How Long to Broil Sausage in the Oven for Perfectly Cooked Links

Sizzling hot sausage straight from the oven is a tasty treat any time of day. Whether you’re cooking up breakfast links, bratwurst for lunch, or Italian sausage for dinner, using the oven broiler is one of the easiest and most effective cooking methods But exactly how long should you broil sausage to ensure it’s cooked through without burning or drying out?

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about getting the ideal texture and flavor when broiling sausage in your oven.

Benefits of Broiling Sausage

First, let’s look at why broiling in the oven is one of the top cooking methods recommended for sausage:

• Dry heat browning – The high direct heat from above caramelizes and crisps the exterior casing, adding tons of flavor.

• Consistency – The hot air surrounds and cooks the sausage evenly from all sides.

• Quick cooking – Broiling cooks the sausage much faster than baking. 10-15 minutes is usually all you need.

• Easy cleanup – Unlike pan frying there’s no greasy stovetop mess to clean afterwards.

• Versatility – Almost any type of sausage links work well with broiling

So if you want juicy interior and browned, slightly charred exterior, broiling is the way to go. Now let’s get into the ideal timing.

How Long to Broil Different Types of Sausage

The exact broiling time can vary based on a few factors:

• Type and size of sausage
• Whether it’s raw or pre-cooked
• If the sausage is fresh or frozen
• Your oven’s broiler strength

Here are general guidelines for how long to broil common varieties:

Breakfast Sausage

• Fresh raw links (1-2 oz) – 7-9 minutes total
• Frozen raw links – 12-14 minutes total
• Pre-cooked links – 5-7 minutes total

Breakfast sausage is one of the quickest to broil. The small links typically take less than 10 minutes from start to finish. Be sure to flip them halfway through.

Bratwurst

• Fresh raw brats (3-5 oz) – 12-15 minutes total
• Frozen raw brats – 18-22 minutes total
• Pre-cooked brats – 8-10 minutes total

The larger size of bratwurst means they take a bit longer to cook than breakfast links. Flipping halfway is key to prevent charring.

Italian Sausage

• Fresh raw Italian sausages (4-6 oz) – 15-18 minutes total
• Frozen raw Italian sausages – 22-28 minutes total
• Pre-cooked Italian sausages – 10-12 minutes total

Flavorful Italian sausage usually needs the most time under the broiler since the links are often 4-6 ounces each. Keep a close eye to avoid overcooking.

Smoked Sausage (Kielbasa)

• Fresh Kielbasa (6-8 oz) – 15-18 minutes total
• Frozen Kielbasa – 20-25 minutes total
• Pre-cooked Kielbasa – 10-12 minutes total

The largest in diameter, Kielbasa and smoked sausages require lower heat and more time to reach ideal doneness throughout.

*Note: For pre-cooked sausages, you’re just warming them through and adding color vs. actually cooking them.

Tips for Broiling Sausage to Perfection

Follow these tips for broiling sausage just right every time:

• Preheat the broiler – Give your oven several minutes to preheat before adding the sausage. This allows the heating element to get fully hot.

• Use a broiler pan – A broiler pan with a slotted top rack allows the heat to circulate all around.

• Place sausages 4-6 inches from heat – Too close will lead to burning, too far will slow down browning.

• Flip halfway – Turning the sausages ensures even cooking and color on both sides. Use tongs for easy flipping.

• Check temperature – Use an instant read thermometer to test doneness. Sausage should reach 160°F minimum.

• Let rest 1-2 minutes – Allowing the sausages to rest after broiling helps lock in the juices.

Sample Broiling Times for Popular Sausage Meals

To give you an idea of approximate total cook times for different sausage-based meals:

• Breakfast sandwiches with 2 raw breakfast sausage patties – 14-16 minutes
• Bratwurst with peppers and onions – 20-22 minutes
• Italian sausage subs with 4 raw links and melted provolone – 22-24 minutes
• Smoked kielbasa with sautéed cabbage – 18-20 minutes
• Pre-cooked cheese-stuffed bratwurst with caramelized onions – 12-14 minutes

Add a few extra minutes if starting with frozen sausages. And remember to flip and rotate for even cooking.

Signs Sausage is Fully Cooked

Checking temperature with a thermometer is the most reliable way to know your sausage is ready. But here are some other signs to look for:

• Firm casing with visible browning
• Interior no longer pink when cut into
• Juices run clear at the thickest part
• Sausage separates cleanly from the casing

At 160°F and above, the sausage should be perfectly safe to eat.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Properly stored, leftover broiled sausage will keep in the refrigerator 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the oven, skillet, or microwave:

• Oven: Place links on a baking sheet and heat at 325°F for 15-20 minutes
• Skillet: Heat sausages over medium-low, turning occasionally, until heated through
• Microwave: Heat in 30 second increments, checking frequently to prevent drying out

With the right timing, broiling sausage consistently yields fantastic results. Next time you’re craving those flavorful links, refer to these guidelines on how long to broil different types of sausage. In no time, you’ll be biting into hot, juicy, perfectly cooked sausage straight from your oven.