How to Cook Hot Links

As with most sausages, you have a lot of options when it comes to cooking hot links. Since they're already spiced, you can quickly cook hot links in the microwave or in a skillet on the stove. To add a smoky flavor, toss the hot links on a grill and cook them until they're completely heated. For slightly crispy hot links or to make a large number at once, roast them in the oven on a wire rack.

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Grilling

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  1. Turn on a gas grill to medium-low heat. If you're using a charcoal grill , heat the briquettes until they're hot and ashy. Dump the coals onto one half of the grill grate. [1]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Hot Links
    Place the hot links on the grill so they're not directly over the coals. Put the lid on the grill. [2]
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  3. Lift the lid and use long tongs to turn the hot links every few minutes. This will ensure that the hot links brown easily as they grill. Grill the hot links until they're completely hot throughout. This should take 8 to 10 minutes. [3]
  4. Remove the hot links from the grill and place them into sausage or hot dog buns. Top the hot links with your favorite condiments (such as barbecue sauce, ketchup, mustard, coleslaw, or relish). [4]
    • You can store the grilled hot links in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Microwaving

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Hot Links
    Get out a microwave-safe plate and put 1 hot link on it. Lay a paper towel over the hot link. [5]
    • If you want to microwave several hot links, microwave them 1 at a time so they cook evenly.
  2. You should hear the hot link sizzle and swell up a little as it becomes completely hot. [6]
  3. Turn off the microwave and let the hot link rest on the plate for 1 minute before you serve it. [7]
  4. Wear oven mitts to remove the hot link from the microwave and serve it immediately. You could place it in a bun and add your favorite toppings. Or cut up the hot link and add it to pasta, gumbo, or stew. [8]
    • You can store the grilled hot links in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Roasting

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  1. Preheat the oven and set up roasting tray. Turn the oven on to 350 °F (177 °C). Get out a rimmed baking sheet and set a wire rack on it.
  2. If you bought hot links that are still strung together, use a sharp knife or scissors to cut in between the links.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Hot Links
    Place as many hot links as you want to roast on the wire rack. Leave a few inches (about 5 cm) between each link so they brown evenly.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Hot Links
    Place the wire rack on the baking sheet in the preheated oven and cook the hot links for 10 minutes..
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Hot Links
    Use tongs to turn the hot links over and put them back in the oven. Roast them until they're completely browned on both sides and hot all the way through. This should take another 10 minutes.
  6. Wear oven mitts to remove the wire rack and baking sheet from the oven. Use caution because grease may have dripped onto the baking sheet while the hot links were cooking. Serve the hot links with your favorite sides or cut the links up to use as part of another entree.
    • Store leftover roasted hot links in the refrigerator. You can keep them in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Simmering on the Stove

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Hot Links
    Pour 2/3 cup (160 ml) of water into a skillet that will be large enough to hold your hot links. Set the skillet on the stove and turn the heat to high. [9]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Hot Links
    Once the water boils, slowly lower as many hot links as you want to cook into the skillet. Try to fit them in a single layer. Turn the heat down to medium so the water bubbles gently. [10]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Hot Links
    Put the lid on the skillet and let the hot links bubble gently for 5 to 6 minutes. [11]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Hot Links
    Use an oven mitt to take the lid off of the skillet. Use tongs to turn the hot links over and return the lid to the skillet. Keep simmering the hot links until they're completely hot throughout. This should take another 5 to 6 minutes. [12]
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Hot Links
    If you'd like slightly crispy and browned hot links, pour the hot water out of the skillet. Let the hot links continue to cook in the skillet over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes. Turn the hot links occasionally so they brown evenly.
  6. Remove the hot links from the skillet and serve them while they're still hot. Store any leftover hot links in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. [13]
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    What do I set the oven to?
    Community Answer
    Preheat the oven to 300 F, place the sausages in a pan, and cook them for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the hot links, drain the pan, and pierce them with a fork. Return them to the oven and cook them for a further 10 to 15 minutes. The hot links should darken, but not burst.
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      Things You'll Need

      Grilled

      • Gas or charcoal grill with briquettes
      • Long tongs
      • Oven mitts

      Microwaved

      • Microwave-safe plate
      • Oven mitts
      • Paper towel

      Roasted

      • Rimmed baking sheet
      • Wire rack
      • Knife and cutting board or scissors
      • Oven mitts

      Simmered

      • Measuring cup
      • Large skillet with lid
      • Oven mitt
      • Tongs

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.hillshirefarm.com/products/link-sausage/hot-links
      2. ↑ https://www.hillshirefarm.com/products/link-sausage/hot-links
      3. ↑ https://www.hillshirefarm.com/products/link-sausage/hot-links
      4. ↑ https://www.hillshirefarm.com/products/link-sausage/hot-links
      5. ↑ http://www.johnsonville.com/products/texas-hot-link.html
      6. ↑ http://www.johnsonville.com/products/texas-hot-link.html
      7. ↑ http://www.johnsonville.com/products/texas-hot-link.html
      8. ↑ http://www.johnsonville.com/products/texas-hot-link.html
      9. ↑ https://www.hillshirefarm.com/products/link-sausage/hot-links
      1. ↑ https://www.hillshirefarm.com/products/link-sausage/hot-links
      2. ↑ https://www.hillshirefarm.com/products/link-sausage/hot-links
      3. ↑ https://www.hillshirefarm.com/products/link-sausage/hot-links
      4. ↑ https://www.hillshirefarm.com/products/link-sausage/hot-links

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      You can cook your hot links a few ways, depending on how you like them and how much time you have. To roast them, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, then cook your sausages for 20 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they’re completely brown on the outside. To grill your hot links, preheat your grill to medium-low heat, then cook them for 8 to 10 minutes, turning them every few minutes. You can also cook your hot links in the microwave if you’re pressed for time. Just place them on a microwave-safe plate, cover them with a paper towel and microwave them for 30 seconds. Let the sausages rest for 1 minute before you serve them. For more tips, including how to simmer your hot links on the stove, read on!

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