Fresh, herby, flavorful sheet pan dinner! If you ever needed an easy how to cook Italian sausage in the oven recipe, this is it! I've got the answers for you! Just a few simple steps to perfect baked sausage every single time!
How To Cook Italian Sausage in the Oven Recipe
Italian Sausage Links in the oven is the easy way of cooking sausage, any kind of sausage, really for an easy dinner! The whole family will enjoy this Italian Sausage bake recipe and there are many recipe variations so that you can make it your own using fresh sausage and delicious vegetables like bell peppers, red onion, green peppers, cherry tomatoes or delicious seasoning like red pepper flakes, sweet peppers, Italian seasoning and fennel seeds.
Here's a real Pro Tip:
This is a great Italian Sausage Recipe, but you can make this recipe using chicken sausages, raw sausages, spicy Italian sausages, turkey sausage, traditional Italian sausages, pork sausage and spicy sausages, just vary the cook time based on the thickness of the sausage and the type of sausage.
Here's What You'll Need for Oven Baked Italian Sausage
- Sheet Pan, Baking Tray or Baking Dish- the best baking pan for these weeknight dinners.
- Aluminum Foil - Heavy foil works best and makes for easy cleanup.
- Meat Thermometer - an instant-read thermometer is the easiest way to make sure your sausage is at the right temperature.
- Italian Sausages - or any of these sausages in a casing.
- An Oven - and really, thats all!
Here's How You Do It
Italian Sausages in tray from storeLay out on sheet panBake for 25-35 minutes
- Place the foil on the baking sheet - secure it by crimping it around the edges unless you are feeling daring.
- Preheat the oven to 350.
- Space your Italian Sausages out so that heat can circulate around them.
- Place in the center of the oven and bake for 25-35 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 160.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
What is Italian Sausage?
A delicious seasoned pork that is packed into a casing! Italian sausage usually comes in mild, medium and hot. You'll also find it called sweet Italian sausage.
Can I Cook Frozen Italian Sausage in the Oven?
Actually, you CAN cook them from frozen in the oven. The most important thing is that you cook them to an internal temp of 160. So a thermometer is a must. It will take about 10 minutes longer than the recipe below calls for.
How long do I cook sausages in the oven at 350?
You'll need to cook them to an internal temperature of the sausage of 160 and a cooking time of 25-35 minutes usually.
How long to cook Italian sausages in oven at 200?
Again, cook to the inside temp as indicated, but it takes about 35-45 minutes.
Well, what about a higher temperature and cooking sausages at 400?
This takes a little less time, cook for about 15 minutes. The higher temp, the more you risk over browning the outside skin.
Can I cook my sausages with onions and bell pepper?
You sure can! It makes them even more delicious. You'll want to add some salt and black pepper to the onions and peppers.
How Do I know when the sausages are fully cooked in the oven?
Use a thermometer and when the inside of the sausages reach 160, you are there!
More Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Save the pre-cooked sausage in an airtight container in the fridge for later to preserve the juiciness of Italian Sausage.
There are a variety of ways to serve these, but with sweet potatoes, yellow onions or pasta sauce are some great options and are some of my personal favorite for the easiest dinner.
Yes, you can. For best results, simply put a little olive oil in a frying pan and cook until golden brown and until the internal temperature is 165.
Do I Need To Prick the Skin on the Sausage First?
Who told you to do that old tale, precious? I know I didn't! Where do you think the flavor and juiciness comes from in sausage?
That's right! It's in the juices in the meats that are inside the casing! If you poke a hole, all the goodness will just run right out onto the sheet pan!
Get in my mouth delicious juices!
Don't let someone tell you all that ugliness, you don't need that kind of hatefulness in your life.
Try How to Cook Andouille Sausage in the Oven too!
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Baked Italian Sausage
- Line your baking sheet with aluminum foil, parchment paper or a silpat for an easy meal. These sausages love to leak and you don't want to be cleaning pans all evening.
- Look for Mild Italian Sausage, Medium Italian Sausage or Hot Italian Sausage OR Sweet Italian Sausage. You can even find flavors like cheddar.
- Don't pierce the skin before baking. The good stuff will run out as the sausage cooks. You want the best Italian sausage ever!
- Lay the individual links so that air can circulate between them. Preheat the oven and put the sheet on the middle rack of the oven.
- Invest in a good kitchen thermometer for recipes like this. You really want the internal temp to 160. Don't just dig in with a knife, the juices will run out.
- You do not have to turn these half way through, but that works best for larger sausages.
- Serve these delicious links over spaghetti with tomato sauce, over grits (heck yeah, ya'll) or as the main meat with a green side salad.
- Here's everything you ever wanted to know about sausage from the American Hot Dog and Sausage Council (did you know there was such a thing?)
Watch Me Make Italian Sausage In The Oven Here
Will You Help Me Out Just a Tiny Bit?
Please leave a 5 STAR comment in the comment section below. This helps others to find the recipes at Loaves and Dishes.
Easy How to Cook Italian Sausage in the Oven Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 links Italian Sausage any flavor
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350. Cover your baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
- Lay the Italian Sausages out so that they have space between to allow air to circulate in the oven.
- Bake for 25-35 minutes to internal temp of 160.
Notes
- Line your baking sheet with aluminum foil, parchment paper or a silpat. These sausages love to leak and you don't want to be cleaning pans all evening.
- These sausages often come with added flavors. You can even find flavors like cheddar.
- Don't pierce the skin before baking. The good stuff will run out.
- Lay the individual links so that air can circulate between them. Preheat the oven and put the sheet on the middle rack of the oven.
- Invest in a good kitchen thermometer for recipes like this. You really want the internal temp to 160. Don't just dig in with a knife, the juices will run out.
- You do not have to turn these half way through, but you can if you want.
Nutrition
This article originally appeared on the pages of Loaves and Dishes on February 22, 2021 and has been updated with new information in the recipe card, tips and tricks and a pro tip.
Sometimes I struggle with my self-worth, especially when someone in the wide world has been cruel and mean to me. Do you?
John 16:33
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
Kat says
Thank you so much for these instructions. I use my oven for most of my "cooking". I hate cooking and avoid it as much as possible. I used precooked chicken sausages for a while in my pasta bakes but I am not a huge fan of the taste. This is perfect for me! I didn't think this was possible without using stovetop. Thank you!
Wendi Spraker says
So glad I could help Kat!
Michael says
Great simple instructions for baking sausage without leaving the pan greasy. I used parchment paper as a lining.
Thanks!
Wendi Spraker says
Great advice about the parchment paper!
Dot says
Wanted to make a casserole that I haven't made in years and couldn't remember how to cook the Italian sausages. Thank you. Your information was spot on.
Wendi Spraker says
You are very very welcome!
Cathy says
Found your site as I was looking for an Italian sausages in the oven recipe. My sausage just happen to made from boar meat. They turned out excellent and I cooked them from frozen. Couldn’t resist a few slices as I preparing a casserole. Yummy. Love the name of your site! Looking forward to exploring it soon.
Wendi Spraker says
I'm glad you found me and I hope you'll be right back! If you have any suggestions for recipes you would like to see, please let me know
Patrick says
no time for a real comment but this works and its great!
Wendi Spraker says
Thanks Patrick!!
Lauren says
Thank you! Grilled Italian sausage is my husband’s favorite, but we are in the middle of moving, and needed a hands off meal. This was perfect. Did not disappoint!
Wendi Spraker says
That's wonderful!
Nancy says
@Lauren,@Wendi Spraker, haha! Me too Lauren, I am packing and thought I'd just throw my sausages in the oven. They smell amazing! I'll just throw together a salad kit and I'm done. Great Bible verse for my week, while in the process of moving!
Wendi Spraker says
Hope your move goes well!
Kris Kritter says
So easy and delicious😋thank you🙏
Wendi Spraker says
Thank you!
Kayla says
Loved the easy cleanup!! We did ours with onion and peppers as suggested. We then served it with rice. Great weekday meal!
Wendi Spraker says
sounds delish!
Mary says
This is my go-to recipe for roasted Italian sausages. I like them brown, so I use a higher temperature--400 degrees F.
Wendi Spraker says
Hi Mary! Thanks!
Louie says
This is really wrong. 350° for 25 minutes did not cook the sausage it’s got to be more like 425
Phyllis says
Thank you so much for this easy and non messy way to cook sausages.
Wendi Spraker says
Yes! No spatter! 🙂 You are welcome!
Brittany says
Yummy!! The sausages taste great. Perfect for when I don't want to bbq!
Wendi Spraker says
Great! glad you loved them!
April M. says
So easy. So good.
Wendi Spraker says
Thanks April!
Deb says
Easy peasy short and sweet. Just what I was looking for! Thank you!
Wendi Spraker says
Thanks Deb, Hope you'll have a look around, that's what we specialize in (especially over on the YouTube channel).
Gail C O'Neill says
Sounds delicious!
Wendi Spraker says
Thanks Gail. 🙂