When I want something flavorful and easy to make, I always make a big pot of soup or add ground sausage to my marinara sauce. Sausage is very flexible and can be made in many different ways and in many different dishes.
While I think of sausage links, I always picture long strings of sausages hanging from the ceiling or behind the meat counter at a nearby butcher shop.
Most of the time, when I go to my local grocery store to buy sausage links, they are already in the coolers in the meat section, wrapped in butcher paper or plastic wrap.
There’s something classic and old-fashioned about sausage links that makes me think of good times.
A lot of the time, sausage links are made with ground up, seasoned meat that is then put inside a casing.
There are many kinds of sausages to choose from, such as Italian sausage, Polish sausage, spicy sausage, pork sausage, chicken sausage, and more.
Even though there are different kinds of sausages, most of the time they are cooked the same way. You can boil them in water on the stove, grill them, sauté them in a pan, or even roast the links in the oven.
You should cook your sausage until it reaches the right internal temperature for that type of meat.
Link sausages are a breakfast staple in many households. Their savory, slightly spicy flavor pairs perfectly with eggs, pancakes, biscuits, and more. While cooking link sausage seems simple, properly preparing them requires some technique. Undercook them and you risk foodborne illness. Overcook them and you’ll end up with dry, tough sausages. Follow this guide to learn how to cook link sausages so they turn out juicy and delicious every time.
What is Link Sausage?
Link sausage is a type of fresh breakfast sausage made from ground pork or other meats like turkey or chicken It gets its name from the cylindrical shape that is created when the seasoned meat mixture is stuffed into a sausage casing The casing is twisted or tied at even intervals to form individual links, typically 3-4 inches long.
Common varieties of link sausage include
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Pork breakfast sausage – The most popular type, flavored with sage, black pepper, etc.
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Turkey sausage – A leaner alternative to pork sausage.
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Spicy sausage – Flavored with spices like cayenne or chili powder.
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Chicken sausage – Made from ground chicken.
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Italian sausage – Seasoned with Italian herbs and spices.
Compared to sausage patties, link sausage has a unique texture when cooked properly, with a firm but juicy interior and slight snap to the exterior casing.
How to Cook Link Sausages on the Stove
Cooking link sausages in a skillet on the stovetop is quick and easy. It allows you to develop a nice sear on the sausages. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Heat Skillet Over Medium Heat
Place a large skillet over medium heat. Allow it to preheat for 2-3 minutes before adding the sausage. If using a nonstick pan, you won’t need to grease it first. If using a cast iron or stainless steel skillet, add a teaspoon of vegetable, canola, or olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Add Sausages
Once skillet is hot, add sausage links in a single layer, making sure they aren’t overlapping or crowded together. This allows them to cook evenly.
3. Cook Undisturbed for 4-5 Minutes
Let the sausages cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes, allowing the undersides to develop a nice sear. Resist the urge to move them around or they may burst and lose their juices.
4. Flip and Cook 4-5 More Minutes
After 4-5 minutes, flip each sausage link using tongs or a spatula. Be gentle when flipping, as the casing can be delicate. Cook 4-5 more minutes on the second side.
5. Check Internal Temperature
To ensure the sausages are fully cooked, use an instant read thermometer to check the internal temperature. Insert it into the thickest part of a sausage. Temperature should reach 160°F for pork sausages.
6. Transfer to Plate and Serve
Once fully cooked, transfer sausage links to a plate lined with paper towels. This absorbs any excess grease. Serve hot alongside eggs, pancakes, in sandwiches, etc.
Cooking times may vary based on thickness of sausages and heat level used. Oversized, thick sausages may need a few extra minutes per side.
How to Cook Sausage Links in the Oven
The oven is great for cooking large batches of sausages evenly. Here’s how:
1. Preheat Oven to 400°F
Preheating ensures the sausages will start cooking immediately once they go in.
2. Place Sausages on Baking Sheet
Arrange sausage links in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Make sure they aren’t crowded together.
3. Bake 10-15 Minutes
Bake sausages for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. This allows even browning on both sides.
4. Check Temperature
Test temperature by inserting an instant read thermometer into the thickest part of a sausage. It should reach 160°F. If not, bake 1-2 minutes longer and recheck.
5. Let Rest 1-2 Minutes and Serve
Remove sausages from oven and let rest 1-2 minutes before serving. The residual heat will finish cooking them through.
Baking gives the sausages a nicely browned exterior while keeping the inside moist. Just be sure not to overcrowd the pan, which can lead to uneven cooking.
How to Boil Sausage Links
Boiling is a foolproof hands-off method for cooking link sausages. It guarantees they will be cooked through evenly.
1. Bring Water to a Boil
Fill a saucepan with enough water to fully submerge the sausages. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
2. Add Sausages
Once boiling, add sausage links carefully to the water using tongs. Make sure they are fully submerged.
3. Simmer 10-12 Minutes
Reduce heat to medium-low so the water simmers gently. Let sausages cook for 10-12 minutes. Avoid boiling vigorously, which can cause them to burst.
4. Drain and Serve
Drain sausages in a colander and serve immediately. Enjoy as is or use in soups, casseroles, pasta dishes, etc.
The mild moist heat of simmering gives the sausages a tender, juicy interior. It’s a simple stovetop method that eliminates any risk of undercooking.
How to Grill Sausage Links
Cooking link sausages on the grill adds delicious smoky char. Follow these tips:
1. Preheat Grill on Medium-High
Use direct medium-high heat. The grill grates should be hot but not flaming. Oil grates lightly to prevent sticking.
2. Grill Sausages 8-10 Minutes
Place sausages directly on grill grates. Grill undisturbed for 4-5 minutes to get sear marks. Flip and grill 4-5 minutes more, rotating every minute or so for even browning.
3. Check Internal Temperature
Test doneness by inserting an instant read thermometer into the center of a sausage. It should reach 160°F when done.
4. Let Rest and Serve
Allow to rest 1-2 minutes before serving. Be sure to serve hot off the grill.
The smoky sear from grilling gives the sausages incredible depth of flavor. Just be sure to move them periodically so they cook evenly.
Tips for Cooking Link Sausages
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Always use a thermometer to guarantee sausages reach a safe internal temperature of 160°F. Color alone is not a good indicator of doneness.
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Resist the urge to pierce sausages while cooking. This will cause juices to escape.
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Don’t crowd the pan or bake sheet. Even spacing allows for proper browning.
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Let sausages rest 1-2 minutes after cooking before serving. This allows juices to redistribute.
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Store unused raw sausages in the fridge up to 2 days. Freeze for longer storage.
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To reheat, sauté briefly in a skillet, microwave until warmed through, or bake in a 350°F oven.
Common Questions About Cooking Link Sausages
How long does it take to cook link sausage?
Cooking times range from 10-15 minutes depending on thickness and method used. Grill or pan fry 4-5 minutes per side. Bake or boil 10-15 minutes total.
Should you prick sausages before cooking?
It’s best not to prick or pierce sausages before cooking. This can cause juices to leak out, resulting in dry sausages.
What is the minimum safe internal temperature for sausages?
160°F for pork, beef, and lamb sausages. 165°F for poultry sausages. Always use a meat thermometer to verify temperature.
Can you cook raw frozen sausages?
Yes, but frozen sausages will take longer to cook. Thaw first in the refrigerator overnight for best results.
What happens if you undercook sausages?
Undercooked sausages are at risk of containing harmful bacteria. Always cook thoroughly to 160°F as measured by a thermometer.
Enjoy Delicious Link Sausages
With this complete guide, you can master cooking link sausages using a variety of simple methods. Pan frying, oven baking, boiling, and grilling all produce juicy, flavorful sausages when done properly. Be sure to use a food thermometer and avoid overcrowding for the best results. In no time, you’ll be serving up perfect link sausages for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and more.
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What are the different types of sausages?
- Pork Sausage—Most sausages are made from pork. A lot of different parts of the pig are used to make ground pork.
- Breakfast Sausage: Sage, maple, or fennel seeds are often used to give this sausage its own flavor.
- Italian Sausage: Typical Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme are used to season Italian sausage links. This gives sauces and soups more depth.
- Chicken Sausage—Ground chicken is used in this type of sausage, which is great for a leaner or more neutral taste.
- Ground beef is used in this variation, which goes well in stews or with potatoes and sauerkraut. It gives the food a great richness.
- Chili flakes, chili powder, and other spices are often added to this type of sausage to make it spicy.
Tips for cooking sausage links
- It was already said that there are many ways to cook tasty sausages. When making a meal, you can boil sausages like hot dogs, sauté them, bake them, or let them cook slowly.
- In a nonstick skillet, frying pan, or cast-iron skillet, cook your sausage links on the stove. This will allow you to use them in a skillet, kebob, sauce, or as ground meat. For pork, beef, lamb, or veal sausage, cook it over medium heat until the outside is nice and crispy and the internal temperature reads 160 degrees F. You can cook the sausage whole, diced, sliced, or without the casing. When you use a meat thermometer to check the chicken, it should be 165 degrees F. Use tongs to turn the meat.
- There are two ways to cook sausage in the oven: whole or sliced. You can use sausage in a baking sheet dinner or casserole. To keep the pan clean, put parchment paper or aluminum foil on the bottom. Put it in the oven at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the sausage is fully cooked and the right temperature inside. For an extra minute or two, if it’s not quite right, bake it.
- Sausages can be cooked quickly and easily in a crock pot or instant pot if you are making soup or stew and don’t have much time to make dinner.
- Smoked or gas grills can also be used to cook sausage links. Grilling it for a few minutes on each side or until charred is the best way to do it. Turn it with your grilling tongs. Make sure that the temperature inside is 160 degrees F. Because you don’t want to get food poisoning, cook it a little longer if it’s not quite done.