Mastering the Art of Cooking Johnsonville Sausage Links

As a busy home cook, I’m always seeking quick, easy and delicious dinner solutions to feed my family And when it comes to easy weeknight meals, Johnsonville sausage links are a regular go-to Their convenient fully-cooked sausage links offer incredible flavor in no time at all. But even though they’re pre-cooked, Johnsonville links benefit from a final sear or sizzle to really bring out that mouthwatering taste and irresistible snap.

Over the years, I’ve experimented with every method under the sun to achieve sausage link perfection. And I’m excited to share the cooking tips and tricks I’ve uncovered along the way for making Johnsonville sausage links shine Let’s dive into the various techniques for cooking up plump, juicy and flavor-packed links!

Stovetop Skillet Method

My most frequented technique is simply searing Johnsonville sausage links in a skillet on the stovetop. The hot surface helps achieve a crave-worthy char while locking in savory juices:

• Thaw – Always thaw frozen sausage links completely before cooking. This ensures even heating.

• Use a Nonstick Skillet – Prevent sticking and enable gorgeous browning.

• Medium-Low Heat – Avoid scorching the exterior before the interior cooks through.

• Brown on All Sides – Roll and rotate for complete charring.

• Check Internal Temp – Cook to 160°F for food safety.

• Time Saver – Cook links while you prep any side dishes!

With minimal active effort, the stovetop method consistently delivers outstanding results. It’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Oven-Baked Perfection

For larger batches, turning to the oven can help you easily cook multiple packages of Johnsonville sausage links simultaneously:

• Thaw First – Ensure links bake evenly from edge to center.

• Line a Sheet Pan – Prevent sticking for no-fuss cooking and cleanup.

• 350°F Oven – Hot enough to brown without overcooking.

• Turn Once – Rotate links halfway through for even color.

• 160°F Internal Temp – Use an instant-read thermometer to test doneness.

• Rest 5 Minutes – Allow juices to redistribute after removing from oven.

With minimal hands-on time, the oven turns out bountiful batches of irresistible links!

Air Fryer Magic

My latest obsession is utilizing the air fryer to cook up fantastically crispy Johnsonville sausage links. The convection heat makes the casings shatteringly crunchy:

• Thaw Thoroughly – Frozen links won’t crisp properly.

• 390°F Temperature – Hot enough to achieve browning before overcooking.

• Grease the Basket – Prevent sticking and enable easy flipping.

• Flip Once – Ensure even cooking on all sides.

• 160°F Temp – Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm safety.

• Work in Batches – Avoid overcrowding for crispy results.

In just minutes, the air fryer works its magic for irresistibly crispy sausage joy!

Grilled Greatness

Once patio weather hits, I love throwing Johnsonville sausage links on the grill for irresistible char and smoky flavor. Grilling lends incredible depth of flavor:

• Use Direct Heat – Create flavorful char for caramelized goodness.

• Medium Flame – Prevent burning the exterior before the interior cooks through.

• Rotate Often – Ensure even charring and prevent scorching.

• 160°F Internal Temp – Check doneness with an instant-read thermometer.

• Let Rest – Allow juices to redistribute after grilling.

Simply seasoned with salt, pepper and a spritz of lemon, grilled links taste like summer!

Slow Simmered Sausages

For cold weather cooking, braising Johnsonville sausage links in tomato sauce, broth or beer imparts comforting, cozy flavor. Low, slow simmering tenderizes the meat:

• Pick a Flavorful Liquid – Tomato sauce, chicken broth and beer all infuse great taste.

• Keep it Low – Simmer gently to prevent overcooking.

• Partially Cover – Allow some evaporation to concentrate flavors.

• Simmer 20-30 Minutes – Gently cook through and impart flavor.

• 160°F Temp – Verify safety with an instant-read thermometer.

• Add Veggies or Grains – Braise links with potatoes, beans, peppers or rice.

Slow braising is hands-off cooking that fills your kitchen with irresistible aroma!

Microwave for Emergencies

In a true time crunch, zapping Johnsonville’s fully cooked breakfast sausage links in the microwave will get food on the table in 3 minutes flat. But microwaving does result in a softer, less browned sausage:

• Use Fully Cooked Links – Raw sausages require stove or oven cooking.

• One Minute Increments – Microwave in 1-minute bursts to prevent overcooking.

• Stand 1 Minute – Allow carryover cooking to finish off links.

• Check Temp – Use an instant-read thermometer to verify 160°F.

• Top as Desired – Ketchup, hot sauce or maple syrup can help liven up flavor.

I save microwaving just for those desperate weeknights when the clock strikes dinner and we’re running late!

Serving Up Sausage Success

However you choose to cook them, Johnsonville sausage links offer incredible convenience and bold, craveable taste. Just be sure to always:

• Thaw frozen links thoroughly before cooking
• Cook to an internal temperature of 160°F
• Allow links to rest after cooking to redistribute juices

Then slice up plump links and serve inside soft pretzel buns with crunchy lettuce, tangy mustard and crisp pickles for an easy dinner roll in minutes.

With the knowledge of these top cooking methods for juicy, flavor-packed Johnsonville sausage under your belt, you’re guaranteed serving success! Now dig in and savor the deliciousness.