Herby fresh sage and sweet maple syrup give this lean maple turkey sausage that signature breakfast sausage flavor for a fraction of the fat found in standard sausage.

If you’ve ever fell victim to greasy sausage for breakfast that ended in a stomach ache (hi, it’s me), today’s recipe is definitely the one for you!
My version of a lighter breakfast sausage swaps out the pork for lean ground turkey and loads it up with all kinds of sweet and savory breakfast flavors including lots of spices, fresh sage, and that signature maple syrup flavor.
Umm, yeah this is what we like to call a breakfast miracle around here.

I can’t even begin to tell you all the ways you’re going to be able to use this versatile breakfast sausage, but I feel the most important point here is that it’s SO dang easy to make.
I’m talking a handful of ingredients, some quick shaping, and a fast pan-fry and you’ve got the perfect addition to any and all breakfast plans.
This Turkey Sausage features…
- A moist and juicy interior
- Fresh sage leaves and sweet maple syrup
- Minutes to make and lighter than regular breakfast sausage

Making the Turkey Sausage
(scroll down to the bottom of the post for the full recipe)
Ingredients You Will Need
- Ground turkey
- Maple syrup
- Sage
- Fennel
- Onion powder
- Salt and pepper
- Vegetable oil

Tips for Perfect Turkey Sausage
- Use a combo of fresh sage + dried – both fresh and dried rubbed sage make for plenty of herby flavor in this sausage.
- Handle sausage delicately – be careful not to overmix the sausage as this could make it tough in texture.
- Shape sausage in uniform patties – make sure all the patties are the same size so they cook evenly.
- Cook sausage in batches – I usually end up cooking this sausage in two batches, adding a bit of extra oil in between.
- Use a thermometer for cooking – the sausage is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165F in the thickest portion.
Recipe Variations
Try these ideas for a different twist on this sausage.
- Use another herb – try parsley, basil, or oregano in place of the sage.
- Add heat – add 1/2-1 teaspoon cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sausage.
- Air fry sausage – coat sausage patties in nonstick spray and air fry in a single layer at 375F 8-10 minutes until sausage registers 165F.
Uses for Turkey Sausage
Try these ideas for different uses for your homemade turkey sausage.
- Breakfast sandwich or burrito
- Served alongside eggs
- Breakfast casserole addition
- Hash addition
- Breakfast pizza addition

It’s only going to take one bite of this juicy, flavorful turkey sausage to turn you off of the packaged grease-laden breakfast sausage for good! The sage + maple flavors are so wonderful together and really do amp up a package of plain ground turkey in ways you wouldn’t expect.
You won’t catch me without one of these gracing my breakfast sandwich these days. I highly recommend you join me!
Save this recipe using the ‘save to recipe box’ button below. If you make it, please let us know! Leave a comment + star rating below, or take a photo and tag it on Instagram with #wholeandheavenlyoven.

More savory breakfast favorites to make next!
Sage Maple Turkey Sausage
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Ingredients
- 1-1/2 lbs ground turkey
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons minced fresh sage
- 1/2 teaspoon dry rubbed sage
- 1 teaspoon dried fennel seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1-1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1-2 tablespoons vegetable oil for cooking
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine turkey, maple syrup, fresh sage, dried sage, fennel, onion powder, salt, and pepper until evenly mixed. Portion mixture into 10 pieces and form into patties.
- Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add patties in a single layer and cook on both sides until golden-brown and patties register 165F. Repeat cooking with remaining sausage adding additional oil as needed to pan. Serve sausages warm and enjoy!


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