How to Perfectly Cook Frozen Sausage Patties on the Stove

Cooking frozen sausage patties on the stove is a quick and easy way to make a tasty breakfast or dinner. With just a few simple steps, you can achieve delicious, browned and fully-cooked sausage patties right from the freezer.

As someone who loves cooking but often lacks time in the mornings, I rely on shortcuts like frozen sausage patties to get a filling meal on the table fast. Over the years, I’ve perfected my technique for cooking them so they turn out browned, heated through and juicy every time

In this article, I’ll share my foolproof method for cooking frozen sausage patties on the stove. Whether you’re making a hearty breakfast sandwich, sides for eggs or a fast sausage gravy, these tips will help you cook frozen sausage to perfection.

Benefits of Cooking Sausage Patties on the Stovetop

Cooking sausage patties on the stovetop has a few advantages over other methods:

• It’s faster than oven-cooking. The direct heat of the skillet or pan browns and cooks the sausage patties much quicker than baking them.

• You can cook exactly how many you need. Unlike baking a whole sheet pan of sausage in the oven, stovetop cooking lets you cook just the number of patties you need

• The patties brown nicely. The hot surface of the pan gives the sausage patties gorgeous brown color and texture on both sides.

• You can control the temperature. On the stove, you can adjust the heat as needed to cook the patties at the ideal temperature.

For speed, ease and perfect results, the stovetop is my go-to way to cook frozen sausage patties. Follow my method below for success every time.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Frozen Sausage Patties on the Stove

Cooking frozen sausage patties on the stove only takes about 10 minutes total. With just a few easy steps, you can have delicious patties ready in no time.

What You Need

• Frozen sausage patties
• Skillet or frying pan
• Spatula
• Oil or butter (optional)

Step 1 – Heat the Pan

Place your skillet or frying pan on the stove over medium heat. Allow it to preheat for 2-3 minutes so it gets hot.

Heating the pan before adding the sausage ensures the patties will sizzle and brown instead of steaming.

Step 2 – Grease the Pan (Optional)

Adding a small amount of oil or butter to the hot pan is optional but helps prevent sticking. Swirl around just 1⁄2 Tbsp oil or butter to lightly coat the surface.

You can also skip this step to cook the sausage patties without added fat. The preheated surface alone should keep them from sticking too much.

Step 3 – Add the Frozen Patties

Once the pan is hot, add the frozen sausage patties. Space them out evenly if cooking more than one.

Resist the urge to crowd the pan, which can cause steaming instead of browning.

Step 4 – Cook About 4-5 Minutes Per Side

Let the patties cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes on the first side. The heat from the pan will start defrosting the sausage and producing a nice browned exterior.

After 4-5 minutes, flip each patty over using a spatula. Then cook for another 4-5 minutes on the second side.

Step 5 – Check the Internal Temperature

To be sure the sausage patties are fully cooked and safe to eat, check the internal temperature using a food thermometer.

Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of a patty. The internal temperature should reach 160°F.

Step 6 – Remove from the Pan and Serve

Once browned on both sides and fully cooked through, use the spatula to remove the patties from the pan. Add them to plates or sandwiches and serve immediately while hot.

And that’s it! With this simple stovetop cooking method, you can enjoy tender, flavorful sausage patties in about 10 minutes flat.

Troubleshooting Issues When Cooking Frozen Sausage Patties

Cooking frozen sausage patties on the stovetop usually goes smoothly. But occasionally minor issues can pop up. Here are some quick fixes:

• Patties not browning: If the patties look pale and aren’t browning well, increase the heat. Cooking over medium-high vs medium heat encourages better browning.

• Patties sticking: For less sticking, use a bit more oil/butter or cook over lower heat. Deglazing the pan with a splash of water or wine also helps release stuck bits.

• Patties overcooking: If patties start looking dried out or burnt around the edges, reduce the heat. Cook future batches at medium or medium-low heat.

• Undercooked centers: For patties that seem underdone in the middle, cook them a minute or two longer per side before flipping. Check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

With a hot pan, properly greased surface and frequent flipping, you can avoid most common sausage patty cooking issues.

Tips for Cooking Frozen Sausage Patties to Perfection

Beyond the basic stovetop cooking method, there are a few tricks I’ve learned over the years for getting perfect results:

• Use a heavy pan: Cast iron or heavy stainless steel skillets conduct heat the best for crisping up sausage patties nicely.

• Preheat sufficiently: Make sure to preheat the pan so it’s hot when adding the patties. Starting with a hot pan is key.

• Avoid overcrowding: Cook patties in a single layer with space around each for optimum browning.

• Flip often: Frequently flipping the patties while cooking ensures even browning and heating.

• Blot grease: For healthier patties, blot away excess grease with paper towels after cooking.

• Let rest briefly: After cooking, let patties rest 1-2 minutes before eating so juices can redistribute.

Follow my steps and tips, and you’ll get outstanding results cooking frozen sausage patties on the stovetop. Crispy, browned exterior, tender and juicy interior – sausage patties don’t get any better than this. The next time you’re looking for a fast and hearty breakfast or dinner, turn to this simple stovetop method. Enjoy your delicious sausage patties!