How to Season Ground Turkey for Breakfast

Ground turkey can be a delicious and healthy breakfast protein option when seasoned well. With the right blend of herbs and spices, you can impart lots of flavor into lean ground turkey and make it taste like sausage. This versatile protein can then be used in everything from breakfast sandwiches and burritos to egg bakes and more.

Why Choose Ground Turkey for Breakfast?

Ground turkey breast is a great choice for breakfast because it provides lean protein to help keep you full and satisfied all morning. Compared to pork sausage, ground turkey has way less fat and calories. Turkey is also a good source of vitamins and minerals like selenium, zinc, and B vitamins. Plus it’s budget friendly and easy to find at any grocery store.

Here are some key benefits of using ground turkey for breakfast

• Very lean and low in fat and calories compared to pork sausage
• Packed with protein to help keep you full and satisfied
• Lower in sodium than pre-made or packaged turkey sausage
• Versatile and easy to season yourself
• More budget friendly than pre-made turkey sausage products
• Widely available at any grocery store

Tips for Seasoning Ground Turkey Like Sausage

To make your ground turkey taste like savory, herbaceous breakfast sausage follow these simple tips

Pick the right ground turkey – For breakfast sausage, you want very lean ground turkey breast (typically 93-99% lean). The leaner the better so it mimics the texture of sausage.

Use fresh herbs and spices – Dried sage, thyme, oregano, marjoram are key for that classic sausage flavor. Garlic powder and fresh minced garlic also enhance flavor.

Add a touch of sweetness – A pinch of brown sugar or maple syrup balances out the herbs and spices.

Include some heat – A pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper kicks things up a notch. Black pepper also adds spice.

Let the flavors meld – If possible, let the seasoned meat rest overnight in the fridge so the flavors infuse into the meat. Even just 30 minutes helps.

Cook thoroughly – Cook the turkey completely until no longer pink inside. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Drain excess fat – Drain off any excess fat after cooking for a leaner end result.

Add flavor boosters – Apple, fennel seeds, paprika, and smoked paprika also enhance flavor if you want to switch it up.

Spice Blends for Seasoning Ground Turkey

Here are some tasty spice blend ideas you can use to turn ground turkey into flavorful sausage:

Breakfast Sausage Seasoning

• 3/4 teaspoon ground sage
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram or oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Italian Sausage Seasoning

• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Maple Breakfast Sausage

• 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup

Southwestern Style

• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Apple Maple Sausage

• 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/8 teaspoon allspice
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1/2 cup finely grated apple

How to Cook Seasoned Ground Turkey

Once your ground turkey is seasoned, there are two easy ways to cook it:

Sausage Patties

• Form the mixture into patties, about 1/2 inch thick
• Mist a skillet with cooking spray and cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side

Sausage Crumbles

• Cook the turkey mixture in a skillet, breaking it up into crumbles, until no longer pink

The cooked sausage can then be enjoyed in many delicious ways! Keep reading for breakfast recipes.

Ground Turkey Breakfast Recipes

Here are some tasty ways to use your seasoned ground turkey sausage for breakfast:

• Breakfast sandwiches – Cook up patties or crumbles and serve on an English muffin, biscuit, or bagel with egg and cheese

• Breakfast burritos – Stuff tortillas with the sausage, scrambled eggs, cheese, and veggies

• Egg bakes – Incorporate the sausage into a casserole with eggs, potatoes, cheese, and veggies

• Sausage gravy – Make a hearty gravy with the crumbles to top biscuits

• Breakfast bowls – Top cooked sausage crumbles with fried eggs, peppers, onions, and cheese

• Sausage hash – Sauté sausage crumbles with potatoes, peppers and onions

• Frittatas or crustless quiche – Add sausage to egg mixture before baking

• Stuffed breakfast potatoes – Load up baked potatoes with sausage, cheese, and veggies

• Sausage stuffed mushrooms – Spoon sausage into baked mushroom caps

With so many options, you’ll never get bored enjoying this lean and tasty homemade turkey sausage! It provides a quick, budget friendly way to start your day with protein.