For hearty flavor and pure comfort, nothing beats scrumptious Italian sausage. There are three ways to cook Italian sausage: on the stove, in the oven, or on the grill. Each way will make the sausage crispy brown and juicy every time.
Italy’s sausage is great in a lot of great recipes, like sausage and peppers, sausage and pasta, or sausage hoagies with lots of caramelized onion. Minestrone soup with Italian sausage cut into rounds is practically a feast all on its own. And it’s all made possible by proper preparation of the sausage.
As a busy mom who loves serving sausage at breakfast or dinner, I used to struggle with getting raw sausages cooked just right. I either ended up with sausages that were still partially raw inside or ones that were dried out and burnt on the outside. But after much trial and error, I’ve discovered the best foolproof method for cooking raw sausage so that it turns out perfectly juicy and delicious each time.
In this article, I’ll share my secrets for cooking raw sausage links, patties, and ground sausage meat so you never have to deal with undercooked or overcooked sausages again!
Why Properly Cooking Raw Sausage Matters
Raw sausage needs to be fully cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F to eliminate harmful bacteria that can cause foodborne illness. Undercooked sausage poses a safety risk.
Cooking raw sausage thoroughly also ensures you get the best texture and flavor Partially raw sausage is unappealingly gummy and mushy, And overcooked sausage dries out and becomes tough
The right technique prevents these common cooking pitfalls so your sausage links, patties, or crumbles end up irresistibly juicy flavorsome and safe to eat.
Types of Raw Sausage
Raw sausage comes in a few different forms:
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Sausage links – These long, cylindrical sausage links need to be poached then seared for even cooking.
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Sausage patties – The flat, round sausage patties can be cooked like hamburger patties.
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Ground sausage – Raw ground sausage is seasoned meat that can be formed into patties, crumbles, or used in recipes.
Each variety of raw sausage requires slight adjustments to ensure proper cooking. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered for all types!
Helpful Equipment for Cooking Sausage
Having the right gear makes cooking raw sausage a breeze:
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Wooden spoon for stirring ground sausage
- Instant-read thermometer to check temperature
- Tongs for handling links or patties
- Paper towels for draining grease
How to Cook Raw Sausage Links
For perfectly cooked sausage links, use this simple 2-step method:
Step 1 – Simmer in Water
- Place raw links in a saucepan and cover with water.
- Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat.
- Simmer for about 8-10 minutes until no longer pink inside.
- Drain and pat dry with paper towels.
Step 2 – Sear in Skillet
- Heat a skillet with oil over medium-high heat.
- Add drained sausage links and sear until browned.
- Flip and brown evenly on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Slice and serve!
This technique gently cooks the sausages through before searing them to get crispy, golden edges without overcooking. Be sure to use a thermometer to confirm they reach 160°F.
How to Cook Raw Sausage Patties
Follow these simple steps for perfect sausage patties:
- Preheat a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat.
- Add sausage patties. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until browned.
- Flip patties and cook 4-5 minutes more on second side.
- Check temperature to confirm 160°F.
- Let rest 1-2 minutes before serving.
Cook just like hamburger patties, flipping once, until completely browned and cooked through.
How to Cook Ground Sausage Meat
For crumbles, patties, or recipes, raw ground sausage needs a bit more attention since you have to break up the meat as it cooks.
- Heat a skillet with oil over medium heat.
- Add ground sausage. Stir and break up meat with a wooden spoon as it browns.
- Continue cooking for 7-10 minutes, until no longer pink.
- Drain excess grease, if needed.
- Check temperature to ensure 160°F.
Be sure to keep stirring and breaking up the sausage as it cooks to prevent clumping.
Handy Tips for Cooking Raw Sausage
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Always use a thermometer to check 160°F temperature for safety.
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Cook frozen sausage longer, up to 50% more time. Check internal temp.
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Add seasonings like garlic, pepper, sage, fennel seeds, or red pepper flakes.
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Cook sausage in oven at 375°F on a sheet pan for even cooking.
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Drain sausage on paper towels to remove excess grease.
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Let sausage rest 1-2 minutes after cooking before eating.
Common Sausage Cooking Questions
How do you keep sausage from curling?
- Use a two-step simmer then sear method. Simmering gently cooks sausage straight.
Why does my sausage split when cooking?
- Sausage casings can split from high heat. Try lower heat and simmer-sear method. Prick casings before cooking.
How do I get sausage patties flat?
- Lightly press patties with spatula while cooking first side. Don’t smash.
Why is my sausage still pink after cooking?
- Always check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure 160°F.
Can I bake raw sausage?
- Yes, bake on a sheet pan at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until 160°F.
Tasty Ways to Use Cooked Sausage
Once you’ve mastered cooking raw sausage to juicy perfection, here are some of my favorite ways to use it:
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Breakfast sandwiches with eggs and cheese
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Sausage gravy over biscuits or potatoes
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Sausage stuffed mushrooms or peppers
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Sausage lentil or bean soup
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Sausage lasagna, pasta bakes, or pizza
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Sausage mixed into rice or mac and cheese
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Sausage crumbles as a pizza or taco topping
With so many possibilities, you’ll want to perfect your raw sausage cooking method so you can enjoy it anytime. No more undercooked or overcooked sausage woes!
Now that you know the secrets to cooking raw sausage right, you can look forward to juicy, flavorsome results every time. Share your favorite ways to cook and enjoy sausage in the comments!
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Do You Need to Pierce the Skin?
No, please don’t! This is a common tip that appears on many recipes but it’s not ideal.
It’s too bad that all of those tasty juices will be escaping, since that was kind of the point of covering meat in a membrane that couldn’t let the juices out.
Note: Cooking times will vary based on thickness of the sausages.
Stovetop
- Place links in a skillet in water.
- Slowly bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10 to 12 minutes.
- Take the lid off, let the water evaporate, and keep cooking, turning the food often, until it turns brown.
Oven
- Place links on foil-lined baking sheet.
- Place in cold oven and turn heat to 350°F
- Cook for 25-35 minutes or until internal temperature registers 160°F.
Grill
- Place on a 375°F grill and close the lid.
- For about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the pork reaches 160°F, turn it over every so often until it’s evenly browned.
What is Italian Sausage?
Seasoned ground pork is stuffed into casing shells to make Italian sausage. The links are about 6 inches long. Typically it’s made with fennel seed and red pepper flakes. That combination gives Italian sausage its distinctive flavor and character.
How to Cook Sausages in a Pan
FAQ
How long do you cook raw sausage?
What is the best way to cook sausages?
Is it better to cook sausages in the oven or pan?
How to cook raw pork sausage?
It’s crucial to ensure your raw pork sausage is properly cooked before enjoying it. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C). To check doneness, use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the sausage, avoiding contact with the casing. 5. Serve and Savor
Is sausage casing healthier option to eat?
Cellulose casings and some natural casings are perfectly fine to eat. Sausage casings are used to hold and shape filling inside so that it can be cooked. There are natural sausage casings and synthetic varieties, and most of them are edible. The healthiest way to cook them is by boiling or baking. Sausages provide high levels of vitamin B12 and iron, both of which are essential for healthy red blood cells and hemoglobin production.
Can you cook raw sausage in the oven?
You can cook any type of raw sausage in the oven, such as Italian sausage, bratwurst, chorizo, or breakfast sausage. How long does it take to cook raw sausage in the oven? The cooking time can vary depending on the size and thickness of the sausages, but typically, it takes about 20-25 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
How long does it take to cook raw sausage?
The cooking time can vary depending on the size and thickness of the sausages, but typically, it takes about 20-25 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Do I need to preheat the oven before cooking raw sausage?