If you’re searching for a hearty, flavorful way to start your day, look no further than Turkey Breakfast Sausage Patties. These savory patties strike the perfect balance of juicy ground turkey, aromatic herbs, and just enough heat to wake up your taste buds. Quick to make and bursting with cozy, Southern-inspired flavors, this homemade breakfast sausage will turn even a regular morning into something to look forward to. You’ll find them tastier than anything you can buy at the store, and with every bite, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try making your own sooner.

Turkey Breakfast Sausage Patties Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how a handful of simple pantry staples can transform ground turkey into a breakfast superstar. Each ingredient brings its own flair—whether it’s depth, heat, or fragrance—resulting in sausage patties that are so much greater than the sum of their parts.

1 lb dark ground turkey: Dark meat keeps the patties juicy and flavorful throughout cooking.
1 teaspoon ground sage (or 2 teaspoons rubbed sage): Sage is the classic backbone of breakfast sausage—don’t skip it!
½ teaspoon dried thyme: Adds a subtle earthy note that rounds out the sausage flavor.
½ teaspoon dried oregano: Brings a touch of herbal brightness to the mix.
¼ teaspoon ground paprika: Gives the patties a hint of color and mild smokiness.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances and ties together all the flavors in the sausage.
½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Essential for that characteristic breakfast sausage heat.
1 pinch cayenne pepper: A little fire goes a long way—adjust to your spice preference!
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Provides a bit of extra zing for true sausage lovers.
1–2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil for frying: Ensures a gorgeous golden crust on each patty.
Optional – 1 teaspoon all-purpose seasoning (no salt): For an extra boost of flavor depth, if desired.
Optional – ¼ teaspoon fennel seed: Adds a faint anise fragrance commonly found in sausage.

How to Make Turkey Breakfast Sausage Patties

Step 1: Make the Sausage Mixture

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and adding your ground turkey, sage, thyme, oregano, paprika, salt, black pepper, cayenne, crushed red pepper, and any optional extras you love. Using gloved hands (or a spoon if you prefer), mix everything together thoroughly. This is where each ingredient begins to work its magic, and your kitchen will already start to smell deliciously inviting.

Step 2: Shape the Patties

Divide your seasoned turkey into 5 to 6 equal portions and roll them into balls. Then, gently flatten each ball into a patty slightly larger than your desired finished size—the meat will naturally shrink up a bit as it cooks. A little trick: if you lightly oil your hands before shaping, it helps prevent sticking so you get neat, even patties every time.

Step 3: Sear the Patties

Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add 1–2 tablespoons of olive or avocado oil. Carefully place the turkey patties in the hot skillet, leaving about 2 inches between each so they sear instead of steam. You may need to cook in batches if your skillet gets crowded.

Step 4: Cook to Perfection

Let the patties cook for about 3–4 minutes on each side without moving them—that’s how you build that irresistible golden-brown crust. Flip once, cook the other side, and keep an eye so you don’t overcook; turkey sausage can lose its juiciness quickly if left too long on the heat.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer your Turkey Breakfast Sausage Patties to a platter. They’re absolutely fantastic served hot, especially alongside eggs, biscuits, or even tucked into a breakfast sandwich. Take a moment to savor that mouthwatering aroma—breakfast just got a whole lot more exciting!

How to Serve Turkey Breakfast Sausage Patties

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, sprinkle your sausage patties with a bit of freshly chopped parsley or chives for color and freshness. A dash of coarse ground black pepper or a drizzle of hot honey can make the flavors pop even more, offering that delightful contrast between savory and sweet.

Side Dishes

Turkey Breakfast Sausage Patties happily mingle with any classic breakfast side. Try serving them with fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy hash browns, buttery biscuits, or even a light fruit salad. Their robust flavor pairs wonderfully with everything from savory grits to a toasted English muffin.

Creative Ways to Present

Thinking beyond the plate, nestle your sausage patties inside fresh biscuits for a grab-and-go breakfast, or crumble them into a savory breakfast burrito. For brunch, stack them with fried eggs on sweet potato hash, or slice and toss over a breakfast salad for something truly unexpected but delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover Turkey Breakfast Sausage Patties in plastic wrap or pop them into a zip-top bag—just be sure they’re completely cooled first. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days, making them perfect for lazy weekday mornings or speedy snacks.

Freezing

If you like to plan breakfast ahead, these patties freeze beautifully. Arrange the cooked patties in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for several weeks, so you can always have a quick, homemade sausage on hand.

Reheating

To reheat, place patties on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also pop them in the microwave for speed, but the oven keeps that tempting crisp exterior just right.

FAQs

Can I use lean ground turkey instead of dark ground turkey?

You can, but leaner turkey may make the patties a bit drier. Dark ground turkey adds extra juiciness and flavor, which really helps these Turkey Breakfast Sausage Patties shine!

Are these patties spicy?

The spice level is mild with just a gentle touch of heat from the cayenne and red pepper flakes, but you can always adjust the amount to suit your own taste buds. If you’re cooking for kids or prefer zero heat, simply omit the cayenne and red pepper.

Can I make the mixture ahead and cook later?

Absolutely! You can mix and shape the patties ahead of time, then store them in the refrigerator—well covered—for up to a day before frying. This can make mornings even smoother.

What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?

No worries! While a cast iron skillet gives the patties a crisp, restaurant-style sear, any heavy-bottomed nonstick or stainless steel pan will work beautifully for cooking Turkey Breakfast Sausage Patties.

Can I double or triple this recipe for meal prep?

Definitely! This recipe multiplies well, so feel free to scale up and freeze extra patties for quick breakfasts during the week. Just be sure to divide and cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding your pan.

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve made these Turkey Breakfast Sausage Patties from scratch, you’ll see just how easy it is to upgrade your breakfast game. Give them a try and share them with family and friends—you might just make this your go-to breakfast recipe for years to come!

Turkey Breakfast Sausage Patties Recipe