How to Cook Italian Sausage Links: We show you the tried-and-true, simple steps and tricks you can use on the grill, in the oven, or on the stove to make tasty Italian sausages and peppers!
Cast iron skillets have been used for generations to cook all kinds of delicious foods. Their excellent heat retention and distribution make them perfectly suited for searing sausages to juicy, browned perfection. If you love the rich flavor of sausages and want to take your cooking to the next level, then grab your cast iron skillet – we’re about to show you how to cook sausages like a pro!
Why Choose Cast Iron for Sausages?
Cooking sausages in cast iron offers several advantages
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Even heating: The thick, heavy material of a cast iron skillet distributes heat evenly, preventing scorching or undercooking.
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Great searing: Cast iron gets screaming hot, allowing sausages to develop a browned, crispy exterior full of flavor.
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Heat retention: Unlike lighter pans, cast iron retains heat well so sausages continue cooking properly when other pans would cool down.
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Can go from stovetop to oven: Preheating then transferring the skillet to the oven is a great way to finish cooking sausages.
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Imparts flavor: Over time, cast iron develops a natural nonstick patina that can impart a subtle, delicious flavor.
With the right techniques, cast iron will help take your sausages from bland to beautiful.
Cast Iron Skillet Seasoning Tips
For best results make sure to season your cast iron skillet properly. Here are some tips
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Use a high smoke point oil like avocado, grapeseed or refined coconut oil to season.
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Heat slowly and rub oil in thoroughly with a paper towel.
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Avoid soap when cleaning – just scrub with coarse salt and hot water instead.
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Reseason occasionally to maintain the pan’s nonstick patina.
Proper seasoning helps prevent sticking and creates the ideal surface for searing juicy sausages.
How to Cook Sausages in a Cast Iron Skillet
Follow this simple step-by-step method for cooking perfect sausages every time:
1. Select Your Sausages
Choose quality fresh sausages in your preferred variety, such as:
- Pork breakfast sausages
- Italian chicken sausages
- Spicy chorizo or andouille
- Bratwurst or kielbasa
- Turkey or veggie sausages
2. Prep the Sausages
Remove sausages from packaging and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Pricking them a few times with a fork helps them cook evenly.
3. Preheat Cast Iron Skillet
Place the seasoned cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Let it preheat for at least 5 minutes so it gets piping hot.
4. Add Oil and Sausages
Swirl a small amount of oil (like olive or avocado oil) to coat the bottom of the hot skillet. Carefully add the sausages in a single layer.
5. Brown the Sausages
Let the sausages cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to brown. Then flip and brown the other sides for another 2-3 minutes. Move them as little as possible for optimal searing.
6. Lower Heat and Finish Cooking
Once browned, lower heat to medium and cook through, rotating periodically, until sausages reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
7. Rest and Serve
Remove sausages from skillet and let rest 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy with favorite toppings and sides!
Handy Cast Iron Skillet Sausages Tips
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Use metal tongs or spatula to avoid scratching the pan’s seasoned surface.
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Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and steaming instead of browning.
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Try a sausage and vegetable sheet pan meal by starting on the stove then finishing in the oven.
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Deglaze the pan with wine or broth after cooking to make an easy sausage gravy.
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Clean immediately after cooking while the pan is still warm – food debris comes off easily.
With the proper preheating, searing and finishing, your cast iron skillet will deliver incredible sausages every time.
Top 5 Cast Iron Skillet Sausage Recipes
Ready to cook up some sensational sausage meals in cast iron? Try out these tasty recipes:
1. Breakfast Skillet Hash
Browned breakfast sausage, potatoes, peppers and onions for a hearty morning meal.
2. Italian Sausage Ragu
Flavorful tomato-based sausage ragu tossed with pappardelle pasta.
3. Cajun Shrimp and Sausage
Spicy andouille sausage simmered with shrimp, tomatoes and Cajun seasoning.
4. Kielbasa and Cabbage
Smoky kielbasa sausage paired with tender braised cabbage wedges.
5. Southwest Sausage Flatbread
Chorizo sausage, black beans, corn and pepper jack cheese piled on crusty flatbread.
The possibilities are endless for crafting incredible one-skillet sausage meals in cast iron. Get creative with ingredients that complement the seasoning of your favorite sausages.
Frequently Asked Cast Iron Sausage Questions
Should I prick sausages before cooking in cast iron?
Yes, pricking them with a fork helps release fat and steam for more even cooking.
What oil is best for cooking sausages in cast iron?
An oil with a high smoke point like avocado oil is ideal. Olive oil can also work well.
How long does it take to cook sausages in a cast iron skillet?
About 8-12 minutes total – 2-3 minutes per side to brown, then finish cooking over lower heat.
Can you cook frozen sausages in cast iron?
Yes, just extend cooking time. Thaw first for better searing.
Should I flip sausages often while cooking in cast iron?
No – flip only once or twice. Frequent flipping leads to uneven cooking.
Enjoy Delicious Cast Iron Sausages
With its excellent heat distribution and searing ability, cast iron is the ideal pan for cooking sausages to juicy perfection. Follow these tips on selecting sausages, properly preheating, getting the right sear and finish, and soon you’ll be serving up amazing skillet sausage meals. Your cast iron cookware will deliver delicious browned exterior and tender interior. Plus you can create one-pan meals by starting on the stove and finishing in the oven. Forget boring boiled sausages – for maximum flavor, reach for your cast iron skillet next time sausage is on the menu!
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How to Cook Italian Sausage in the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Whether you are using pre-cooked or raw sausages, you will want to cook them for about 25 minutes.
- If you use raw Italian sausages, use a meat thermometer to make sure they are cooked to 165 F on the inside. They need to be cooked over medium-low heat so that the outside can sear and the inside can be cooked all the way through without the outside burning first!
- Should you buy frozen sausages, make sure to let them thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking them.
- You can eat Italian sausages in a lot of different ways, but one easy way is on top of fresh pasta or Italian bread.
Serve these Hot Italian Sausages as-is with peppers and onions for a low-carb meal. You could also put the sausages, onions, and peppers on soft hoagie rolls and cover them with tangy marinara sauce and creamy provolone cheese. For a side dish, I like to serve these with:
Of course! You can use any kind of sausage you like, like turkey sausage, sweet Italian sausage, hot Italian sausage, or chicken and apple sausage.
After being cooked, the sausages will stay fresh in the fridge for another three to four days. Let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container and store.
Italian sausage is a type of sausage that is typically seasoned with fennel seed or anise. There are a lot of different kinds of Italian sausage, such as spicy Italian sausage and sweet Italian sausage.
You can heat up leftover sausage and peppers in the microwave or on the stove in a skillet until they are hot again.
When you are cooking sausages on the stove, it is best to fry them up with butter. It goes better with the sausage flavors when you use butter instead of oil with a high smoke point. Also, you don’t have to cook the sausage over very high heat. Fry them on medium heat with some butter!.
Technically you can, but this method of cooking doesn’t result in the best flavor. For best results, cook the sausages in a skillet, on the grill, or in the oven.
Since smoked sausages are already cooked, all you need to do is heat them up in a pan for a few minutes. However, raw sausages take about 10-12 minutes to cook through, or 15-20 minutes if they are very thick. They must reach 160°F inside to be fully cooked.
How to Cook Italian Sausage on the Stove
First, prep your ingredients. Remove the bell pepper seeds and slice them into thin strips. Then peel and slice the onions.
Set a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter. Once the butter has melted, place the Italian sausages into the skillet.
Sear the sausages for 2 to 4 minutes per side, until the skin looks slightly blistered or charred. (6-8 minutes per side for raw sausages. ).
Move the Italian sausages and place them on a holding plate.
Add the remaining butter to the skillet. Once melted, add in the onions. Sauté the onions for 2 minutes.
Then stir the bell peppers and continue to sauté for another 3 to 4 minutes. The onion should be soft, but I prefer if the bell peppers are still slightly firm.
Salt and pepper the onions and peppers to taste. Then stir the sausages back into the skillet to rewarm.
