BreakfastEasyFlare-FriendlyGluten-FreeDairy-Free

Maple Turkey Sausage Patties

Golden-brown turkey patties with maple and sage—all the breakfast sausage flavor without the garlic, onion, or mystery spices that sneak into store-bought versions. Zero fiber, 11g protein per patty.

Maple Turkey Sausage Patties
Total Time
22m
Servings
8
Calories
95
Fiber
0g
Protein
11g
Carbs
2g
Fat
5g
Best ForSafe for Crohn's & UC
Active FlareRecoveringRemissionStricturePost-Op (Late)J-Pouch

Watch Out For

black peppermild

Piperine in black pepper may irritate an inflamed gut

Tip: Reduce to 1/8 teaspoon or omit entirely. The maple and sage provide plenty of flavor.

cayenne peppermoderate

Capsaicin can trigger cramping and urgency in some IBD patients

Tip: Omit during flares—the recipe works well without it.

nutmegmild

May cause GI irritation in some individuals at higher doses

Tip: Start with 1/8 teaspoon or omit if you're spice-sensitive.

Ingredients

  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP

Instructions

  1. Combine the ground turkey, maple syrup, sage, thyme, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and cayenne (if using) in a large mixing bowl.

    Equipment: large mixing bowl
  2. Mix gently with your hands just until the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the meat. You should no longer see dry pockets of spice.

    Tip: Gentle mixing is the secret to tender patties—treat it like you're folding, not kneading
  3. Stop mixing as soon as everything is combined. Overworking the meat creates dense, tough patties.

  4. Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions, roughly 2 ounces each.

  5. Shape each portion into a flat patty about 1/2-inch thick, pressing gently to compact without squeezing too hard.

  6. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers and moves easily across the pan.

    Equipment: large skillet
  7. Add the patties to the skillet, leaving space between each one. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and caramelized at the edges.

    Tip: Resist the urge to press down on the patties—you'll squeeze out the juices
  8. Check doneness by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part—it should read 165°F (74°C). The patties should feel firm to the touch and show no pink in the center.

    165°F (74°C)Equipment: instant-read thermometer
  9. Transfer the cooked patties to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil briefly before serving.

    Equipment: paper towels

Notes

Storage

Refrigerate cooked patties in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes per side, or microwave for 30-45 seconds until warmed through.

Freezer-friendly

Freeze uncooked patties with squares of parchment paper between them to prevent sticking. Stack in a freezer bag or container for up to 3 months. Cook from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes per side to the cooking time.

Make-ahead

Form the patties and refrigerate overnight before cooking. The flavors meld together, and cold patties hold their shape better when they hit the pan.

SCD alternative

Maple syrup is not permitted on the Specific Carbohydrate Diet. Substitute with an equal amount of honey for an SCD-compliant version. Honey is the only sweetener allowed on SCD.

Maple syrup matters

Use pure maple syrup only—pancake syrup often contains high-fructose corn syrup and additives that can trigger symptoms. Pure maple syrup is low-FODMAP and adds natural sweetness without excess fructose.

Turkey fat content

93% lean is the sweet spot. Leaner turkey (99%) makes dry patties, while fattier blends (85%) can be greasy and harder to digest during flares.

Milder version

For sensitive stomachs, omit the black pepper, cayenne, and nutmeg entirely. The maple and sage still provide plenty of flavor.

IBD Considerations

Diet Protocol Compliance

How this recipe fits common IBD dietary approaches