How To Cook Italian Sausage

Italian sausage is incredibly flavorful, and it goes with just about anything. That’s why learning how to cook Italian sausage in a variety of ways is a total mealtime game-changer!

I love to bake Italian sausage and serve it with roasted vegetables for a quick and simple weeknight dinner, or I’ll add sliced Italian sausages to my favorite pasta dishes.

I happen to think that being able to make versatile and affordable ingredients like Italian sausage using different cooking methods is the key to stress-free cooking.

Whether you prefer to bake Italian sausage in the oven, cook it on the stovetop, grill, or air fry Italian sausage, you can easily whip up a delicious and satisfying meal in just minutes.

Want even more How To Cook tutorials? Then check out my How To Cook Frozen Meatballs post and this guide to learn How To Cook Frozen Brussel Sprouts.

You can also learn how to make Air Fryer Ham and How To Cook Canned Corn.

Friends, cooking sausage is one of those easy kitchen shortcuts you’ll come back to again and again! Cause who doesn’t love #easyrecipes ?!

What is Italian Sausage?

Traditional Italian sausages are made with seasoned ground pork. Hot Italian sausage is made with the addition of red pepper flakes, and the mild variety often includes fennel seeds.

Why Make This Recipe

• It’s Quick and Easy – This baked Italian sausage recipe is ready in just 20 minutes. 
• It’s Versatile – Serve Italian sausage for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
• It’s Flavorful – both the sweet Italian sausage variety and spicy Italian sausage are full of great flavor.

Ingredient Notes

• Italian Sausage – mild or hot sausage links, depending on your preference. 

So, are you ready to learn how to cook Italian sausage? Then grab those links and I will show you…

How To Cook Italian Sausage in Oven

Get the complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F / 176 degrees C.
2. Prepare a cast iron skillet, foil lined baking sheet, or an oven-safe baking dish, and add the Italian sausages.
3. Bake for 15-20 minutes, turning sausage links occasionally so they brown evenly.
4. Remove from oven once the Italian sausages have reached an internal temperature of 160 degrees F / 71 degrees C.

Stovetop Method

To cook Italian sausages on the stovetop, place sausages in a large skillet and add about an inch of water. Cover, bring to a simmer, and cook for 7-9 minutes. Then remove the cover and continue to cook Italian sausages for another 5-6 minutes.

Go to the How to Cook Italian Sausage on Stove post for complete instructions, tips, and more.

Note: Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer. The sausages are fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F / 71 degrees C.

Air Fryer Method

Prefer to cook sausages in the air fryer? It’s as easy as preheating to 360 degrees F / 182 degrees C, placing them in the air fryer basket, and air frying for 10-15 minutes.

Check out my Italian Sausages in Air Fryer post for more information and full instructions.

Grill Method

1. Lightly oil the grates and preheat to 350 degrees F / 176 degrees C.
2. Place the raw sausages directly on the grates, close the lid, and cook sausage for 15-20 minutes, occasionally turning so they cook and brown evenly.
3. Remove from grill when cooked Italian sausages have reached an internal temperature of 160 degrees F / 71 degrees C.

Tips for Success

• For this recipe, I recommend purchasing Italian sausage that is fresh and uncooked.
• If making pre-cooked sausage, the cooking time will likely be shorter.
• If using frozen Italian sausage, place it in the fridge to thaw overnight before cooking.  
• When frying Italian sausage on the stove, add sausages and water to the skillet at the same time. 
• If desired, lightly brush or spray baked Italian sausages with a bit of olive oil. 
• Check Italian sausage links for doneness with a meat thermometer to be sure they’ve reached an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees F / 71 degrees C.

Delicious Variations

• Swap the Sausage – When buying Italian sausage, have fun experimenting. Normally use sweet Italian sausage? Then pick up some hot Italian sausage. Use smoked sausage or chicken sausages instead of the traditional pork sausage.
• Make Sausage with Peppers and Onions – to serve up this classic combination, simply sauté sliced onion and bell peppers and pile on a plate with your cooked Italian sausage.
• Serve as a sandwich – place Italian sausage on a hot dog bun or hoagie roll and top with mustard and thin strips of bell pepper, or marinara sauce and provolone cheese. 
• Add to Pasta – slice Italian sausage and add it to your favorite pasta dishes. You can also use it as a topping on pizza.

Prep And Storage

• Prep Ahead – If planning to add the sausage to another recipe, you can cook this up to 2 days in advance. 
• Store – Leftover sausages can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet with a bit of water. 
• Freeze – To freeze Italian sausage (cooked or uncooked), wrapped tightly or place in an airtight freezer-safe container. Can be frozen for up to 3 months. 

FAQs

More Italian Sausage Recipes

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Serving Suggestions

Weight Watchers Points

There are 10 Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.

Best Equipment To Use

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Print Recipe

How To Cook Italian Sausage in Oven

It’s quick and easy to cook Italian Sausage in then oven

Cook Time20 mins

Total Time20 mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian, Western

Diet: Gluten Free

Servings: 4

Calories: 270kcal

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F / 176 degrees C.

• Prepare a cast iron skillet, foil lined baking sheet, or an oven-safe baking dish, and add the Italian sausages.

• Bake for 15-20 minutes, turning sausage links occasionally so they brown evenly.

• Remove from oven once the Italian sausages have reached an internal temperature of 160 degrees F / 71 degrees C.

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Notes

• For this recipe, I recommend purchasing Italian sausage that is fresh and uncooked.
• If making pre-cooked sausage, the cooking time will likely be shorter.
• If using frozen Italian sausage, place it in the fridge to thaw overnight before cooking.  
• When frying Italian sausage on the stove, add sausages and water to the skillet at the same time. 
• If desired, lightly brush or spray baked Italian sausages with a bit of olive oil. 
• Check Italian sausage links for doneness with a meat thermometer to be sure they’ve reached an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees F / 71 degrees C.
• Storage – keep in an airtight container inside the fridge for 3 days.
• There are 10 WW Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.

Nutrition

Calories: 270kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 59mg | Sodium: 570mg | Potassium: 197mg | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 1mg