These maple sage turkey breakfast sausage patties are made from simple, nutritious ingredients and flavored with herbs and a touch of maple for natural sweetness. They’re juicy, aromatic, and come together in 15 minutes.
When it comes to easy, high-protein breakfast options, homemade sausage patties are one of my favorites. They’re simple to prep ahead, easy to cook, and keep me full and energized all morning without weighing me down.
The mix of savory sage, thyme, and a drizzle of maple syrup makes them taste like something you’d find at a cozy weekend brunch, yet they come together in less than 15 minutes with just a handful of ingredients.
Once you make these at home, you’ll never go back to the store-bought version. I love making a double batch on Sundays so breakfast always feels a little special, even on busy mornings.
And if you love homemade breakfast sausage as much as I do, you have to check out:
Why You’ll Love It
- Packed with cozy flavor and the perfect balance of sweet maple, herbs, and just a little bit of kick.
- High in protein with 13 grams per patty and naturally gluten-free
- Quick to make, ready in 15 minutes from start to finish
- Freezer-friendly and great for meal prep mornings
- Simple ingredients you can feel good about eating every day
Looking for more high-protein breakfast ideas? You’ll also enjoy this Breakfast Casserole with Sausage & Sweet Potato.
Key Ingredients
- Ground turkey: Choose 93% lean for juicy, tender patties that hold together well. Extra-lean turkey can make them dry, so add a bit of olive oil to the mixture if using.
- Pure maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness and helps the patties caramelize as they cook. Use real maple syrup for the best flavor.
- Sage and thyme: These herbs bring classic breakfast sausage flavor. Fresh and dried both work well.
- Ground fennel seed: A touch of ground fennel adds a subtle sweetness and depth.
- Garlic powder: Adds a gentle savoriness that balances the sweetness of the maple.
- Smoked paprika: Optional, but it introduces a soft smokiness that rounds out the flavor.
- Chili flakes: A pinch brings just a little bit of a kick.
In the mood for something sweet? You’ll love these Fluffy Pumpkin Protein Pancakes. They’re made with cottage cheese, eggs, pumpkin purée, and warming spices for the perfect cozy breakfast.
How to Make It
Making these turkey breakfast sausage patties is really simple. Just mix the meat with spices and herbs, shape, and cook.
Mix the sausage blend
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, maple syrup, herbs, and spices. Use your hands or a spoon to mix just until everything is evenly combined. Avoid overmixing as it can make the patties tough.
Shape the patties
Divide the mixture into even portions and shape each one into a small, flat round about half an inch thick.
Expert Tip:
The secret to moist turkey sausage is choosing ground turkey with a bit of fat (around 93% lean) and cooking just until 165°F. Overmixing or overcooking are the main reasons turkey sausage turns dry.
Cook until golden
Warm a large skillet over medium heat and add a light drizzle of olive oil. Place the patties in a single layer, leaving a little space between each one. Cook for a few minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
Rest and serve
Transfer the patties to a plate and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm with avocado toast, a side of oatmeal, or tucked into a breakfast sandwich.
Make-Ahead Tip: Shape the patties, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and refrigerate overnight. This helps the flavor of the herbs concentrate and the texture firm up, so they hold their shape perfectly when cooked the next morning.
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Tips & Variations
- Bring on the maple: Add an extra ½ tablespoon of maple syrup for a sweeter flavor.
- Increase herbs: Add a bit more of the sage or thyme, or use all fresh herbs for a brighter taste.
- Spicy version: Add more chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne for gentle heat.
- Make it festive: Add a hint of cinnamon for a cozy winter twist that complements the maple.
- Meal prep batch: Double the recipe and freeze cooked patties between parchment layers for quick weekday breakfasts.
What to Serve Them With
These patties are incredibly versatile and pair well with everything from scrambled eggs to oats. Try serving them with:
- Soft scrambled eggs for a classic high-protein combo
- Roasted sweet potatoes or a simple hash for a balanced, fiber-rich meal
- Avocado toast topped with microgreens or chili flakes for color and crunch
- Creamy oats for a cozy, balanced breakfast with a mix of sweet and savory flavors
- Greek yogurt and berries for a touch of sweetness and extra protein
- Breakfast wraps or sandwiches with eggs, cheese, and baby spinach for easy on-the-go mornings
For the perfect pairing, try our Spiced Pear Protein Oatmeal. It’s super simple to make and perfect on a chilly fall or winter morning.
Storage & Meal Prep
Store the cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container with parchment paper between each layer to prevent sticking. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months.
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Avoid microwaving directly from frozen to help maintain their tender texture and flavor.
Nutrition
Each patty contains about 81 calories, 13 grams of protein, 2 grams of fat, and just 2 grams of carbs. They’re naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free.
FAQ
Yep! You can swap in ground chicken or pork, but keep in mind the fat content will change. Using ground turkey at around 93% lean helps maintain a juicy texture while keeping it light. If you use very lean meat (like 99%), add a bit of olive oil so the patties don’t dry out.
Absolutely. This recipe doesn’t include any dairy or gluten-containing ingredients.
Good question. The key is:
– Use turkey that’s not ultra-lean (93% lean works well).
– Avoid over-mixing the ground meat.
– Don’t overcook. Aim for an internal temperature of 165 °F.
– Let the patties rest for a minute or two after cooking so the juices redistribute.
Totally. If you prefer baking, preheat oven to 400 °F, place patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet, bake for around 12 to 15 minutes, flipping once halfway, until golden and cooked through. This method is more hands-off, but you may miss some of the crisp browning you get from the skillet.
Definitely. Cook the patties fully, let them cool, then layer them between parchment paper and freeze in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. To reheat: thaw in the refrigerator overnight or reheat directly from frozen in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through (about 2 to 3 minutes per side).
Maple Sage Turkey Breakfast Sausage Patties
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Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the sausage blendIn a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground turkey, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tsp salt, 1½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp smoked paprika, 2 tsp dried sage (or 2 tbsp fresh sage), 1 tsp dried thyme (or 2 tsp fresh thyme), ¼ teaspoon ground fennel, and ¼ tsp chili flakes if using. Mix with your hands or a spoon until evenly combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Shape the pattiesDivide the mixture into 8 equal portions and gently form each into a small, flat patty about ½ inch thick. Place on a plate or parchment-lined tray.
- Cook the pattiesHeat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a ½ tablespoon olive oil, then cook the patties in a single layer for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through to 165°F.
- Rest and serveTransfer to a plate and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with avocado toast, on the side of oatmeal, or tucked into a breakfast sandwich.
Nutrition
Notes
- If using extra-lean turkey (99%), add ½ tbsp olive oil for juiciness.
- For a sweeter touch, increase maple syrup to 1½ tbsp.
- These patties reheat beautifully in a skillet or toaster oven and freeze well for quick weekday breakfasts.
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Homemade breakfast sausage has been a recent obsession of mine. I love to prep them once and have them ready all week to pair with avocado toast, oats, or just some berries. I hope you enjoy!