These turkey bacon wrapped mini sausages are a quick and easy way to make any occasion feel special. With their perfect portion size, variety of flavors, and festive presentation, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you are hosting a cocktail party or just want to jazz up dinnertime on a busy weeknight, read on to discover why turkey bacon wrapped mini sausages should become your go-to appetizer.
What Is Turkey Bacon?
Turkey bacon is a meat made from turkey that is cured, smoked, and sliced to resemble traditional pork bacon. The main differences between turkey bacon and pork bacon are:
- Turkey bacon comes from turkey, while pork bacon comes from pigs/hogs.
- Turkey bacon has less fat and calories compared to pork bacon. Pork bacon is about 50% fat while turkey bacon is around 20-30% fat.
- Turkey bacon is leaner and does not shrink as much as pork bacon when cooked.
- The flavor and texture of turkey bacon is slightly different from pork – turkey bacon is not as fatty or crispy when cooked. The taste is described as more savory and mild compared to the smokier, saltier flavor of pork bacon.
- Turkey bacon can be a source of protein for people who do not eat pork for religious, health or personal reasons. It serves as a substitute for them to still enjoy the bacon flavor.
What Is Mini Sausages?
Mini sausages are small, bite-sized sausages that are typically around 1-2 inches long. Here are a few more details about mini sausages:
- Size – As the name implies, mini sausages are miniature versions of regular sausages. They are usually around 1-2 inches in length and 0.5-1 inches in diameter. This small size makes them perfect for passing around as party snacks or adding to appetizer trays.
- Types – Mini sausages come in a variety of types just like regular sausages. Popular varieties include mini hot dogs, mini smoked sausages, mini Italian sausages, mini bratwursts, mini breakfast sausages, etc. They can be made from pork, chicken, turkey, or beef.
- Flavor – Mini sausages pack a lot of flavor into each little bite. They often have a similar taste profile to their full-size counterparts, with seasoned meats and spices like garlic, onion, pepper, etc. Some mini sausages may have cheese or other ingredients mixed into the filling as well.
- Uses – Their small size makes mini sausages very versatile. They can be served cocktail-style on toothpicks, added to appetizer platters, used as pizza toppings, served with crackers or bread as snacks, added to salads, pastas, soups, etc. They’re easy to eat as finger foods with no need to cut them up.
- Precooked – Most mini sausages sold at grocery stores are fully cooked so they just need a quick heating or reheating before eating. This makes them a convenient appetizer option to have on hand.
Why Choose Turkey Bacon Wrapped Mini Sausages?
There are many advantages to choosing these miniature turkey sausages over other sausage options:
- Healthier than pork sausages since they are made from lean turkey meat.
- Lower in fat and calories compared to beef or pork sausages.
- The mini size makes them easy to pick up and eat without utensils.
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy families.
- Versatile – can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs.
Making the switch from traditional sausages to these turkey mini sausages allows you to still enjoy the savory sausage flavor while providing a healthier alternative. The bite-size portions are just right for snacking or can be served as an easy appetizer that doesn’t require any prep work for your guests. Keep reading to learn some quick and easy ways to cook up these mini sausages for any occasion!
Easy Recipes Turkey Bacon Wrapped Mini Sausages
These mini sausages are so convenient because they require minimal preparation. Here are some quick and easy ways to make them:
- Oven-Baked – Place sausages on a baking sheet, wrap with turkey bacon, and bake at 400°F for 18-20 minutes until the bacon is crisp.
- Air Fryer – Cook at 370°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The air fryer makes the bacon extra crispy.
- Stovetop – Cook in a skillet over medium heat for 4-5 minutes on each side until the bacon is browned and sizzling.
- Make it spicy! – Coat the sausages in a blend of brown sugar and spicy seasonings like cayenne, chili powder or paprika before wrapping in bacon.
- Fancy appetizer – Wrap the sausages in puff pastry instead of bacon and bake until golden brown. Top with a drizzle of maple syrup or honey mustard.
With just a few ingredients and simple preparation, you can have a tray of hot, delicious mini sausages ready to serve in under 30 minutes. Keep reading for more serving ideas and helpful tips.
Serving Ideas for Parties and Gatherings
These bite-sized sausages are perfect for parties since they are easy to pick up with your fingers. Here are some creative ways to serve them:
- Arrange them on a platter with festive toothpicks.
- Serve with a selection of dipping sauces like barbecue, honey mustard, or chili sauce.
- Make a “sampler” tray with an assortment of flavored sausages.
- Skewer them and stand them up in a glass for a fun display.
- Top with festive garnishes like sesame seeds, green onion, bacon bits or chopped parsley.
Their small size also makes them an easy addition to a buffet spread. Guests can take just a few at a time to sample. For a more substantial appetizer, provide buns and let guests make mini sausage sliders.
Tips for Making Turkey Bacon Wrapped Mini Sausages
Use these helpful tips to end up with perfectly cooked, great tasting mini sausages:
- Look for high-quality turkey sausages without a lot of artificial ingredients or preservatives.
- Make sure to cook the sausages thoroughly – they should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Partially pre-cook the sausages first before wrapping in bacon for evenly cooked results.
- Play around with fun flavor combinations like brown sugar bourbon, maple mustard or blueberry orange.
- Slice the bacon lengthwise to make it easier to wrap around the sausages.
- Weave picks through the bacon to secure it and hold everything together.
- Layer the sausages on a wire cooling rack on the baking sheet so the bacon cooks evenly.
By following these handy tips, you’ll end up with the perfect bacon wrapped turkey mini sausages to please any crowd. Whether enjoying them as an everyday snack for the family or at a big get-together with friends, these flavorful bite-sized sausages are sure to satisfy.
Turkey Bacon Wrapped Mini Sausages
Notes
· Cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of your sausages and air fryer model. It's always best to keep an eye on them during cooking to ensure they don't overcook.
· If your air fryer basket is small, you may need to cook the sausages in batches.
· For a sweeter and smokier flavor, you can brush the bacon-wrapped sausages with a mixture of brown sugar and Dijon mustard before air frying.
· Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven until warmed through.
Ingredients
- • 1 pound ground turkey (or chicken sausage)
- • 1 package (12 oz) turkey bacon, cut into thirds
- • 1/2 cup chopped onion (optional)
- • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- • 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- • Optional: Toothpicks
Instructions
- Prepare the Sausage Mixture (Optional): If you're using ground turkey instead of pre-made sausages, combine the ground turkey, chopped onion (if using), parsley (if using), thyme, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt in a bowl. Mix well to combine. Form the mixture into small sausages, about the size of your pinky finger.
- Wrap the Bacon: Take a piece of turkey bacon and wrap it around a mini sausage (or pre-made sausage). Secure the bacon with a toothpick if desired. Repeat with remaining sausages and bacon.
- Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes (consult your air fryer's manual for preheating instructions). Arrange the bacon-wrapped sausages in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them for good air circulation.
- Cook: Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and the sausages are cooked through. The internal temperature of the sausages should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Enjoy your air-fried turkey bacon wrapped mini sausages immediately. You can serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, mustard, or BBQ sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Turkey Bacon Wrapped Mini Sausages
Serves: 4 persons
| Amount Per Serving: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 300 | |
| % Daily Value* | ||
| Total Fat 20 | 30.8% | |
| Saturated Fat 7 | 35% | |
| Trans Fat 0 | ||
| Cholesterol 40mg | 13.3% | |
| Sodium 600mg | 25% | |
| Total Carbohydrate 10 | 3.3% | |
| Dietary Fiber 2 | 8% | |
| Sugars 2 | ||
| Protein 20 | ||
| Vitamin A 0 | Vitamin C 0 | |
| Calcium 30mg | Iron 10mg | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Cheen Huaye
Executive Chef Marco Velasquez brings his unique, elevated Mexican cuisine to Cheen Huaye. A native of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, Marco honed his skills in some of South Florida’s finest restaurants before opening his own restaurant.
At Cheen Huaye, you’ll experience authentic Yucatecan dishes made from fresh ingredients, to order. Our food has been praised by publications like the Miami New Times and continues to receive rave reviews from diners all over. So if you’re looking for a different take on Mexican food – one that’s still familiar yet exciting – come visit us at Cheen Huaye!