How to Cook Frozen Sausages

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Cooking perfect sausages can be a difficult task. Getting them to have a crunchy, golden brown casing with a perfectly cooked inside, may seem impossible. Luckily, there are many different ways to cook sausages for that last minute dinner that will leave you with a crispy outside and flavorful, well done inside. It is not recommended to cook sausages directly from frozen so please defrost before cooking.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Cooking Your Sausages in the Oven

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  1. [1]
    • Oven temperatures may vary with oven types. When using a fan oven, 375 °F (191 °C) is recommended, while gas ovens should start at a lower temperature of 340 °F (171 °C). [2]
    • Line your baking pan with a single sheet of tin foil to keep it clean.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Frozen Sausages
    Turn the sausages ideally 2 or 3 times while they cook, or at least be sure to turn them halfway through the cook time. Doing so will ensure a thorough cook, and add a light, golden brown color to the outside of the sausage. [3]
    • The sausages may have a lighter or darker tone when browning and not all of the sausages will brown the same. [4]
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  3. When you cut open your sausage, there should be no sign of pink meat and the juices should be clear in color. [5]
    • If you are unsure if your sausage is thoroughly cooked, return it to the oven for another 5 minutes and then test it again. [6] .
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Grilling Your Sausages

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  1. After your grill has been heated, turn off two of the burners to create an area of indirect heat. [7]
  2. Using a rack to hold your sausages will allow for an even cook throughout by removing them from direct heat. [8] If your grill has a top and bottom rack built in, using the top rack will work just fine.
    • If you do not have a wire or top wrack use a foot of tin foil to create your own. Scrunch a foot of aluminum foil together to make a rope. Round the foil so that it turns into an S-shape and place the sausages on top. [9]
  3. Flip the sausages halfway through their cook time. [10] This will allow for even browning on both sides of your sausages and balanced internal temperature.
  4. Once they have reached 160 °F (71 °C), place the sausages over direct heat to brown the casing for 3 minutes. Flip the sausages over and allow the other side to brown for another 1 to 3 minutes. [11]
    • It is not required to brown them for an extra 3 minutes. As long as they are fully cooked in the center, they are good to go!
    • If they do not reach 160 °F (71 °C), close the grill lid and cook them for another 5 minutes before testing again.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Frying Your Sausages in a Pan

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Frozen Sausages
    Turn the stove on to medium-high heat and allow the water to simmer. It will take between 6 to 8 minutes for the water to come to a simmer. [12]
    • Allowing the water to simmer will cook your sausages all the way through and keep them tender. [13]
    • Alternatively, let your sausages defrost in the fridge first so they cook through more evenly. [14]
  2. [15] The sausages will still look gray on the outside, but will have no pink tint on the inside. Any juices from the sausage will be clear. [16]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Frozen Sausages
    Turn the burner to high heat and allow the oil to gently simmer. [17]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Frozen Sausages
    They will not need to sit in the oil for long since they are already cooked. [18] Once they have reached your desired golden color, remove them from the heat to avoid drying them out or becoming overdone. [19] [20]
    • The sausages can be placed in the pan whole, cut lengthwise, cut in half, or cut into chunks. [21]
    Bruce Aidells, Meat Expert

    Cooking frozen sausages to juicy perfection begins with patience. Leave them be to defrost gradually in the fridge overnight. When ready to cook, choose a heavy pan and use medium-low heat. Brown the sausages on all sides, resisting the urge to rush. Test doneness with a quick poke to ensure the interior is cooked through. Served up with sensational sides, these thoughtfully thawed links make a meal to savor.

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  • Question
    Can I use frozen sausages, defrost them, cook them, and freeze them again?
    Community Answer
    No, you should never refreeze frozen meats that you've thawed and cooked. It causes the production of bacteria that can lead to all kinds of food-borne illnesses.
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      Tips

      • Many products will have cooking directions located on their packaging and will state if the product must be defrosted before use.
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      Warnings

      • For sausages containing red meat and pork such as ground beef, veal or lamb, make sure they reach a consistent temperature of 165 °F (74 °C). [22]
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      • For other types of sausages, chicken or turkey based, they are safe to serve at 160 °F (71 °C). [23]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/how-cook-sausages
      2. ↑ https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/how-cook-sausages
      3. ↑ https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/how-cook-sausages
      4. ↑ https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/how-cook-sausages
      5. ↑ https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/meat-fish/sausages-and-food-safety
      6. ↑ https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/how-cook-sausages
      7. ↑ https://www.dadcooksdinner.com/basic-technique-grilled-sausages/
      8. ↑ https://www.dadcooksdinner.com/basic-technique-grilled-sausages/
      9. ↑ https://www.saveur.com/gallery/Foil-Roasting-Rack-Trick#page-2
      1. ↑ https://www.dadcooksdinner.com/basic-technique-grilled-sausages/
      2. ↑ https://www.dadcooksdinner.com/basic-technique-grilled-sausages/
      3. ↑ https://www.bonappetit.com/story/how-to-cook-sausages
      4. ↑ https://www.bonappetit.com/story/how-to-cook-sausages
      5. ↑ [162186_b01]. 16 October 2022.
      6. ↑ https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/meat-fish/sausages-and-food-safety
      7. ↑ https://www.bonappetit.com/story/how-to-cook-sausages
      8. ↑ https://www.bonappetit.com/story/how-to-cook-sausages
      9. ↑ https://www.bonappetit.com/story/how-to-cook-sausages
      10. ↑ [162186_b01]. 16 October 2022.
      11. ↑ https://www.bonappetit.com/story/how-to-cook-sausages
      12. ↑ https://www.bonappetit.com/story/how-to-cook-sausages
      13. ↑ https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/meat-fish/sausages-and-food-safety
      14. ↑ https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/meat-fish/sausages-and-food-safety

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To cook frozen sausages, lay them on a baking tray and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Then, bake them in the oven for 20-25 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure you turn the sausages a few times so they cook evenly. Alternatively, submerge your frozen sausages in a large saucepan filled with cold water. Wait for 6-8 minutes for your water to come to a simmer, which should cook your sausages through. Whichever method you use, cut open a sausage when they're finished cooking to make sure there’s no sign of pink meat. For more tips, including how to grill your frozen sausages, read on!

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