I’ve mentioned before that I love Sausage and Peppers. I usually make my father’s recipe with tomato sauce – but my husband wanted a lighter version of this, so I changed things up a little. I didn’t use any tomato-based sauce, I used lean turkey sausage, and baked the dish. I served it over brown rice, rather than pasta. It was a nice change and even my 2 picky eaters and husband loved it!
Ingredients: 2 packages lean sweet turkey sausage 4 multi-colored peppers (organic if possible) 1 onion Cooking spray Brown Rice
Directions: Bake turkey sausages for 20-25 minutes at 350 degrees. I use a metal pan like this in my oven. I now usually use parchment paper to line my pans.
Spray large glass pan (9×13) – I love my Pyrex long (9×13) glass pan. Place onions, peppers, and cut up turkey sausage on top. Start making your rice.
Cooking turkey sausage to juicy, flavorful perfection requires knowing the right technique and cook time. Undercooking can lead to raw, rubbery sausage, while overcooking results in dried out, tough links. So how long should you cook turkey sausage to get it just right? Let’s find out.
As a healthy, leaner alternative to pork or beef sausage, turkey sausage makes a delicious addition to breakfast, lunch, dinner and more With less fat and calories than other sausage varieties, turkey sausage offers plenty of protein and bold flavor without the extra calories But to enjoy it at its best, proper cooking time is key.
How Long Does it Take to Cook Turkey Sausage?
The exact cook time for turkey sausage depends on a few factors:
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Size/Thickness – Small, thin sausage links will cook faster than larger, thicker sausages.
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Precooked vs. Uncooked – Fully-cooked turkey sausage takes less time than raw sausage.
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Cooking Method – Pan-frying, baking, or grilling all require different cook times
Here are some general turkey sausage cook times as a guide:
- Thin turkey breakfast links, pan-fried: 5-7 minutes
- 1-inch thick turkey sausage links, baked: 15-20 minutes
- Raw turkey sausage patties, grilled: 8-12 minutes per side
- Precooked turkey sausage, pan reheated: 3-5 minutes
The best way to ensure turkey sausage is fully cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. When pricked with a fork, the juices should run clear with no sign of pink.
Tips for Cooking Turkey Sausage Perfectly
Follow these simple tips for flawlessly cooked turkey sausage every time:
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Preheat Properly – For baking or grilling, always preheat the oven or grill fully before cooking. This helps ensure even cooking.
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Use Light Oil – Brush links lightly with oil before cooking to enhance browning and prevent sticking
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Don’t Crowd – Leave space between sausages to allow air flow and direct heat contact.
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Flip Halfway – Turn sausages over midway through cook time for even doneness on both sides.
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Rest Before Serving – Let cooked sausages rest 5 minutes before cutting to allow juices to redistribute.
Oven-Baked Turkey Sausage
One of the easiest hands-off ways to cook turkey sausage is in the oven. Here are step-by-step instructions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment.
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Arrange sausage links on sheet without overcrowding. Brush lightly with oil if desired.
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Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Turkey sausage is done when internal temperature reaches 165°F.
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Let sausage rest 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy on its own or in recipes.
Baking gives a nice even cook to turkey sausage with crispy browned exterior and juicy interior.
Pan-Fried Turkey Sausage
For quick breakfast or dinner, pan-frying is a fast stovetop method:
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Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil.
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Add sausage links and fry undisturbed for 2-3 minutes per side until browned.
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Flip sausages and cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 5-7 minutes more.
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Let rest before slicing and serving.
Pan-frying gives turkey sausage delicious browned exterior while keeping the inside moist and flavorful.
Grilled Turkey Sausage
Grilling imparts delicious smoky flavor:
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Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil grates.
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Place sausage links on grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side with grill cover closed.
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Flip sausages and grill until internal temperature hits 165°F, about 8-10 minutes more.
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Allow to rest before serving for best results.
The hot dry heat of the grill browns and crisps the casings nicely while sealing in juices.
How to Tell When Turkey Sausage is Done
Rely on these visual and textural signs to know when turkey sausage is fully cooked:
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Internal temperature reaches 165°F
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Juices run clear when pierced with a fork
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External browned with a little charring or grill marks
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Firm to the touch throughout when poked
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No longer pink or translucent inside when sliced
Following proper cook times for the preparation method will ensure your turkey sausage reaches these markers of doneness for perfectly cooked links every time.
Serving Ideas for Turkey Sausage
Beyond breakfast sandwiches or solo sides, get creative with these tasty turkey sausage recipes:
- Pasta with turkey sausage, peppers and onion
- Pizza or flatbreads topped with turkey sausage
- Turkey sausage scrambled egg breakfast bowls
- Turkey sausage skewers with vegetables
- Tacos, fajitas or burritos with turkey sausage
- Grain bowls loaded with turkey sausage
With its lean protein and zesty flavor, turkey sausage complements ingredients like eggs, grains, vegetables and more. Experiment with creative recipes and cook times to enjoy this versatile sausage.
Cook Turkey Sausage Confidently
Armed with proper techniques and cook times, you can serve up delicious turkey sausage anytime. Refer to an instant-read thermometer and visual cues to determine when your sausage reaches the ideal internal temperature for safety and taste. Whether baking, frying, or grilling, let turkey sausage be your new go-to over fatty pork or beef options. In just 15-20 minutes of active cooking time, you can enjoy juicy, protein-packed turkey sausage on its own or in endless recipes.
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FAQ
How long does turkey sausage take to cook?
How do you know when turkey sausage is cooked?
How long does it take to cook sausages on the stove?
How long does it take for a sausage to be fully cooked?
How long to cook turkey sausage in oven?
Cooking turkey sausages in the oven typically requires a cooking time of 20-25 minutes at a temperature of 375°F (190°C). However, it’s essential to use a meat thermometer to ensure the sausages reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before consuming them.
How do you cook turkey sausage in a pan?
Pan-frying: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of oil and cook the turkey sausage for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Oven-baking: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place the turkey sausage on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through and browned.
Should you preheat the oven before cooking turkey sausage?
It is generally recommended to preheat the oven before cooking turkey sausage. Preheating ensures that the oven is at the proper temperature for even cooking and helps to achieve the desired texture and taste. However, if you are short on time, you can still cook the sausage in a preheating oven, but the cooking time might be slightly longer.
How long should turkey sausage be cooked at 375?
As a general guideline, turkey sausages should be cooked at a temperature of 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes. However, it is important to note that cooking times may differ slightly depending on the specific brand and thickness of the sausages. It is always recommended to refer to the package instructions for the most accurate cooking time.