Whether you prefer your links spicy or Italian-style, sausage adds a flavorful kick to nearly any meal. You can prepare it in several ways, and it blends well with a host of other foods. Properly prepared sausage adds a protein punch to many dishes.
How do you cook sausage? What are the best ways to cook sausage? What recipes can you kick up a notch with this flavorful meat?
Ways to Cook Sausage
You can prepare sausage in three primary ways: grilling it, pan-frying it or broiling it.
- Grilling sausage: To grill sausage, preheat your grill to medium. Cook pork sausage for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Poultry sausage takes slightly longer, so leave it on for 25 to 30 minutes. If the sausage sticks when you try to flip it, leave it a little longer. It will release when it’s ready to flip.
- Pan-frying sausage: To pan-fry sausage, start by heating the pan to medium. Place a small amount of water in the bottom to keep the sausage from sticking. Cover the pan and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning it frequently. Remove cover and allow it to brown for an additional five to 10 minutes.
- Broiling sausage: Broiling is the least labor-intensive method for cooking a sausage. Place the product on a baking pan. Broil until golden brown for approximately 13 to 15 minutes per side.
Best Ways to Cook Sausage in Recipes
Tons of recipes exist for cooking sausages in tasty ways. The meat adds protein and spice to nearly any dish. Next time you’re out of ideas for what to cook, give these recipes a try.
- Italian sausage, peppers and onions: This tangy recipe cooks up in only one pan, meaning fewer dishes to wash. The peppers and onions contain phytonutrients critical for overall health. Oregano and basil nicely complement the herbs in the sausage mix. Serve this dish with braised new potatoes or a side of crusty French bread.
- Beer brats and sauerkraut: You can use poultry or pork sausage for this dish, but if you want it traditional German style, go with the pig. Sauerkraut, like other fermented foods, is rich in probiotics, which help nourish the good bacteria in your intestines. If you often suffer stomach trouble after eating, this recipe can cool the burn. Serve with a baguette or over mashed potatoes.
- Polish kielbasa and pierogies: Whether or not you’re from the old country, you’ll love this flavorful grilled version of the classic recipe. You can use the frozen pierogies this recipe calls for or make your own with potatoes, dough and cheese. Adding a dash of paprika to the mix elevates your pierogies and gives them a delicate amount of spice. If you don’t thaw the frozen pierogies, you can cook them right on the grill. The mustard adds a nice tang, too.
- Mexican chorizo and eggs: You’ll love this south-of-the-border dish at breakfast or any time of day! The combination of eggs, sausage and refried beans pack an incredible protein punch to keep you full throughout your morning. The chorizo adds its spice, but if you like to fire things up, go ahead and add a jalapeño to the onions and tomatoes.
- Breakfast sausage and pancakes: What says “good morning” more than this breakfast favorite? You can prep the sausage any way you like, but broiling it in the oven saves time on busier mornings. In a hurry? Make a version of this favorite on a stick and pop them in the freezer. That way, when morning comes, pop in the microwave, add a cup of dipping syrup and go.
How Do You Like to Cook Sausage?
Whether you grill or pan fry or like it spicy or mild, sausage offers a tasty protein source. Get cooking with the recipes above, and your taste buds will thank you!