediterranean Turkey Breakfast Sausage Patties: Replace the sage and thyme with 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon dried rosemary, and add 2 tablespoons of finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 1 tablespoon of crumbled feta cheese.

Apple Cinnamon Turkey Breakfast Sausage Patties: Add ¼ cup finely diced apple, increase the maple syrup to 2 tablespoons, and add ½ teaspoon cinnamon to the base recipe.

Herb Garden Patties: Substitute fresh herbs for dried (using 3 times the amount) and add 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh parsley for a bright, garden-fresh variation.

Spicy Southwest Patties: Add ½ teaspoon cumin, increase cayenne to ½ teaspoon, and mix in 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro and 1 tablespoon minced jalapeño.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe for turkey breakfast sausage patties was born from necessity when my grandmother was looking for alternatives to traditional breakfast meats. After much experimentation, she landed on this perfect blend of seasonings that complemented the milder flavor of turkey. Over years of family brunches, we’ve tweaked the spice levels and perfected the cooking technique. Now, these patties have become our go-to breakfast protein that everyone requests when visiting.

Pairing Ideas

• Serve alongside fluffy scrambled eggs and whole grain toast for a classic breakfast plate
• Create breakfast sandwiches with English muffins, a slice of cheese, and a fried egg
• Pair with warm maple syrup and homemade waffles for a sweet-savory combination
• Serve with fresh fruit and yogurt for a balanced morning meal
• Crumble cooked patties into a breakfast hash with potatoes and peppers

Leftover & Reuse Ideas

• Crumble leftover turkey breakfast sausage patties into a frittata or quiche
• Chop them up and add to a breakfast burrito with scrambled eggs and cheese
• Crumble and sprinkle over homemade pizza for a breakfast pizza
• Slice and add to a breakfast bowl with roasted vegetables and grains
• Chop and stir into pasta sauce for a quick dinner solution

Nutritional Information

Each turkey breakfast sausage patty contains approximately:

• Calories: 80-90 per patty
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 1g

Serving Suggestions

Present these turkey breakfast sausage patties on a large serving platter surrounded by fresh herbs for a beautiful brunch presentation. For individual plates, place two patties alongside colorful fruit and a small ramekin of maple syrup for dipping. For a fun brunch bar, set out the patties alongside various toppings like sliced avocado, tomatoes, and different cheeses so guests can create their own breakfast sandwiches.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overworking the Meat: Mixing too aggressively makes the patties tough. Use a gentle hand when incorporating seasonings.

Cooking at Too High Heat: High heat will burn the outside before the inside cooks through. Medium heat is perfect for turkey breakfast sausage patties.

Making Patties Too Thick: Patties thicker than ½ inch may burn on the outside before cooking through. Keep them uniform and relatively thin.

Skipping the Temp Check: Turkey needs to reach 165°F internally for food safety. Always use a meat thermometer to check.

Flipping Too Early: Premature flipping can cause the patties to fall apart. Wait until they’re well-browned on one side before turning.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Store cooked turkey breakfast sausage patties in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Raw Patties: Place formed patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag with parchment between layers. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Freezing Cooked Patties: Cool completely, then wrap individually in parchment paper before placing in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating: For the best texture, reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes per side. Microwaving works in a pinch (30-45 seconds), but may yield a slightly softer texture.

FAQs

Are turkey breakfast sausage patties healthier than traditional breakfast sausage?

Turkey breakfast sausage patties typically contain less fat than traditional pork sausage. The exact nutritional difference depends on the fat content of the ground turkey you choose and your specific recipe.

Can I make turkey breakfast sausage patties ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can mix the meat and form the patties up to 24 hours in advance and keep them refrigerated. You can also cook them completely, refrigerate, and reheat when needed.

How do I know when my turkey breakfast sausage patties are done cooking?

Turkey breakfast sausage patties are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and are no longer pink in the center. A meat thermometer is the most accurate way to check doneness.

Why are my turkey breakfast sausage patties falling apart?

If your patties are crumbling, the mixture might be too dry. Try adding a bit more olive oil or using ground turkey with a slightly higher fat content next time. Also, be sure to handle the patties gently and don’t flip them too early while cooking.

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey for these breakfast sausage patties?

Yes! Ground chicken works as a direct substitute for turkey in this breakfast sausage patty recipe. The flavor profile is similar, and the cooking instructions remain the same.

Conclusion

These homemade turkey breakfast sausage patties bring restaurant-quality flavor to your breakfast table with minimal effort. The blend of herbs and touch of maple syrup creates the perfect balance of savory and sweet, while the quick cooking time makes them practical even for busy mornings. By making them yourself, you control the ingredients and can customize the flavors to suit your family’s preferences.

Made these turkey breakfast sausage patties? Drop your twist in the comments, rate the recipe, and tag us on facebook, instagram with #erinrecipes — we might feature your creation!

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