How to Cook Breakfast Sausage: Quick and Easy Steps

Choosing the Best Breakfast Sausage

Breakfast sausage can make or break a morning meal. You want to choose a sausage that is flavorful, juicy, and not too greasy. When selecting breakfast sausages, look for sausages with a good balance of lean protein and healthy fats. Opt for low sodium and low carb options to keep your meals healthy.

Preparing the Breakfast Sausage

Before you start cooking, remove the sausage from the fridge and let them sit for a few minutes to take the chill off. This helps the sausages cook evenly. Take the sausages out of their packaging and pat them dry with a paper towel.

Cooking Breakfast Sausages in a Frying Pan

Frying pan is one of the most popular and easiest ways to cook breakfast sausage. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large non-stick frying pan or cast iron skillet over medium heat. Once the pan is heated and hot, add the sausages and cook until browned on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid overcrowding the pan which would lead to overcooking or uneven browning. Turn the sausages a few times, and make sure they are cooked through to the center.

Oven Baked Breakfast Sausages

Baking breakfast sausage in the oven is another great option. Preheat the oven to 400°F and place the sausages on a lightly greased baking sheet. Bake the sausages in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, until they are browned, turning them once halfway through cooking. Baking sausage in the oven will result in evenly cooked sausages with a crispy skin.

Grilling Breakfast Sausages

For those who love the smoky flavor of grilled food, you can also grill breakfast sausages. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Brush the sausages with oil, place them on the grill, and cook them for about 4-5 minutes per side. Reduce the heat to low, and continue cooking the sausages until no longer pink in the middle, about 5-8 minutes. Turn sausages frequently to prevent overcooking and uneven browning.

Serving Suggestions for Breakfast Sausages

Once your breakfast sausage is cooked, it’s time to serve it up. You can serve breakfast sausages as a standalone breakfast dish, or you can add them to a variety of breakfast dishes like omelets, scrambled eggs, sandwiches, and pancakes. Sprinkle some herbs or spices over the sausages to add flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long do I cook breakfast sausage?
A: The cooking time depends on the cooking method you choose. On average, it takes 5-7 minutes per side of the sausage to cook.

Q: How do I store leftover cooked breakfast sausage?
A: Store leftover cooked breakfast sausage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Q: Can I freeze cooked breakfast sausages?
A: Yes, you can freeze cooked breakfast sausages for up to two months. Place the cooked sausages in an airtight container or freezer bag and label them with the date.

Q: Can I use breakfast sausages in other recipes?
A: Yes, breakfast sausages are versatile and can be used in a lot of other recipes like casseroles, soups, and stews. You can also chop it up and use it as a pizza topping.

Q: Is it necessary to prick breakfast sausages before cooking?
A: No, it’s not necessary to pierce the sausages before cooking. Pricking can cause the juices to escape, which can lead to dry and less flavorful sausages.