How to Cook Italian Sausage Perfectly?

If you are a sausage lover, you must know how delightful and versatile Italian sausage can be. With its robust flavor, it can be the centerpiece of your meals like sandwiches, pizza, pasta, and more. But, are you struggling with cooking Italian sausage perfectly? Don’t worry, in this article, we will guide you through the process step by step.

Choosing The Right Italian Sausage

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty of cooking the Italian sausage, let’s talk about the types of Italian sausage. Broadly, there are two types: the sweet and the spicy. Sweet Italian sausages consist of fresh pork, while spicy ones contain hot red pepper flakes. Generally, sweet ones are used in dishes that require a mild flavor, whereas spicy ones are reserved for more robust dishes like spaghetti and meatballs.

When selecting the Italian sausage, ensure to opt for uncooked ones that are stored in the refrigerated aisle of your grocery store. If you prefer a leaner option, choose chicken or turkey Italian sausage. For those who crave the authentic pork flavor, we recommend opting for pork Italian sausages only.

Methods to Cook Italian Sausage

There are various methods to cook Italian sausages, ranging from stovetop to grill to oven. Each cooking method requires different cooking times and temperatures to cook the sausages perfectly. Let’s dive into the details of each of these methods:

Stovetop Method:

This method is suitable for those who want to cook sausage quickly and do not want to bother setting up a grill or oven. Here is how you can cook your Italian sausages on a stovetop:

Step 1: Choose a frying pan that can accommodate all your sausages without overcrowding them. You can use either a non-stick pan or a cast-iron skillet.

Step 2: Preheat the pan over medium heat. Once it is heated enough, spray some cooking oil or add a tablespoon of butter or oil into the pan.

Step 3: Add the sausage links into the pan and cook them for around 12-15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Step 4: Turn the sausages with tongs after every 3-5 minutes to get evenly cooked sausages.

Step 5: Once done, remove the sausages from the pan and place them onto a plate. Let them rest for five minutes before serving.

Grill Method:

Grilling can give you a smoky flavor of the sausage and make them more delicious. Follow these simple steps to grill your Italian sausages:

Step 1: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 375°F.

Step 2: Brush each sausage link with a small amount of oil, and place them onto the grill grates. Close the lid.

Step 3: Cook the sausages for around 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally.

Step 4: Check the internal temperature of the sausages with a meat thermometer. Once it reaches 160°F, remove them from the grill.

Step 5: Transfer the sausages to a serving plate and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Oven Method:

If you do not have access to a grill or want to cook in bulk, then this method is for you. Here is how you can cook Italian sausages in the oven:

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F.

Step 2: Grease a baking dish with oil or cooking spray and put the sausages onto it, without overcrowding them.

Step 3: Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the sausages reaches 160°F.

Step 4: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for five minutes.

Step 5: Cut the sausages crosswise into 1/4 inch slices and serve them hot.

How to Serve Italian Sausages?

Once you have cooked the Italian sausage perfectly, it’s time to relish them with your favorite sides and sauces. Here are some ways to serve Italian sausages:

– Sandwich: Grill the sausages, put them between two slices of toasty bread along with some sautéed onions and peppers.

– Pizza: Prepare your pizza with your favorite toppings, and place slices of cooked Italian sausage on it.

– Pasta: Add slices of cooked Italian sausages to your pasta dish and toss with some delicious sauce.

– Salad: Slice some cooked Italian sausage thinly and add them to your greens to make a delicious and satisfying salad.

FAQs

Q. How can you tell when the Italian sausage is cooked?

A. You can check the internal temperature of the sausages by using a meat thermometer. It should read 160°F for the sausage to be perfectly cooked.

Q. Can I freeze cooked Italian Sausage?

A. Yes, you can freeze cooked Italian sausages. Store them in an airtight container and label it with the date. They can last up to 3-4 months in the freezer.

Q. How long should Italian Sausages be cooked on the grill?

A. Italian sausages should be cooked on a grill for around 10-12 minutes on medium-high heat, turning them occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Conclusion

Preparing Italian sausage is not rocket science. It is simple and can be cooked in various ways. Choose the method that suits you the most or experiment with all of them to understand which one gives you the best results. If you follow the steps we have provided, you will surely get the perfectly cooked Italian sausage every time. We hope this article has helped you in cooking the Italian sausage to perfection.