How to Cook Costco Turkey Sausage

Costco turkey breakfast sausage is a fully cooked, lean protein option sold in bulk packages at warehouse locations. The most common variety is Smokey River Meat Company Fully Cooked Turkey Breakfast Sausage.

These links come precooked. Just heat and serve.

The 1.2 kg box contains 50 sausage links. Enough for about 25 servings if you eat two links at a time.

This guide covers four cooking methods: stovetop, microwave, oven, and air fryer. Total cook time ranges from 2 minutes (microwave) to 12 minutes (air fryer).

You only need basic kitchen equipment. A skillet, microwave-safe plate, baking sheet, or air fryer basket will work.

Product Details

Product: Smokey River Meat Company Fully Cooked Turkey Breakfast Sausage

Type: Fully cooked, frozen sausage links

Package Size: 1.2 kg / 2.65 lbs (50 links, approximately 25 servings)

Price: $15.99 CAD / approximately $12.99-14.99 USD at Costco (Updated January 2025)

Storage: Keep frozen at 0 degrees F or refrigerated for short-term use

Calories per Serving: 100 calories (2 links)

Main Ingredients: Turkey, water, salt, spices, sugar, natural flavors

Nutritional Highlights:

• Protein: 8g per serving
• Fat: 7g per serving
• Carbohydrates: 1g per serving
• Sodium: 210mg per serving
• No MSG, no fillers, no preservatives
• Gluten-free

Cooking Methods Comparison

Recommended Method: Stovetop for the best balance of browning and juiciness with minimal effort.

Method 1: Stovetop (Recommended)

Pan frying gives you the best control over browning. Takes 8-10 minutes total. Works well for 4-8 links at a time. Produces evenly browned, juicy sausages with slightly crispy edges.

Step 1: How Do You Prepare the Skillet?

Use a nonstick pan or lightly greased cast iron skillet. Medium heat works best.

Instructions:

1. Place nonstick skillet on stovetop
2. Add 4-8 sausage links (do not crowd the pan)
3. No oil needed if using nonstick, but a small amount helps browning

Equipment: Nonstick skillet or cast iron pan, spatula or tongs

Step 2: What Temperature and Time Do You Use?

Medium heat prevents burning while allowing proper browning. Cover the pan to trap heat and speed cooking.

Instructions:

1. Set burner to medium heat (setting 5 out of 10)
2. Cover pan with lid
3. Cook for 8-10 minutes total if refrigerated
4. Add 2-4 minutes if cooking from frozen

Temperature: Medium heat

Time: 8-10 minutes (refrigerated) or 10-12 minutes (frozen)

Step 3: When Do You Turn the Sausages?

Turn occasionally to brown all sides evenly. About every 2-3 minutes.

Instructions:

1. Turn sausages with tongs or spatula every 2-3 minutes
2. Look for golden brown color on each side before turning

Checkpoint: At 4-5 minute mark, all sausages should be starting to brown

Step 4: How Do You Know When They’re Done?

These are precooked. You’re just heating them through. Look for steam and even browning.

Instructions:

1. Check that sausages are hot throughout
2. Use a meat thermometer if unsure (165 degrees F internal temperature)
3. Remove when evenly browned and steaming

Target Temperature: 165 degrees F (though already precooked)

Visual Indicator: Golden brown exterior with steam rising when cut

Method 2: Microwave

Fastest method. Takes under 2 minutes. Best for single servings when time is tight. Texture is softer than other methods.

Step 1: How Do You Arrange the Sausages?

Spread links in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with paper towel to prevent splatter.

Instructions:

1. Place 2-4 sausage links on microwave-safe plate
2. Arrange in single layer, not touching
3. Cover with paper towel

Equipment: Microwave-safe plate, paper towel

Step 2: What Power Level and Time Do You Use?

High power works fine since these are precooked. Adjust time based on whether sausages are refrigerated or frozen.

Instructions:

1. Microwave on HIGH (100% power)
2. Heat 1.5-2 minutes if refrigerated
3. Heat 2.5-3 minutes if frozen

Power Level: HIGH

Time: 1.5-2 minutes (refrigerated) or 2.5-3 minutes (frozen)

Step 3: Should You Rotate During Cooking?

For more even heating, rotate or flip at the halfway point.

Instructions:

1. Stop microwave at 1 minute mark
2. Flip or rearrange sausages
3. Continue heating for remaining time

Checkpoint: At 1 minute mark

Step 4: How Do You Know When They’re Done?

Sausages should be hot throughout. Let stand briefly before serving.

Instructions:

1. Check that center is steaming hot
2. Let stand 30 seconds before eating
3. Careful, they will be very hot

Visual Indicator: Steam rising when cut open

Method 3: Oven

Hands-off method. Takes 10-12 minutes at 375 degrees F. Great for cooking many servings at once. Consistent results every time.

Step 1: How Do You Prepare the Baking Sheet?

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F
2. Line baking sheet with parchment paper
3. Arrange sausages in single layer, not touching

Equipment: Baking sheet, parchment paper or foil, oven mitts

Step 2: What Temperature and Time Do You Use?

375 degrees F is the sweet spot. Hot enough for browning without drying out.

Instructions:

1. Place baking sheet in preheated oven
2. Bake for 10-12 minutes
3. Add 2-3 minutes if cooking from frozen

Temperature: 375 degrees F

Time: 10-12 minutes (refrigerated) or 12-15 minutes (frozen)

Step 3: When Do You Turn Them?

Flip once at the halfway point for even browning on both sides.

Instructions:

1. At 5-6 minute mark, flip each sausage
2. Return to oven for remaining time

Checkpoint: At 5-6 minute mark

Step 4: How Do You Know When They’re Done?

Look for light browning and internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

Instructions:

1. Check for golden brown color
2. Verify internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F
3. Remove from oven and let rest 1-2 minutes

Target Temperature: 165 degrees F

Visual Indicator: Light golden brown with slight crisping on edges

Method 4: Air Fryer

Produces the crispiest results with less grease. Takes 8-10 minutes at 350-375 degrees F. Great for that restaurant-style texture.

Step 1: How Do You Prepare the Air Fryer?

Preheat for 2-3 minutes. A light spray of oil helps with browning but is optional.

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 350-375 degrees F for 2-3 minutes
2. Place sausages in basket in single layer
3. Optional: light spray of cooking oil for extra crispiness

Equipment: Air fryer, tongs, optional cooking spray

Step 2: What Temperature and Time Do You Use?

350-375 degrees F works well. Higher temperatures can dry them out.

Instructions:

1. Set air fryer to 350-375 degrees F
2. Cook for 8-10 minutes total
3. Add 2 minutes if cooking from frozen

Temperature: 350-375 degrees F

Time: 8-10 minutes (refrigerated) or 10-12 minutes (frozen)

Step 3: When Do You Shake or Flip?

Shake basket or flip sausages halfway through for even cooking.

Instructions:

1. At 4-5 minute mark, shake basket or flip sausages
2. Check for browning progress
3. Return to air fryer for remaining time

Checkpoint: At 4-5 minute mark

Step 4: How Do You Know When They’re Done?

Look for crispy exterior and internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

Instructions:

1. Check for golden brown, slightly crispy exterior
2. Verify internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F
3. Remove and let rest 1-2 minutes on paper towel to absorb excess oil

Target Temperature: 165 degrees F

Visual Indicator: Golden brown with crispy skin, steam when cut

Safety and Quality Indicators

Food Safety

• Internal Temperature: 165 degrees F minimum for poultry products
• Steam Check: Product should steam when cut open
• Thawing: Can cook from frozen, but refrigerator thawing overnight gives more even results

Quality Indicators (Done Properly)

• Color: Golden brown on exterior
• Texture: Firm but juicy, not rubbery
• Temperature: Hot throughout, above 165 degrees F
• Appearance: Light browning, steam rising when cut

Signs of Overcooking

• Shriveled, dried-out appearance
• Rubbery or tough texture
• Dark brown or charred spots
• Casing splitting excessively

Serving Suggestions

Portion Size: 2 links per serving (approximately 25 servings per 50-count package)

Serving Ideas:

• Alongside scrambled eggs and toast for a classic breakfast
• Inside an English muffin with egg and cheese for a breakfast sandwich
• With pancakes or Costco Belgian waffles and maple syrup
• Crumbled into omelets or breakfast burritos

Pairing Recommendations:

• Hash browns or home fries
• Fresh fruit or yogurt
• Eggs prepared any style
• Orange juice or coffee

Storage and Reheating

Leftover Storage

• Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking
• Store in airtight container
• Consume within 3-4 days
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months (wrap individually)

Reheating Instructions

• Microwave: 30-45 seconds on HIGH, covered with paper towel
• Stovetop: 2-3 minutes over medium heat, turning occasionally
• Air Fryer: 3-4 minutes at 350 degrees F
• Target Temperature: 165 degrees F

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Issue: Sausages are rubbery

Cause: Overcooked or cooked at too high temperature

Solution: Reduce cooking time by 1-2 minutes. Use medium heat instead of high. Check internal temp at 165 degrees F and remove immediately.

Issue: Sausages not browning evenly

Cause: Overcrowding the pan or not turning frequently enough

Solution: Cook in smaller batches with space between links. Turn every 2-3 minutes on stovetop. Shake air fryer basket at halfway point.

Issue: Sausages burst or split

Cause: Temperature too high or cooked too long

Solution: Reduce heat. For air fryer, try 350 degrees F instead of 375 degrees F. These are precooked, so they need less time than raw sausages.

Issue: Sausages dry on outside but cold inside

Cause: Heat too high, cooking from frozen without adjustment

Solution: Lower heat and extend cooking time. Cover pan when cooking on stovetop. Thaw overnight in refrigerator for more even heating.

Product Variations and Related Items

Similar Costco Products

• Costco breakfast sausage (pork variety) – higher fat, more traditional flavor
• Costco Italian sausage – different seasoning profile, works for dinner dishes
• Costco chicken sausage – similar lean protein, different flavor options
• Jimmy Dean Turkey Sausage Links (48 ct) – another brand option at some locations

Cooking Time Adjustments

• Larger Italian-style turkey sausage links: add 3-5 minutes to all methods
• Turkey sausage patties: reduce time by 2-3 minutes, flip once
• Raw (uncooked) turkey sausage: increase time significantly, must reach 165 degrees F internal

Which Method Should You Choose?

Choose Stovetop When:

• You want crispy edges with juicy centers
• Cooking 4-8 servings at once
• You have 10 minutes and want great results

Choose Microwave When:

• Speed matters most (under 2 minutes)
• Cooking 1-2 servings
• Texture is less important than convenience

Choose Oven When:

• Cooking for a crowd (10+ servings)
• You want hands-off cooking
• Doing breakfast meal prep

Choose Air Fryer When:

• You want the crispiest texture possible
• Cooking 4-8 servings
• You prefer less grease

Time Comparison

Microwave (1.5-2 min) is fastest, then Air Fryer (8-10 min), then Stovetop (8-10 min), then Oven (10-12 min)

Texture Ranking

Air Fryer produces crispiest results. Stovetop gives medium-crisp with good browning. Oven produces consistent, even results. Microwave gives soft texture.

These turkey sausage links pair well with other Costco breakfast items. Try them with Kirkland bacon for a protein-heavy start to your day. Or add them to a breakfast plate alongside Costco potatoes.

For meal prep, cook a batch in the oven and store in the refrigerator. They reheat quickly in the microwave or air fryer throughout the week.

FAQ on How To Cook Costco Turkey Sausage

How Long Do You Cook Costco Turkey Sausage?

Cooking time depends on your method. Microwave takes 1.5-2 minutes on high power.

Stovetop and air fryer need 8-10 minutes. Oven baking requires 10-12 minutes at 375 degrees F.

Add 2-3 minutes if cooking from frozen.

Can You Cook Costco Turkey Sausage From Frozen?

Yes. These fully cooked sausage links can go straight from freezer to pan, oven, or air fryer.

Just add 2-4 minutes to the standard cooking time. Thawing overnight in the refrigerator gives more even results.

What Internal Temperature Should Turkey Sausage Reach?

Turkey sausage should reach 165 degrees F internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to check.

Since Costco turkey sausage is precooked, you’re mainly reheating. The 165 degree mark confirms it’s hot throughout.

Is Costco Turkey Sausage Already Cooked?

Yes. Smokey River Meat Company turkey breakfast sausage sold at Costco is fully cooked.

You only need to heat it through. This makes preparation quick and reduces food safety concerns about undercooked poultry.

How Do You Cook Turkey Sausage in an Air Fryer?

Preheat your air fryer to 350-375 degrees F. Place links in a single layer in the basket.

Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The result is crispy skin with juicy centers.

Can You Microwave Costco Turkey Sausage?

Absolutely. Place 2-4 links on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a paper towel.

Heat on high for 1.5-2 minutes if refrigerated. Add 30-60 seconds if frozen. Texture will be softer than pan frying.

How Do You Know When Turkey Sausage Is Done?

Look for golden brown color and steam rising when cut. The sausage should be hot throughout.

A meat thermometer reading of 165 degrees F confirms doneness. Since these are precooked, visual cues work fine.

How Many Calories Are in Costco Turkey Sausage?

Two sausage links contain approximately 100 calories, 7g fat, 8g protein, and 1g carbohydrates.

Sodium content is 210mg per serving. This lean protein option has no MSG, fillers, or preservatives. It’s gluten-free too.

How Do You Store Leftover Cooked Turkey Sausage?

Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

For longer storage, wrap links individually and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

What Can You Serve With Costco Turkey Sausage?

Classic pairings include scrambled eggs, pancakes, and toast. Turkey sausage works great in breakfast sandwiches too.

Try it with Costco croissants or alongside frozen vegetables for a balanced meal.

Conclusion

Now you know how to cook Costco turkey sausage using four different methods. Each one works. Pick whatever fits your morning.

The stovetop method gives you the best browning. Air fryer delivers that crispy texture without extra grease.

Microwave wins when you’re rushing out the door.

These low fat sausage links make solid meal prep material. Cook a batch on Sunday, reheat throughout the week.

Pair them with eggs for a high protein breakfast that keeps you full until lunch. Simple, quick, done.