Uncovering the Secret Behind Cracker Barrel’s Iconic Turkey Sausage

Cracker Barrel’s hearty breakfast menu is beloved by many across America. From fluffy buttermilk pancakes to crispy bacon it’s classic comfort food at its finest. But there’s one breakfast item in particular that keeps fans coming back for more – the smokehouse turkey sausage.

This mildly spiced turkey sausage patty has a signature flavor and texture unlike any other. It has a subtle smokiness, a hint of sweetness, and a moist, tender bite. The savory sausage rounds out any Cracker Barrel breakfast perfectly.

Fans enjoy the turkey sausage so much that many attempt to recreate it at home. But Cracker Barrel’s closely guarded secret recipe has puzzled copycat cooks for years. So what exactly gives this iconic turkey sausage its distinctive flavor? Let’s find out.

Tracing the History of Cracker Barrel’s Turkey Sausage

To uncover the mystery of the famous turkey sausage, we have to go back to the origins of Cracker Barrel Old Country Store itself. The popular restaurant chain opened its first location in Lebanon, Tennessee in 1969.

Back then Cracker Barrel founder Dan Evins was looking for authentic country cooking to serve in his stores. He sampled products from sausage makers around the South. And soon enough he found a winner – Purnell’s Old Folks Sausage from Simpsonville, Kentucky.

Sure enough Cracker Barrel has been sourcing its country sausage from Purnell’s for over 40 years to date including both pork and turkey varieties. The relationship between the two companies continues to this day.

So it seems clear that Purnell’s provides the secret sausage recipe that Cracker Barrel fans can’t resist. Let’s take a closer look at this heritage sausage brand.

About Purnell’s Old Folks Sausage

Purnell’s Old Folks Sausage dates back to a small Kentucky meat market opened by William Purnell in 1925. Using family recipes perfected over generations, Purnell crafted artisanal sausages with premium pork and spices.

The “Old Folks” name pays homage to the beloved grandparents and elders of the community who inspired Purnell’s recipes. Their time-honored cooking techniques brought flavor and tradition to every batch.

Today, Purnell’s remains family-owned and committed to handcrafting authentic sausages slowly and carefully in small batches. They use locally sourced meats and age-old curing methods to deliver consistent quality and flavor. The Purnell’s brand has grown while retaining its focus on hometown Kentucky recipes.

Purnell’s Secret to Cracker Barrel’s Turkey Sausage

Purnell’s traditional approach and specialty curing brings Cracker Barrel’s turkey sausage to life. Though the exact recipe is confidential, we can deduce some key aspects that give it the signature taste.

• Lean Fresh Turkey – Purnell’s likely uses high quality lean turkey meat for a juicy texture. The lower fat content keeps the sausage healthier.

• Specialty Seasonings – To balance and enrich the turkey flavor, Purnell’s adds a custom spice blend including pepper, sage, sugar, and other herbs and flavors.

• Curing and Smoking – For the signature pinkish hue and smoky flavor, Purnell’s uses specialty curing and gentle smoking methods perfected over generations.

• The Human Touch – From dextrous hands mixing seasoning to watchful eyes monitoring smokehouse fires, Purnell’s time-honored human craftsmanship plays a key role.

The combination of fresh turkey, proprietary seasoning, and artisanal curing and smoking gives Cracker Barrel sausage its distinctive quality that can’t be exactly replicated. Purnell’s is truly the secret ingredient.

Other Popular Purnell’s Products

While Cracker Barrel features Purnell’s turkey and pork smoked sausages, Purnell’s crafts many other varieties as well:

• Country Ham – Cured and hickory-smoked using a 200-year-old family recipe.

• Bacon – Thick-sliced or regular cut applewood smoked bacon.

• Beef Sausage – Smoked snack sticks made with premium beef.

• Chicken Sausage – Smoked chicken sausage in unique flavors like peach habanero.

• Pork Sausage – Smoked links, patties, and ropes in various flavorful blends.

• Specialty Meats – From smoked salami to maple bour