How Long Does It Take to Cook Sausage Patties on the Stove?

Cooking sausage patties on the stovetop is a quick and easy way to make a tasty breakfast or dinner. But exactly how long does it take to cook sausage patties on the stove? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to make perfect sausage patties, including step-by-step instructions, cooking times, tips and tricks, and more.

An Overview of Cooking Sausage Patties

Sausage patties are made from ground pork or other meats mixed with spices and formed into patties. Most raw sausage patties are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F. The total cooking time depends on a few factors:

• Thickness of the patties – Thicker patties take longer to cook than thinner ones, Aim for about 1/2 inch thickness

• Stovetop temperature – Cooking over medium heat is ideal, Higher heat may burn the outside before the inside is cooked

• Patty size – Larger patties take a bit longer than smaller ones. Aim for 2-3 inches in diameter.

• Preparation method – Frozen patties take longer than fresh patties Thaw first for shorter cook time.

• Cooking vessel – Cast iron and nonstick skillets brown better than stainless steel.

With the right technique, fresh sausage patties take 10-15 minutes on the stovetop, while frozen patties take 12-18 minutes. Read on for more details!

Step-by-Step Guide for Cooking Sausage Patties

Follow these simple steps for perfect sausage patties every time:

1. Heat the Skillet

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cast iron or nonstick work best to prevent sticking. Add a tablespoon of oil or butter if needed.

2. Add the Patties

Carefully place the sausage patties in the hot skillet, leaving space between them. Do not overcrowd.

3. Cook Undisturbed

Let the patties cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to brown the bottom side. Resist the urge to press or smash them down.

4. Flip and Cook

Carefully flip each patty using a spatula or tongs. Cook 2-3 more minutes until browned.

5. Check Temperature

Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature, aiming for 160°F.

6. Transfer and Serve

Remove patties from the skillet and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb grease. Enjoy hot!

Cooking Time for Fresh vs. Frozen Patties

The cooking time depends on whether you’re working with fresh or frozen sausage patties:

• Fresh sausage patties take about 10-15 minutes total cooking time. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side.

• Frozen sausage patties take 12-18 minutes total. Cook for 6-9 minutes per side until heated through. Always thaw completely first for best results.

Frozen patties take longer because the frozen center takes time to thaw and come up to temperature. Partially thawed or cold spots undercook the sausage.

No matter which you use, always rely on an instant-read thermometer to guarantee they reach 160°F internally. Undercooked sausage can harbor harmful bacteria. Monitor closely near the end to prevent overbrowning.

Tips for Cooking Perfect Sausage Patties

Follow these tips and tricks for flawless, juicy sausage patties every time:

• Preheat the skillet so it’s fully hot before adding patties. This prevents sticking.

• Don’t crowd the pan or patties will steam instead of browning. Work in batches if needed.

• Resist pressing patties as they cook or you’ll lose juices. Let them brown undisturbed.

• Cook on medium heat to prevent burning the outside before the inside cooks through.

• Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature rather than relying on time.

• Let rest 1-2 minutes after cooking for juicier, more tender results.

• Cook frozen patties from thawed for best texture and browning.

With these tips in mind, you can achieve perfectly cooked, lightly crusted sausage patties for any meal!

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about cooking sausage patties on the stovetop:

How do I know when sausage patties are done?

Sausage patties are fully cooked when they register 160°F on an instant-read thermometer. The inside will look just barely pink with no red spots.

Should I use butter or oil to cook sausage patties?

Either butter or oil will work to prevent sticking. Butter provides rich flavor while oil has a higher smoke point for better searing.

What temperature should I cook sausage patties at?

The ideal stovetop temperature for cooking sausage patties is medium heat, around 325°F to 375°F. Higher heat risks burning the outside before the inside cooks through.

Should I cover the pan or cook uncovered?

It’s best to cook sausage patties uncovered to allow moisture to escape and get nicely browned crusts. Covering can make them soggy.

Can I cook frozen sausage patties on the stove?

Yes, frozen sausage patties can be cooked directly on the stovetop but take longer. Always cook from fully thawed for the best texture.

Tasty and Creative Ways to Use Sausage Patties

Once you’ve mastered the perfect sausage patty, try these fun and innovative ways to enjoy them:

• Breakfast sandwiches – Egg, cheese and sausage patties between an English muffin

• Breakfast burritos – Scrambled eggs, cheese, potatoes and sausage wrapped in a tortilla

• Breakfast tacos – Sausage, egg, peppers, onion and cheese in taco shells or tortillas

• Pizza – Use sausage patties as the protein topping instead of pepperoni

• Pasta sauce – Sauté crumbled patties in tomato sauce for a meaty Bolognese

• Soup – Add bite-size patties to bean, lentil, or vegetable soups

• Mac and cheese – Stir crumbled patties into everyone’s favorite comfort food

• Pot pie – Mix sausage chunks into chicken or vegetable pot pies

• Quesadillas – Sautéed onions, sausage, cheese between tortillas is amazing

• Hash – Combine cooked sausage with potatoes, peppers, onions, eggs

With so many options, you’ll never get bored enjoying sausage patties for any meal!

Conclusion