There’s nothing quite like the smell of sausages cooking in the oven. It’s a simple, hands-off method that gives you perfect results every time. If you’ve ever wondered how long to cook sausages in the oven, you’ve come to the right place. I’m going to share all my tips and simple cooking times so you can get juicy, evenly cooked sausages without any fuss.
This method is my go-to for a busy weeknight. It’s reliable, doesn’t make a mess on the stovetop, and you can cook a whole tray at once. Let’s get straight into the details.
How Long To Cook Sausages In The Oven
The simple answer is that most sausages take about 25 to 35 minutes in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). But the exact time depends on a few key things. The type of sausage, its thickness, and whether it’s fresh or pre-cooked all make a difference.
Using your oven is fantastic because it cooks the sausages gently and evenly. You don’t have to stand over them, and they won’t burst open like they sometimes can in a pan. Here’s a quick guide to get you started:
* Fresh Pork, Beef, or Lamb Sausages: 25-35 minutes at 400°F.
* Fresh Chicken or Turkey Sausages: 20-30 minutes at 375°F.
* Pre-cooked Sausages (like smoked kielbasa): 15-20 minutes at 350°F, just to heat through.
* Italian Sausages (fresh): 30-40 minutes at 400°F.
* Small Breakfast Sausages: 15-20 minutes at 400°F.
Remember, the only way to be absolutely sure is to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. That’s your best tool for perfect safety and doneness.
Why the Oven Method Works So Well
Roasting sausages in the oven has so many advantages. First, the heat surrounds the sausage from all sides. This means you get a lovely, even cook without any burnt spots or raw bits in the middle.
It also renders out the fat slowly. The sausage baste itself in its own juices, which keeps it incredibly moist. Plus, you can cook your entire meal on one sheet pan. Just add some chopped potatoes, bell peppers, and onions around the sausages for a complete dinner with minimal cleanup.
What You’ll Need
You don’t need any special equipment for this. Here’s my basic list:
* A large rimmed baking sheet. The rim is important to catch any juices.
* Parchment paper or aluminum foil. This makes cleanup a breeze.
* Tongs for turning the sausages.
* A good meat thermometer. This is the secret to never overcooking.
Step-by-Step: My Foolproof Oven Method
Follow these simple steps for the best oven-baked sausages you’ve ever had.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Always start with a hot oven. Preheat it to 400°F (200°C) for most fresh sausages. While it heats, line your baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. This prevents sticking and saves you from scrubbing later.
You can add a very light drizzle of oil to the paper, but it’s often not needed. Sausages have plenty of their own fat that will render out as they cook.
Step 2: Arrange the Sausages
Place your sausages on the prepared tray. Give them some space! Don’t crowd them together. Leaving at least an inch between each one allows the hot air to circulate. This ensures they brown nicely instead of steaming.
If you’re adding vegetables, scatter them around the sausages now. They’ll cook in the flavorful sausage drippings.
Step 3: Cooking and Turning
Put the tray in the preheated oven. After about 15 minutes, use your tongs to turn each sausage over. This helps them brown evenly on all sides. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference in how they look and taste.
Step 4: Checking for Doneness
This is the most important part. You can’t tell if a sausage is done just by looking at its color. The only safe and accurate way is to use a meat thermometer.
Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the center of a sausage. Here are the safe internal temperatures you’re aiming for:
* Pork, Beef, Lamb, and Veal Sausages: 160°F (71°C).
* Chicken or Turkey Sausages: 165°F (74°C).
* Pre-cooked Sausages: Just need to reach 140°F (60°C) to be served.
Once they hit the right temperature, take them out immediately. Let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the juices to settle back into the meat, making them even more tender.
Adjusting Times for Different Types of Sausage
Not all sausages are created equal. Here’s how to adjust your approach for different kinds.
Fresh Raw Sausages
These are the most common. They are raw ground meat mixed with seasonings inside a casing. Because they are raw, they need the full cooking time. Always use a thermometer to ensure they are fully cooked through. The 25-35 minute guideline at 400°F is perfect for standard-sized pork or beef sausages.
Pre-cooked or Smoked Sausages
Sausages like kielbasa, frankfurters, or some smoked sausages are already fully cooked during processing. You are simply reheating them and browning them up. Use a lower oven temperature, around 350°F, for 15-20 minutes. This warms them through without drying them out.
Chicken and Turkey Sausages
These are leaner than pork sausages, so they can dry out more easily. I recommend lowering the oven temperature slightly to 375°F. This gentler heat helps them cook through without losing to much moisture. Cook them for 20-30 minutes, checking the temperature early.
Large, Thick Sausages
Italian sausages or bratwurst can be quite thick. They might need a bit longer in the oven, sometimes up to 40 minutes at 400°F. To prevent the outside from getting to dark, you can add a splash of water or broth to the tray and cover it with foil for the first 20 minutes. Then, uncover to let them brown.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even a simple method can have pitfalls. Here’s what to watch out for:
* Not Preheating the Oven: Putting sausages in a cold oven makes them steam and become rubbery. Always preheat.
* Crowding the Pan: This leads to steaming instead of roasting. Use two trays if you need to cook a large batch.
* Skipping the Thermometer: Guessing is a sure way to end up with undercooked or dry sausages. The thermometer is your friend.
* Pricking the Sausages: Many people think they need to prick the skins to prevent bursting. This actually lets all the flavorful juices escape! Cooking them at a steady, high heat without pricking keeps them juicy.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve With Oven Sausages
One of the best things about this method is the easy cleanup, which makes side dishes simple. Here are some of my favorite things to cook alongside the sausages right on the same tray:
* Root Vegetables: Chop potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, and parsnips. Toss them in a little oil, salt, and pepper.
* Onions and Peppers: Classic sausage partners. They become sweet and caramelized in the oven.
* Broccoli or Cauliflower: Add these in the last 15 minutes of cooking so they don’t get to soft.
* Apples: Sliced apples roast beautifully with pork sausages.
For sides that need a separate pot, consider creamy mashed potatoes, a simple green salad, or some crusty bread to soak up the juices.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Leftover sausages are great for quick meals. Let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, the best way is to warm them gently. You can place them in a covered oven-safe dish with a tiny bit of water or broth at 325°F for about 10 minutes. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium-low heat. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it tends to make the casings tough and rubbery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature should the oven be for sausages?
For most fresh, raw sausages, 400°F (200°C) is ideal. For leaner chicken sausages, try 375°F. For pre-cooked, 350°F is sufficient.
How do you know when sausages are done in the oven?
Use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the center. Pork/beef should read 160°F, chicken/turkey 165°F, and pre-cooked sausages 140°F.
Should you turn sausages in the oven?
Yes, turning them once halfway through the cooking time helps them brown evenly on all sides.
Do you need to add oil when baking sausages?
Usually not. Sausages release their own fat as they cook, which prevents sticking, especially if you use parchment paper.
Can you put raw sausage in the oven?
Absolutely! That’s the point of this method. Just ensure your oven is fully preheated first and that you cook them to a safe internal temperature.
How long does it take to cook sausages in the oven at 180°C?
At 180°C (which is about 355°F), fresh sausages will take a bit longer—likely 35 to 45 minutes. Always check the temperature.
Cooking sausages in the oven is a truly reliable technique. With these simple guidelines and your trusty thermometer, you’ll have a delicious, simple meal ready with very little effort. It’s a method I’ve relied on for years, and I know it will become a staple in your kitchen too.