How to Cook Turkey Sausage Perfectly – Tips for Maximizing Flavor

Turkey sausage is a leaner, healthier alternative to pork sausage that still delivers on big, bold flavor. It can be used in recipes anywhere you’d use traditional sausage, from breakfast tacos to hearty pasta dishes. While cooking any sausage seems pretty straightforward, there are some tips and tricks that can take your turkey sausage from good to great!

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to cook various types of turkey sausage to perfection. Whether pan-frying, baking, or grilling, we’ve got you covered with pro tips for maximizing flavor and preventing dried out or undercooked sausage. Let’s dive in!

Choosing the Best Turkey Sausage

Turkey sausage comes in a wide array of flavor varieties spice levels, and meat blends. Here are some of the most common types

• Breakfast sausage – Sage-seasoned and perfect for breakfast dishes

• Andouille – Cajun-inspired seasoning with plenty of heat.

• Bratwurst – Delicate flavoring like caraway, nutmeg, garlic.

• Italian sausage – Robust blend of fennel seed, garlic, paprika.

• Chorizo-style – Hearty chili powder and paprika flavor.

For the juiciest, most flavorful result, look for turkey sausage that has a fat content around 10-15%. This adds moisture and flavor that 100% lean turkey sausage can lack

Pan-Frying Turkey Sausage

One of the quickest and easiest ways to cook turkey sausage is right on the stovetop in a skillet. Here are some tips:

• Use a heavy pan like cast iron or stainless steel to evenly brown the sausage. Nonstick is not ideal as it won’t develop fond.

• Heat the pan over medium-high heat before adding oil. Use just enough oil to prevent sticking, about 1 tsp per sausage link.

• Brown the sausages on one side, about 2-3 minutes. Then flip and cook 2 minutes on the second side.

• Lower heat if sausages are browning too quickly. You want them to fully cook through without burning.

• Insert an instant read thermometer to check for doneness. Turkey sausage should reach 165°F internally.

• Let sausage rest 1-2 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows juices to redistribute.

Baking Turkey Sausage

The oven yields evenly cooked turkey sausage with just a touch of crisping. Follow these tips for perfect oven-baked sausage:

• Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

• Arrange sausages on sheet with even space between each. Brush lightly with oil if desired.

• Bake 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through. Turkey sausage is done at 165°F.

• Add sliced peppers, onions, potatoes alongside sausage for a one-pan meal!

Grilling Juicy Turkey Sausage

Grilling brings out delicious smoky flavor in turkey sausage. Be sure to:

• Oil the grill grates well so sausages don’t stick. Use a grill brush.

• Grill over direct medium heat. The temperature inside the grill should be 350-400°F.

• Rotate sausages every 2-3 minutes to prevent burning. Cook until 165°F internally.

• Move sausages to indirect heat if flare ups occur or they are browning too fast.

• Allow to rest 5 minutes before slicing into grilled sausage.

Cooking Turkey Sausage Links vs. Patties

Turkey sausage comes in link form or pre-made patties. Cook them as follows:

• Sausage links – Follow pan frying, baking, or grilling steps above.

• Sausage patties – Cook like you would a burger patty in a skillet or on the grill. Look for internal temp of 165°F.

Patties typically cook quicker than links. Watch closely to prevent overcooking.

Tips for Perfectly Cooked Turkey Sausage Every Time

• Always use a meat thermometer for doneness, not just time. 165°F is ideal.

• Avoid poking or pricking sausages while cooking. This causes juices to escape.

• Add spices, herbs, onions, peppers to ramp up flavor.

• Prevent sausages from curling by making shallow slits on underside before cooking.

• Cook links whole, then slice after. Patties can be halved before cooking if desired.

• Allow sausage to rest 2-3 minutes after cooking for juiciest result.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

It’s easy to dry out or undercook turkey sausage if you aren’t careful. Here are some common pitfalls and prevention tips:

Undercooked or raw inside

• Use thermometer to confirm 165°F internal temperature.

Dried out, tough texture

• Don’t overcook – 165°F max internal temp.

Not enough flavor

• Boost flavor with extra spices, herbs, garlic, etc.

Too much charring

• Use lower heat setting and watch closely when cooking.

Curled or warped

• Score underside of links before cooking to prevent curling up.

With the proper technique, turkey sausage can be just as juicy, flavorful and enjoyable as traditional pork sausage. Experiment with different prep methods and spice combinations to find your favorites. Enjoy!

Cooking With Different Types of Turkey Sausage

The beauty of turkey sausage is the variety of flavor options available. Here’s how to best cook some favorite varieties:

Andouille

• Well-suited to grilling or baking.

• Delicious in jambalaya, gumbo, shrimp creole.

• Pairs well with Cajun seasonings and heat.

Italian

• Excellent pan-fried or baked.

• Shine in pasta sauces, pizzas, subs, egg dishes.

• Finish with fresh basil, oregano, Parmesan.

Bratwurst

• Usually pan-fried or grilled.

• Great in sandwiches, with sauerkraut, tossed in pasta.

• Complement with mustard, caraway, beer.

Breakfast

• Made for breakfast tacos, scrambles, sandwiches.

• Delicious with eggs, cheese, peppers, potatoes.

• Season with sage, garlic, pepper.

5 Delicious Ways to Use Turkey Sausage

1. Breakfast tacos – Scrambled eggs, cheese, potato, turkey sausage crumbles.

2. Sausage ragu – Simmer crumbled sausage in chunky tomato sauce. Toss with pasta.

3. Sausage sandwiches – Grilled sausage patties with peppers, onions, mustard on rolls.

4. Sausage balls – Combine sausage, cheddar, biscuit mix. Bake into flavorful bites.

5. Sausage gravy – Make a flavorful milk gravy with crumbled sausage. Serve over biscuits.

With so many varieties, turkey sausage is incredibly versatile in dishes savory and sweet. Let your creativity run wild!

Frequently Asked Questions About Cooking Turkey Sausage

What’s the best way to cook turkey sausage?

There is no single best method. Pan-frying, baking, and grilling all produce delicious results. Choose the technique that fits your meal and preferences.

Should I prick turkey sausage before cooking?

It’s best not to prick or poke sausage, as this causes flavorful juices to leak out.

How do I prevent turkey sausage from curling up?

Make shallow slits along the underside of sausage links before cooking to allow for expansion. This prevents curling.

Is it better to cook links whole or cut up?

Leaving links whole until after cooking helps retain moisture. Then slice into rounds after cooking.

What’s the minimum internal temperature for turkey sausage?

165°F is the recommended safe minimum temperature for fully cooked turkey sausage.

How long does uncooked turkey sausage last in the fridge?

Raw turkey sausage keeps 1 week in the fridge. Freeze for longer storage up to 2-3 months.

What’s the healthiest way to cook turkey sausage?

Grilling, baking, or pan-frying with minimal added fat are all healthy prep methods. Avoid deep frying.

The Takeaway

With its lean nutrition profile and variety of flavor options, turkey sausage is a fantastic alternative to traditional pork sausage. While a little different than pork, turkey sausage can be cooked to perfection with some simple tips in mind. Pay attention to internal temperature, spice it up, and avoid overcooking for the best results. In no time, you’ll be whip up delicious turkey sausage creations everyone will love.