Turkey sausage is a delicious and healthier alternative to pork or beef sausage. It tends to be lower in fat calories, and sodium compared to other types of sausage. Cooking turkey sausage in the oven is a fuss-free and convenient cooking method that ensures evenly browned and properly cooked sausages every time.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through the entire process of oven-baking turkey sausages, from ingredient selection and prep work to cooking times and temperatures Whether you are a beginner cook or a seasoned pro, this guide has all the tips and tricks you need to make perfect oven-baked turkey sausage
Ingredients for Oven-Baked Turkey Sausage
To start, you will need the following core ingredients:
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Turkey sausage links or patties – Choose your preferred flavor and style, such as sweet Italian-style, maple-flavored, spicy chorizo-style, etc. Select nitrite/nitrate-free options when possible.
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Cooking oil – Olive, avocado, or coconut oil work well. This helps the sausages brown evenly.
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Herbs and spices – Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, oregano, etc. Season to your taste.
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Parchment paper or aluminum foil – To line the baking sheet for easy cleanup.
Prep Work Before Baking
Once you have gathered your ingredients, here are the easy prep steps:
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Preheat oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures it’s hot enough when the sausages go in.
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Prep sausages – If using links, cut or separate them apart. Patties can be left whole.
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Coat with oil – Brush or drizzle sausages lightly with oil. This aids browning and prevents sticking.
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Season – Sprinkle desired spices and herbs over the sausages. Get creative with the seasoning!
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Arrange on sheet – Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Arrange sausages without overcrowding.
How to Bake Turkey Sausages
Once your prep work is done, it’s time to bake! Follow these simple oven-baking steps:
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Bake at 350°F – Place sausage-lined sheet in the center of your preheated 350°F oven.
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Flip halfway – After 12-15 minutes, flip the sausages using tongs. This allows even cooking.
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Cook to 165°F – Bake until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 20-25 minutes total.
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Check doneness – Look for firm, browned sausages. Juices should run clear when cut.
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Let rest briefly – Remove sausages from oven and let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Handy Turkey Sausage Baking Tips
Follow these handy tips for best results when oven-baking turkey sausage:
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Don’t exceed 350°F oven temperature. High heat can cause casing to burst.
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Use metal tongs for flipping. Forks may puncture the sausage casing.
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Line pan with foil or parchment for easy cleanup.
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Arrange sausages so they don’t touch. This allows even browning.
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Cut sausage links apart before baking for more even cooking.
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Brush with oil or butter to enhance browning and prevent sticking.
Serving Ideas for Oven-Baked Turkey Sausage
Once baked, here are some delicious ways to serve your turkey sausage:
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Breakfast – Serve with eggs, pancakes, hashbrowns, biscuits, etc.
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Lunch/Dinner – Add to pastas, pizzas, sandwiches, salads, or bowls.
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Appetizers – Slice and serve on toothpicks or assemble sausage bites.
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Sides – Pair with roasted veggies or potatoes for a protein-packed side.
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Meal Prep – Cook up a batch for easy reheating throughout the week.
Get creative with seasonings and serving suggestions. The possibilities are endless with oven-baked turkey sausage!
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature should I bake turkey sausage?
Bake at 350°F for best results. Higher temps may cause bursting.
How long does it take to bake turkey sausage?
Around 20-25 minutes total. Flip halfway through. Cook to an internal temp of 165°F.
Can I use a baking sheet instead of a pan?
Yes, a foil or parchment-lined baking sheet works great. Avoid overcrowding.
Should I prick the sausage before baking?
Pricking is not necessary if baking fully cooked turkey sausage. Raw sausage may be pricked to prevent bursting.
Is it better to bake or fry turkey sausage?
Baking tends to be healthier and easier, with less mess and splatter. Frying gives a crispy exterior if desired.
Can I add veggies or other ingredients while baking?
Yes! Roasting veggies alongside adds flavor. Just ensure even cooking times.
Is baked or pan-fried better for breakfast?
For breakfast, baking allows hassle-free cooking with less attention needed. Pan-frying gives a nice crispy texture.
The Takeaway on Baking Turkey Sausage
With this complete guide, you can see how easy and delicious it is to cook turkey sausage in the oven. The hands-off baking method requires minimal fuss but still produces juicy, flavorful results. With a few simple prep steps and following the proper technique, you’ll get tender, evenly browned turkey sausage every time.
Be sure to experiment with exciting seasoning blends and fun serving suggestions. In no time, oven-baked turkey sausage will become a go-to mealtime staple in your home. So fire up that oven and enjoy healthier, convenient turkey sausage any night of the week!
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How To Cook Turkey Sausage In Oven
If you’re looking for a healthy and delicious alternative to regular sausage, turkey sausage is the way to go. Not only is it lower in fat and calories, but it’s also packed with flavor. Cooking turkey sausage in the oven is a simple and hassle-free method that ensures the sausages are cooked through and evenly browned. So, let’s dive in and learn how to cook turkey sausage in the oven.
- Turkey sausages
- Olive oil or cooking spray
- Seasonings of your choice (garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, etc.)
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Place the turkey sausages on the baking sheet, making sure they are evenly spaced out.
- Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the sausages or spray them with cooking spray. This will help them brown and prevent sticking.
- Season the sausages with your desired spices and herbs. Feel free to get creative here – garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or even some dried herbs like thyme or oregano work great with turkey sausage.
- Once seasoned, pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven.
- Bake the sausages for around 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and nicely browned. To ensure they are fully cooked, use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the sausages. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Once done, remove the sausages from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Now that you know how to cook turkey sausage in the oven, you can enjoy this delicious and lean protein option whenever you desire. These juicy and flavorful sausages are perfect for breakfast, a protein-packed lunch, or even as a topping for your favorite pizzas and pastas.
Experiment with different seasonings and serving ideas to create your own signature turkey sausage dish. Whether you’re following a specific diet or simply looking for a healthier alternative, turkey sausage cooked in the oven is a versatile and tasty choice.
So go ahead and give it a try – you’ll be delighted with the results! Want to share your tips and tricks for cooking turkey sausage in the oven? Join the discussion in the