The Ultimate Guide to Cooking Breakfast Sausage Links

Breakfast sausage links are a breakfast staple in many households Their savory, seasoned flavor pairs perfectly with eggs, pancakes, biscuits, gravy and more While breakfast sausage is easy to cook, there are some tips and tricks to ensure you achieve browned, juicy and flavorful links every time. This ultimate guide will walk you through everything you need to know to cook breakfast sausage links to perfection.

Why Are Breakfast Sausage Links So Popular?

There are a few key reasons for the popularity of breakfast sausage links

• Convenience – Sausage links are fully formed and just need to be browned. There’s no shaping or prep needed. Just open the package and cook.

• Flavor – Breakfast sausages are seasoned with herbs and spices like sage, black pepper, thyme and more. This gives them tons of flavor.

• Versatility – Sausage links pair well with many breakfast foods like eggs, hashbrowns, pancakes and biscuits. They add flavor and protein to any breakfast plate.

• Customization – You can find breakfast sausage in different styles like maple flavored, hot and spicy, turkey or chicken based. There’s a style for everyone’s tastes.

Tips for Buying Breakfast Sausage Links

When purchasing breakfast sausage links, keep these tips in mind:

• Check the label – Make sure the sausage is marketed as “breakfast sausage”. This indicates it’s seasoned for breakfast.

• Consider flavors – If you want something beyond traditional breakfast sausage, look for flavors like maple, apple, hot and spicy or reduced fat.

• Check protein source – Most are pork-based but you can also find turkey and chicken breakfast sausage.

• Watch out for fillers – Some very inexpensive sausage may have fillers like soy. Read the label closely.

• Buy in bulk – To save money, buy larger packages at warehouse stores like Costco or Sam’s Club. Breakfast sausage freezes well.

• Know safe handling – Treat raw sausage links like raw meat. Store in fridge for 3-5 days max. Freeze for longer storage.

How to Cook Breakfast Sausage Links on the Stove

The stovetop is the classic and most convenient way to cook breakfast sausage links. Here is a simple step-by-step method:

1. Prepare a skillet – Use a nonstick skillet and heat it to medium. Add 1 tsp oil or butter.

2. Add sausage links – Place the sausage links in the skillet so they lay flat. Work in batches if needed to avoid crowding.

3. Let cook undisturbed – Let the sausages cook for 2-3 minutes without moving them so the outsides brown.

4. Flip and cook more – Flip each sausage link and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Repeat flipping every few minutes until cooked through.

5. Check doneness – Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 160°F. Or cut to check no pink remains inside.

6. Drain grease – Transfer links to a paper towel lined plate to absorb grease. Blot tops with more paper towels.

It takes 8-12 minutes total to cook breakfast sausage links on the stove depending on thickness. Go low and slow to prevent burning.

Cooking Sausage Links in the Oven

The oven is another easy hands-off way to cook breakfast sausage links with these steps:

1. Preheat oven – Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.

2. Arrange links – Lay the sausage links flat on the prepared baking sheet without overcrowding.

3. Cook – Bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until browned on both sides.

4. Check doneness – Confirm internal temperature reaches 160°F with a meat thermometer. Cut to check no pink remains.

5. Drain and serve – Transfer links to a paper towel lined plate to absorb excess grease. Serve warm.

Cooking sausage links in the oven takes about the same time as the stovetop but requires less hands-on monitoring.

Tips for Perfectly Cooked Sausage Links

Follow these tips for the best results when cooking breakfast sausage links:

• Use a meat thermometer to confirm they reach 160°F internally. Color alone is not a good doneness indicator.

• Resist the urge to move them constantly. Let them brown undisturbed at first before flipping.

• Cook on medium heat. High heat may burn the outside before the inside cooks through.

• Avoid overcrowding the pan or baking sheet. Too many links touching will steam rather than brown.

• Blot cooked links with paper towels to remove excess grease for a less greasy texture.

• If links burst or break apart, patch them back together with your spatula after cooking.

Serving and Storing Leftover Sausage Links

Cooked breakfast sausage links can be eaten right away or saved for later using these guidelines:

• Let cool completely before storing leftovers in an airtight container.

• Refrigerate for 3-4 days. Reheat gently before serving again.

• For longer storage, freeze cooked links for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating.

• Reheat links in the microwave, skillet, or oven until heated through, about 1-2 minutes.

• Adding a splash of water or oil to the pan can help rehydrate and prevent dried out links.

• Crisp leftovers back up in a hot skillet or in the air fryer at 400°F for 1-2 minutes.

Common Questions about Cooking Sausage Links

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about cooking breakfast sausage links:

What if my links break apart while cooking?

Gently patch them back together in the pan once they are fully cooked through. The meat will stick together. Just be more delicate when flipping after patching.

Can I grill breakfast sausage links?

Yes, just place them perpendicular to the grates to allow fat to drip away. Flip frequently and move to indirect heat if flare-ups occur.

What oil is best to use to cook breakfast sausage?

Any oil with a high smoke point works well, like avocado, grapeseed or canola oil. Avoid olive oil which can burn.

How long do cooked sausage links last in the fridge?

Cooked breakfast sausage links will keep for 3-4 days in the fridge stored in an airtight container. Freeze for longer storage.

Can I bake sausage links ahead of time?

Yes, you can fully cook sausage links ahead and reheat later. Let cool completely before refrigerating or freezing.

Enjoy the Convenience of Quick-Cooking Sausage Links

From stovetop to oven to grill, breakfast sausage links are one of the quickest and easiest ways to add savory flavor to your morning meal. Follow this guide for expert tips on buying, cooking and storing these convenient breakfast staples. Soon you’ll be serving up plump, juicy sausage alongside your eggs and pancakes!