Turkey Italian Sausage has become a rising star in the culinary world, offering a lean yet flavorful twist on the traditional pork sausage. Whether you’re seeking healthier meal options or experimenting with new recipes, turkey sausage brings the same bold Italian spices while keeping fat content lower.
In today’s food scene, more people are gravitating toward nutritious, homemade options, making turkey Italian sausage a perfect choice for families, meal preppers, and health-conscious eaters alike. Its versatility allows you to enjoy it crumbled in pasta, grilled for a summer barbecue, or shaped into patties for a hearty breakfast.
This article will guide you step by step on how to make turkey sausage from scratch, including tips for the perfect spice blend and variations suited for every palate.
What is Turkey Italian Sausage?
Turkey sausage is a healthier alternative to traditional pork sausage, made using ground turkey mixed with Italian herbs, garlic, fennel, and spices. The result? A lean protein packed with bold flavors that can be used in a variety of dishes.
While turkey is naturally milder than pork, the right blend of herbs and spices can recreate the signature savory, slightly spicy Italian sausage flavor you know and love.
Why Choose Italian Sausage?
There are plenty of reasons turkey sausage is worth adding to your culinary repertoire:
- Healthier Choice: Turkey is lower in fat and calories compared to pork sausage.
- High in Protein: Perfect for balanced meals with protein-rich ingredients.
- Versatile Use: Works well in pasta, sandwiches, breakfast scrambles, soups, and more.
- Easy to Customize: Adjust the spice level, herbs, and cooking methods to suit your taste.
Tips for Perfect Italian Sausage
- Choose the Right Turkey: Ground turkey labeled 93% lean works best for juicy sausage.
- Spice Balance: If you prefer sweet Italian sausage, reduce red pepper flakes and add a teaspoon of brown sugar.
- Avoid Overcooking: Turkey can dry out quickly, so cook just until a safe temperature is reached.
- Fennel-Free Option: Want a hot Italian turkey sausage without fennel? Simply omit the fennel seeds and increase garlic and paprika for boldness.
Serving Suggestions for Turkey Italian Sausage
Turkey Italian pairs beautifully with various dishes. Here are a few serving ideas:
- Pasta Night: Crumble sausage into marinara sauce and serve over spaghetti.
- Pizza Topping: Use sliced sausage links on a homemade pizza with mozzarella and fresh basil.
- Breakfast Plate: Serve sausage patties alongside scrambled eggs and roasted potatoes.
- Hearty Soup: Add cooked crumbled sausage to minestrone or lentil soup.
- Grilled Subs: Fill a hoagie roll with grilled turkey sausage, peppers, and onions for a classic Italian sub.
- Creamy Alfredo Pasta: For a rich and indulgent twist, try pairing your turkey Italian sausage with a creamy pasta dish like this Alfredo Tortellini Chicken recipe for a satisfying dinner.
Health Benefits of Turkey Sausage
Switching to turkey sausage can offer several health advantages:
- Reduced Fat: Turkey contains less saturated fat compared to pork.
- High Protein: Great for muscle repair and keeping you full longer.
- Low in Calories: A better choice for calorie-conscious meals.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Too Lean Turkey: Opt for 93% lean turkey for a balance of moisture and tenderness.
- Overmixing the Meat: Gently combine the spices to avoid tough sausage.
- Skipping the Rest Time: Allowing the mixture to rest enhances flavor development.
Turkey Italian is a game-changer for those seeking bold Italian flavors with a healthier twist. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy dinner, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a summer barbecue, this recipe offers endless versatility.
Give this easy homemade turkey sausage recipe a try and let us know how it turns out! Share your creations on social media or explore more healthy Italian dishes right here.
Turkey Italian Sausage Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Skillet or Grill Pan
- Measuring spoons
- Meat thermometer
- Plastic wrap (if making sausage links)
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground turkey Lean, 93% or 85% for moisture
- 1 tsp Fennel seeds Lightly crushed for flavor
- 1 tsp Dried oregano Adds earthy Italian flavor
- 1 tsp Dried basil Enhances the herb blend
- 1/2 tsp Dried thyme Optional, for added depth
- 1 tsp Smoked paprika For a smoky touch
- 1/2 tsp Red pepper flakes Adjust for spice preference
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced Fresh garlic preferred
- 1 tsp Onion powder Adds subtle sweetness
- 1 tsp Salt Adjust to taste
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper Freshly ground for best taste
- 2 tbsp Olive oil For cooking
- 2 tbsp Cold water For moisture and texture
Instructions
1. Prepare the Sausage Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, fennel seeds, oregano, basil, thyme, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Add cold water to help with moisture retention and mix thoroughly using clean hands or a spatula. Ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the meat.
2. Rest the Mixture
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the meat to firm up slightly, making it easier to shape.
3. Shape the Sausage
- You can form the turkey Italian sausage in several ways:Patties: Shape the mixture into 4-6 even patties.Links: Roll the mixture into small logs and wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. Twist the ends to secure.Loose Sausage: Keep it crumbly if using for pasta or sauces.
4. Cook the Sausage
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.If using patties or links, cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.For crumbled sausage, cook while breaking it apart with a spatula until no pink remains.
5. Check for Doneness
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.
6. Rest and Serve
- Allow the cooked sausage to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps retain moisture and enhances the flavor.
Notes
- Spice Adjustments: If you prefer a milder sausage, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. For extra heat, add cayenne pepper.
- Texture Tip: Adding cold water prevents the sausage from becoming dry and helps keep the meat tender.
- Substitutions:
- Ground chicken can be used in place of turkey.
- Fresh herbs can replace dried herbs; use double the quantity.
- Storage: Cooked sausage can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for 3 months.