Learn how to cook frozen sausages. You can cook them in the oven; you can pan-fry or grill them. All three methods are fast, easy, and thoroughly delicious!.
Cooking sausages from frozen could not be easier! And it’s definitely much faster than you might think.
Did you ever buy too many sausages for a grill party? I always do that, just in case. Now what do you do with them? You can put them in the fridge if you plan to eat them before the “sell-by” date on the package, but after having sausages on the grill on the weekend, you probably don’t want them again during the week.
The best way to store them is to freeze them. Then, they will be perfectly okay (when it comes to taste and texture) for about 2-4 months. But you can freeze them for even longer and they will still be safe to eat.
Cooking frozen sausages in the oven is a convenient and easy way to enjoy juicy flavorful sausages without having to defrost them first. But how long does it actually take to cook frozen sausages in the oven? The cooking time can vary based on a few factors. In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to perfectly cook frozen sausages in the oven.
Factors That Affect Cooking Time
Several key factors impact how long it takes to cook frozen sausages in the oven
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Type of sausage – The actual cooking time can vary depending on the type of sausage. Pork or chicken sausages generally take less time compared to beef sausages.
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Size/thickness – Larger, thicker sausages will take longer to cook through than smaller, thinner sausages.
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Frozen state – Sausages that are rock solid frozen will require more time than those that are just lightly frozen,
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Oven temperature – Using a higher oven temperature will decrease cooking time, while lower temps will increase it.
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Quantity – Cooking a large batch of sausages will require more time than just a few sausages.
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Method – Baking sheet vs. baking dish, flipped vs. not flipped during cooking.
Taking these factors into account will allow you to better estimate the cooking time required.
Recommended Oven Temperatures
When cooking frozen sausages in the oven, these oven temps are recommended:
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375°F (190°C) to 400°F (200°C) – This is the ideal temp range for evenly cooking frozen sausages without overcooking.
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425°F (220°C) to 450°F (230°C) – Use higher temps just for the last 5-10 minutes if you want the sausages to brown or crisp up more.
Higher oven temperatures may cook the sausages faster but can cause the outside to burn before the inside is cooked through. Lower oven temperatures will result in a longer cook time but prevent overcooking.
How Long Does It Take to Cook Frozen Sausages?
Here are some general guidelines for how long different types of frozen sausages take to cook in the oven:
- Pork breakfast sausages (2 oz) – 20-25 minutes
- Chicken or turkey sausages (2-3 oz) – 22-28 minutes
- Fresh (uncooked) bratwurst (3-4 oz) – 25-35 minutes
- Fully cooked smoked sausage – 15-20 minutes
- Italian-style raw sausages (3-4 oz) – 30-40 minutes
- Frozen sausage patties – 15-20 minutes
The best way to check doneness is by using a meat thermometer. Sausage should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). If they are not yet fully cooked, continue baking for 5-10 minutes and re-check the temperature.
It’s also a good idea to flip the sausages halfway through cooking to promote even browning and heating. If sausages start to over-brown before they are cooked through, tent foil over them.
Tips for Cooking Frozen Sausages
Follow these tips for perfect oven-baked frozen sausages:
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Line your baking sheet or dish with foil or parchment for easy cleanup.
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Leave space between sausages to allow air circulation and even cooking.
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Brush sausages with oil to help promote browning.
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Flip/rotate sausages midway through baking.
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Add desired seasonings before cooking to boost flavor.
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Let sausages rest 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
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Use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness, not just time.
Common FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about cooking frozen sausage in the oven:
Can you put frozen sausages directly in the oven?
Yes, you can place frozen sausages directly into a preheated oven without thawing them first. Just add a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Should you cook frozen sausages on a baking sheet or in a dish?
A baking sheet is ideal as it allows for better air circulation and even cooking. If using a baking dish, leave space between sausages.
Do you need to flip frozen sausages while they cook?
It’s recommended to flip sausages about halfway through cooking to promote browning on both sides.
How do you know when frozen sausages are fully cooked?
Use an instant-read thermometer to check that sausages have reached 160°F internally. They should be lightly browned on the outside.
Can you refreeze cooked frozen sausages?
It’s not recommended to refreeze thawed or cooked sausages. Freeze any leftovers within 2 days.
The Takeaway
Cooking frozen sausages in the oven usually takes about 25-35 minutes at 375°F to 400°F. Exact timing depends on the type, size, and frozen state of the sausages. Be sure to use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness. With this guide, you’ll be able to perfectly bake frozen sausages in the oven for hearty, juicy results!
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How to cook raw frozen sausages?
So, let’s get to the main part of this guide. What is the best way to cook raw frozen sausages so that the outside stays golden brown and tasty and the inside is perfectly juicy and safe?
There are three ways of cooking them: in the oven, pan, and grill pan (or on a grill). All methods are incredibly easy, and the results are always great!.
Cook frozen sausages in the oven
- Warm up the oven and put aluminum foil on a baking sheet. Brush it very lightly with oil. To prepare the frozen sausages, all that needs to be done is to brush it in the middle.
- Remove the sausage from the package. They’ll probably be frozen together, and you won’t be able to separate them right away. No problem. Just put them on the baking sheet that has been prepared as is. (1).
- Put the tray in an oven that is already hot and bake for about 10 minutes. Take the tray out of the oven, and now you can separate the brats. Brush them with a little oil, then put them on the tray, leaving some space between them. (2).
- Put the baking sheet back in the oven and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the centre is cooked. Don’t forget to turn them over once or twice. In the last five minutes of cooking, raise the heat to help them get the golden-brown color you want. (3).
- The baking time depends on their thickness. In terms of importance, the thickness is more important than how long or short they are. Check with a meat thermometer or cut one in half to make sure they are cooked all the way through.
- Don’t keep them in the oven longer than they need to be just to make sure they’re done. If you cook them too long, they will dry out. Just check them like it says above, and take them out of the oven as soon as they’re done.
Tip: If you think the sausages are done but still too pale, put the tray under a hot grill for a few minutes and turn the sausages over at least once. Keep a close eye on them; they can go from golden brown to burned very quickly. I rarely bother with broiling them under the grill, though I am usually satisfied with their color.
