Go Back
Turkey Italian Sausage
Print

Turkey Italian Sausage Recipe

This Turkey Italian Sausage Recipe offers a leaner, healthier alternative to traditional pork sausage while maintaining rich, savory flavors. Infused with Italian herbs, garlic, and a touch of heat, it's perfect for pasta dishes, soups, or grilled sandwiches. This homemade version is free of preservatives and can be adjusted for spice preferences.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Keyword Gluten-Free, Healthy, Italian Sausage, Turkey Italian Sausage, Turkey Sausage
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 220kcal
Cost $10-$12

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.