Can I use pre-ground poultry seasoning instead of individual spices?

Absolutely! About 1½ tablespoons of poultry seasoning can replace the individual herbs and spices. Just make sure to still add the salt and pepper separately as most poultry seasonings don't include them.

My patties seem too wet to form properly. What should I do?

If your apple was particularly juicy or large, the mixture might be too wet. Simply add 1-2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs to absorb the excess moisture and help bind the patties.

Can I bake these patties instead of pan-frying?

Yes! Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Is there a way to make these dairy-free and gluten-free?

Good news - these patties are naturally dairy-free and gluten-free as written! Just be sure to serve them with sides that also meet your dietary needs.

Apple Turkey Breakfast Sausage Patties Recipe

Name: Apple Turkey Breakfast Sausage Patties Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey; 1/2 cup Granny Smith apple, diced (about 1 apple); 1 tbsp fresh thyme; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp pepper; 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1 tbsp maple syrup; 1 tbsp oil

These Apple Turkey Breakfast Sausage Patties are a game-changer for your morning routine – juicy ground turkey mixed with sweet-tart apples, aromatic herbs, and warm spices create a perfect harmony of flavors. Ready in just 20 minutes, they’re ideal for busy mornings when you need something satisfying yet wholesome to kickstart your day!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Healthier Alternative: Turkey is leaner than traditional pork sausage but still delivers fantastic flavor and juiciness.
Sweet and Savory Balance: The combination of tart Granny Smith apples with maple syrup creates that irresistible sweet-savory profile that makes breakfast sausages so craveable.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare a batch on the weekend and enjoy quick, protein-packed breakfasts all week long.
Customizable: Easily adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground Turkey: The base of our patties, providing lean protein with a mild flavor that pairs beautifully with our seasonings.
Granny Smith Apple: Adds moisture, natural sweetness, and a subtle tartness that cuts through the richness of the meat.
Fresh Thyme: Brings an earthy, slightly floral note that elevates these patties beyond basic breakfast fare.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning that enhances all the other flavors.
Ground Nutmeg: Adds warmth and complexity – use freshly grated for the best flavor if possible.
Ground Cinnamon: Provides that cozy, warm note that pairs beautifully with the apples.
Maple Syrup: Just a touch brings natural sweetness and helps the patties caramelize beautifully when cooking.
Oil: For cooking the patties – use something neutral like avocado or light olive oil.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

You can easily customize these breakfast sausage patties to suit your preferences:

Herb Variations: Substitute sage or rosemary for the thyme for a different flavor profile.
Fruit Swaps: Try pears or dried cranberries instead of apples for a different sweet element.
Heat Level: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes if you enjoy a spicy kick with your sweet.
Meat Options: Works great with ground chicken or even a blend of turkey and chicken if that’s what you have on hand.

How to Make Apple Turkey Breakfast Sausage Patties

Step 1: Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, salt, pepper, thyme, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix thoroughly until all the spices are evenly distributed throughout the meat. Then gently fold in the maple syrup and diced Granny Smith apples until just incorporated.

Step 2: Form the Patties

With slightly damp hands (to prevent sticking), divide the mixture and form into 8-10 evenly sized patties, about ½-inch thick. Press a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent them from puffing up during cooking.

Step 3: Heat the Pan

Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat with the tablespoon of oil. Make sure the pan is properly heated before adding the patties for the best sear.

Step 4: Cook the Patties

Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, place the patties in the hot skillet. Cook for approximately 3-5 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. The center should be completely cooked through with no pink remaining, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overmix: Handle the meat mixture gently to keep the patties tender rather than tough.
Consistent Sizing: Try to make the patties uniform in size and thickness for even cooking.
Check Temperature: Using a meat thermometer ensures perfectly cooked patties every time – turkey must reach 165°F for food safety.
Rest Before Serving: Let the patties rest for a couple of minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for maximum juiciness.

How to Serve

These versatile patties can be the star of numerous breakfast combinations:

Classic Breakfast:

Serve alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for a protein-packed start to your day.

Breakfast Sandwich:

Tuck a patty between a toasted English muffin with a slice of cheese and perhaps a fried egg.

Brunch Spread:

Include these patties on a brunch board with pancakes, fresh fruit, yogurt, and granola for an impressive spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They make excellent meal prep for busy weekday breakfasts!

Freezing

These patties freeze beautifully! Place uncooked or cooked patties in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag with parchment between layers. Uncooked patties will keep for about 3 months, while cooked ones are best used within 2 months.

Reheating

For refrigerated patties, reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side until warmed through. From frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator first for best results, or reheat directly from frozen in a 350°F oven for about l0-12 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use pre-ground poultry seasoning instead of individual spices?

Absolutely! About 1½ tablespoons of poultry seasoning can replace the individual herbs and spices. Just make sure to still add the salt and pepper separately as most poultry seasonings don’t include them.
My patties seem too wet to form properly. What should I do?

If your apple was particularly juicy or large, the mixture might be too wet. Simply add 1-2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs to absorb the excess moisture and help bind the patties.
Can I bake these patties instead of pan-frying?

Yes! Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Is there a way to make these dairy-free and gluten-free?

Good news – these patties are naturally dairy-free and gluten-free as written! Just be sure to serve them with sides that also meet your dietary needs.

Final Thoughts

These Apple Turkey Breakfast Sausage Patties bring together the best of wholesome ingredients with cozy breakfast flavors. They’re perfect for anyone looking to add a special touch to their morning routine without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of juicy turkey, sweet-tart apples, and warming spices creates something truly special that elevates any breakfast plate. Give them a try this weekend – your breakfast table will never be the same!