If you’re looking for a flavorful and hearty protein to serve at your next backyard BBQ, smoked turkey sausage is an excellent option to consider. Not only is it a healthier alternative to pork sausage, but it’s also incredibly versatile and can be seasoned to suit a variety of taste preferences.

This smoked turkey sausage recipe is perfect for those who are looking for a beginner-friendly and delicious way to enjoy. While the process of making your own sausage may seem intimidating at first, this recipe is straightforward and requires only a few pieces of equipment, including a pellet smoker and a sausage stuffer.

With a combination of aromatic herbs and spices, including onion, garlic, and salt, this recipe packs a flavorful punch that’s sure to please. Once smoked to perfection at a low temperature of 225°F for about four hours, the sausage links are fully cooked and ready to be enjoyed on their own or added to a variety of recipes.

So fire up your pellet smoker, grab your sausage stuffer, and get ready to become a backyard BBQ hero with this delicious and easy smoked turkey sausage recipe.

How To Make Smoked Turkey Sausage

Soak Hog Casing in Cold Water

To start, place the hog casing in a large bowl filled with cold water. Soak it for 30 minutes to an hour to soften it and make it easier to work with. This will also help remove any excess salt or debris from the casing.

Combine Turkey, Onion, Garlic, Herbs, Salt, and Pepper

In a mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, finely chopped onion and garlic, your favorite herbs such as sage or thyme, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until it is well combined. You can also add other ingredients such as cheese, jalapenos, or any other flavors you like.

Flush Soaked Casing with Water

After soaking the casing, remove it from the bowl and rinse it thoroughly with cold water. This will help ensure that there are no remaining impurities or debris in the casing that could affect the taste or texture of the sausage.

Fill Sausage Stuffer with Turkey Mixture

Next, attach a ¾-inch-thick funnel to the end of the sausage filler and load it with the turkey mixture. Make sure that the mixture is tightly packed into the funnel to avoid any air pockets or gaps in the sausage.

Fill Casing with Mixture and Form Links

Slowly slide the soaked casing onto the end of the funnel, making sure that it is straight and even. Use your thumb and forefinger to pinch the casing and form links as the sausage mixture is being pushed out of the funnel. You can choose any link length you prefer, but make sure that all of the links are the same size and shape to ensure even cooking.

Preheat Pellet Smoker

Preheat your grill to 225°F with oak wood pellets. This low and slow cooking temperature is ideal for smoking sausages and will help ensure that the sausage is cooked through evenly and has a smoky flavor.

Place Links on Grill Grates

Once your grill is preheated, transfer the sausage links to the grill grates. Make sure that the links do not touch each other to avoid sticking together. Close the lid of the grill to help trap the smoke and cook the sausages evenly.

Smoke Sausages for 2 Hours

Smoke the sausages for 2 hours, making sure to maintain the grill temperature at 225 degrees Fahrenheit. After 2 hours, flip the sausages over and continue to cook for an additional 2 hours, or until the internal temperature of the sausage reaches at least 165°F.

Remove Smoked Turkey Sausages from Grill and Enjoy

Once the sausages are fully cooked, remove them from the grill and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving. Slice them up and serve smoked turkey sausage on a platter with your favorite dipping sauce, or use them to make sandwiches or other dishes. Enjoy!

What to Serve With Smoked Turkey Sausage

If you’re looking for the perfect side dishes to serve with your homemade smoked turkey sausage skillet one pan recipe, you’re in luck! The smoky and savory flavor of the sausage pairs well with a variety of ingredients, making it a versatile option for any meal.

Smoked Turkey Sausage Skillet One Pan Recipe

A delicious and easy way to enjoy your homemade smoked sausage is in a skillet recipe with sweet potatoes, tomato sauce, and fresh vegetables. Simply add sausage to a large skillet, along with diced sweet potatoes, your favorite tomato sauce, and fresh veggies like bell peppers or onions. Top with parmesan cheese for a finishing touch.

Healthy Weeknight Dinner

For a quick easy dinner for busy weeknights, serve your smoked sausage with sweet potato and green beans or Brussels sprouts. Roast the sweet potatoes in the oven and steam or sauté the vegetables for a nutritious side dish. The smoky flavor of the sausage adds a delicious twist to this healthy and satisfying meal.

Creamy Polenta

For a comforting and filling side dish, try serving your turkey sausage with creamy polenta. The creamy texture of the polenta pairs well with the crispy texture of the sausage, and the neutral flavor of the polenta allows the smoky flavor to shine.

Tips For Making Smoked Turkey Sausage

If you are new to making the recipe, don’t worry – it’s a simple and fun process! Here are some tips to help you get the best results:

Don’t Overload the Casing

When filling the casing with the turkey mixture, make sure to pack it tightly, but be careful not to overstuff it. Overloading the casing can cause it to burst during cooking, which can result in unevenly cooked or burnt sausage.

Use a Meat Thermometer

To ensure that the sausages are fully cooked and safe to eat, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the sausage, and make sure that it reads at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Experiment with Different Seasonings

This recipe calls for onions, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper, but don’t be afraid to experiment with other seasonings to create your own unique flavor profile. Try adding smoked paprika, cumin, or even a touch of maple syrup to the turkey mixture to create a new and exciting taste.

Keep the Grill Lid Closed

When smoking the sausages, it’s important to keep the grill lid closed as much as possible to trap the smoke inside. Opening the lid frequently can cause the temperature to fluctuate and extend the cooking time, resulting in drier and less flavorful sausages.

Best Beer To Serve With Smoked Turkey Sausage

Smoked links are a delicious and hearty dish that pairs well with a variety of beers. Here are three beer styles that we think complement this recipe perfectly:

American Pale Ale

An American Pale Ale is a classic beer style that pairs well with smoked sausage links. The hoppy bitterness of the pale ale cuts through the richness while the malt sweetness complements the smoky flavor. Look for a pale ale with citrusy or piney hop notes to really bring out the flavor of the sausage.

Brown Ale

A brown ale is another great beer choice. The nutty and slightly sweet flavors of the brown ale complement the smoky flavors, while the carbonation helps cut through the rich texture. Look for a brown ale with notes of caramel and chocolate for the perfect pairing.

Hefeweizen

A refreshing and light hefeweizen is a surprising but delicious pairing for smoked sausage links. The fruity and spicy flavors of the hefeweizen complement the savory flavors, while the effervescence of the beer helps cleanse the palate between bites. Look for a hefeweizen with banana and clove notes to really enhance the flavor of the sausage.

Related Recipes

Smoked Turkey Sausage

Easy to make and super tasty sausage.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 2

Cook Time 4

Total Time 6

Servings

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

Pellet Smoker
Smoker Pellets
BBQ Grill Accessories
Sausage Stuffer
Large bowl

Ingredients

Hog casing
3 lbs ground turkey
one white or yellow onion, grated
4 minced garlic cloves
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tbsp chopped fresh oregano
1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
1 tbsp kosher salt
1 tsp black pepper

Instructions

Soak hog casing in cold water for 30 minutes to an hour.
Combine turkey, onion, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
Flush the soaked casing with water.
Load sausage stuffer with turkey mixture.
Fill the casing with the mixture. Pinch between your thumb and forefinger and twist to form links.
Preheat the pellet smoker to 225°F
Place links on grill grates, making sure they do not touch.
Close the lid and smoke for 2 hours.
Flip and cook for an additional 2 hours or until internal temperature is at least 165°F
Remove from the grill and enjoy as desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 459gCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 139gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 163mgSodium: 4431mgFiber: 2gVitamin A: 19IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 3mgIron: 26mg

Smoked Turkey Sausage FAQs

What is the best wood pellet to use for smoking turkey sausage?

The best wood pellets are oak, hickory, apple, or maple.

How long does it take to smoke turkey sausage?

It takes about 4 hours at a temperature of 225°F either medium heat or medium-high heat

What is the internal temperature of fully cooked smoked turkey sausage?

The internal temperature of fully cooked smoked turkey sausage should reach at least 165°F.

How long should I soak the hog casing before using it?

Soak the hog casing in cold water for 30 minutes to an hour before using it.

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey in this recipe?

Yes, ground chicken can be used in place of turkey in this recipe.

How many sausage links does this recipe make?

This recipe makes about 12-15 links, depending on the desired size.

Can I freeze smoked turkey sausage?

Yes, you can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

How do I know when the smoked turkey sausage is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach at least 165°F when fully cooked.

What seasonings can I use to flavor the turkey sausage?

You can use a variety of seasonings, such as paprika, cumin, chili powder, or Italian seasoning, to flavor it. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite flavor profile.