How to Broil Sausage to Perfection in Your Oven

Juicy, flavorful sausage hot off the broiler is a quick and easy meal solution. With the right techniques, broiling sausage in your oven results in browned, slightly charred exterior and tender, moist interior every time.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about broiling different types of sausages. You’ll learn tips on prep cook times doneness, and serving ideas so you can enjoy restaurant-quality sausage straight from your home oven.

Why Broil Sausage?

Here are some of the top advantages of using your oven’s broiler setting for cooking sausage

• Achieves browned, crispy exterior – The high direct heat from above caramelizes and crisps the casing.

• Cooks food quickly – Broiling cooks much faster than baking or roasting.

• Infuses rich flavor – The charring adds smoky, savory depth.

• Allows fat to drain away – Excess fat drips through the oven rack for healthier sausage.

• Versatile cooking method – Works for raw, pre-cooked, fresh or frozen sausage.

• Easy to use – Simply place sausage on rack and broil.

So if you want to take ordinary sausage from blah to ta-dah, broiling is the way to go. Now let’s look at how to do it right.

Tips for Preparing Sausage for Broiling

Proper prep is key to broiling success. Follow these tips before placing the sausages under the broiler:

• If frozen, thaw sausages completely first.

• Use paper towels to blot any excess moisture.

• Prick casings with a fork to prevent bursting.

• Arrange sausages on broiler pan rack so they’re not touching.

• Brush with oil if desired to promote browning.

• For even cooking, sausages should be similar in size and shape.

Broiling Times for Different Sausage Types

Cook times can vary based on the type, size, and state of the sausages. Here are general guidelines:

Fresh Raw Breakfast Sausage

• 1-2 oz links: 7-9 minutes total

• Flip halfway through. Cook to internal temp of 160°F.

Frozen Raw Breakfast Sausage

• 1-2 oz links: 12-14 minutes total

• Increase time to allow interior to thaw. Cook to 160°F.

Fresh Raw Bratwurst

• 3-5 oz links: 12-15 minutes

• Larger than breakfast sausage so needs more time.

Fresh Raw Italian Sausage

• 4-6 oz links: 15-18 minutes

• Thicker sausage requires longer cook time.

Fully Cooked Smoked Sausage (Kielbasa)

• 6-8 oz links: 10-12 minutes

• Just needs to be heated through since already cooked.

For safety, always use a meat thermometer to confirm recommended internal temperatures. The broiler will impart lots of flavor in a short cook time.

Step-by-Step Process for Broiling Sausage

Follow these steps for broiled sausage perfection:

1. Preheat broiler for several minutes.

2. Place sausages on oiled broiler pan rack 4-6 inches from heat.

3. Broil for half the time, then flip sausages with tongs.

4. Continue broiling to desired doneness, checking often.

5. Remove sausages from oven and let rest 1-2 minutes before serving.

Be sure to keep a close eye on the sausages as broiler intensities can vary. Adjust rack height and cook times as needed based on your oven.

How to Tell When Sausage is Fully Cooked

It’s important to properly judge when sausage is ready to eat. Here are some doneness indicators:

• Interior is no longer pink when cut into

• Juices run clear at thickest part

• Sausage separates cleanly from casing

• Reaches safe minimum internal temperature (160°F for pork, 165°F for poultry)

If unsure, always double check with an instant read thermometer for accuracy. Err on the side of slightly overdone versus undercooked.

Serving and Storage Tips

Once you’ve mastered the art of broiled sausage, here are some serving ideas and storage tips:

• Slice broiled sausage and add to pasta, pizza, salads or grains

• Nestle in subs, hoagies or hot dog buns for easy sandwiches

• Pair with roasted veggies or sauteed greens

• Top with desired condiments like mustard, BBQ sauce, etc.

• Refrigerate leftovers for 3-4 days

• Reheat gently in the oven or pan to prevent drying out

With the proper prep and cook times, you can enjoy restaurant-worthy sausage entrées at home whenever the craving strikes.

Common Broiling Mistakes to Avoid

While broiling sausage is fairly straightforward, these common mistakes can lead to less-than-ideal results:

• Not preheating broiler – Always preheat first for proper temperature.

• Overcrowding pan – Leave space between sausages for even cooking.

• Placing rack too close to heating element – Watch for flaming or charring.

• Undercooking – Check internal temp and cut into sausages to verify doneness.

• Neglecting to flip – Turning ensures all sides get evenly browned.

• Forgetting to blot dry before broiling – Excess moisture prevents browning.

With practice, you’ll get the hang of perfectly broiled sausages every time. Just be sure to keep sausages properly spaced, flip halfway through, and cook to recommended temperatures.

Fun Recipe Ideas Using Broiled Sausage

Looking for easy meal ideas featuring broiled sausage? Here are some crowd-pleasing options:

• Breakfast sandwiches with egg, cheese and broiled breakfast sausage

• Broiled bratwurst served on hoagie rolls with sautéed peppers and onions

• Italian sausage subs with broiled sausage, tomato sauce and melted mozzarella

• Broiled kielbasa with pierogies and sauerkraut

• Broiled chicken apple sausage with roasted sweet potatoes and kale

The possibilities are endless! Broiling locks in flavor and juices while imparting delicious char.

Frequently Asked Questions About Broiling Sausage

Still have questions about the best practices for broiling sausage to perfection? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:

What’s the best oven temperature for broiling sausage?

The standard broil setting works well, which is typically 500°F. Always preheat the oven first.

Should I use a broiler pan or regular baking sheet?

A broiler pan with a slotted top rack allows fat to drain away while exposing all sides to heat.

How do I prevent sausage from bursting while broiling?

Prick the casings all over with a fork prior to broiling to allow steam to escape.

Is it safe to eat sausages with pink inside?

No. Always cook pork sausage to 160°F and poultry sausage to 165°F minimum for food safety.

Can I broil frozen sausage without thawing first?

Yes, but add a few extra minutes to the cook time to allow the interior to fully thaw.

Achieving Perfectly Broiled Sausage is Simple

Broiling sausage in your oven results in unmatched flavor and texture when you follow these guidelines. With the proper preparation, cook times, and temperature, you can enjoy juicy, browned sausage worthy of any grill or restaurant.

The beauty of broiling is that it requires minimal active effort while delivering maximum results. For your next sausage meal at home, skip the stove and take advantage of your oven’s broiler setting. Your taste buds will thank you!