Sausage is a great addition to any breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It’s versatile, flavorful, and filling. But how do you know when how to tell if sausage is cooked through? This is because undercooked sausage can cause food poisoning.
Fortunately, there are a few ways to tell if your sausage is cooked properly. There are a few methods that you can use to make sure your sausage is perfectly cooked every time.
In this blog post, we’ll go over those tricks so that you can cook your sausages with confidence. Follow these methods to make sure your sausages turn out perfectly every time!
-My Favorite Meat Thermometers
What Temperature Should a Cooked Sausage Be?
The first thing to consider when checking if sausage is cooked through is the temperature. Most sausages should be fully cooked at an internal temperature of 160 degrees F or higher. This can easily be tested with a meat thermometer, which you can find online or in most grocery stores.
Another good indication that your sausages are fully cooked is that they should have a browned, crispy outer coating. This indicates that the fat has seeped out from the sausage and been crisped up by the heat of your cooking surface.
To know when the sausage is done, I recommend using a thermometer so that you can monitor the temperature of the meat during cooking. This applies to many different types of sausages.
Note: The USDA recommends cooking pork sausage to an internal temperature of 160°F and poultry sausage to an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a food thermometer to check doneness.
Check out my table below for which temperature sausage should be cooked to and then how long to let it rest for.
| Goal Internal Temperature | Time to Rest | |
|---|---|---|
| Pork Sausage | 160°F/71.1°C | 3 minutes |
| Beef Sausage | 160°F/71.1°C | 3 minutes |
| Combined Pork + Beef Sausage | 160°F/71.1°C | 3 minutes |
| Lamb Sausage | 165°F/73.8°C | 3 minutes |
| Game Sausage | 165°F/73.8°C | 3 minutes |
| Chicken Sausage | 165°F/73.8°C | 3 minutes |
| Turkey Sausage | 165°F/73.8°C | 3 minutes |
What happens if I cook the sausage at too high a temperature?
If you cook your sausages at too high a temperature, it’s possible that the outside will become overcooked before the inside has had a chance to finish cooking. This can lead to dry, tough sausage with an unpleasant texture.
To avoid this problem, I recommend cooking at lower temperatures for longer periods of time, instead of cooking at very high heat for a short period of time. This will help ensure that your sausage is cooked through and evenly heated, without being dried out or burnt.
How Can You Tell If Sausage Is Cooked Without a Thermometer?
In addition to using a thermometer to check the temperature of your sausage, there are other ways that you can tell if it is cooked.
Check The Color: A good indicator that your sausages are fully cooked is that they will have a nice, golden brown color on the outside. This is a sign that the fat from the sausage has seeped out and been crisped up by the heat of your cooking surface.
Slice Test:
One easy method is simply to cut into the sausage and look at the inside. If it looks pink or undercooked, then it probably needs more time on the heat.
Pressure Test:
Another good way to tell if your sausage is cooked is to press on the side of it with a spatula or fork. If the meat springs back, then it’s probably done cooking. However, if the meat seems soft and squishy, then it may need more time on the heat.
If you want to be really precise about checking for doneness, you can try the “knuckle test.” This involves taking a piece of sausage and pressing it between your index finger and thumb. If it feels firm, then it’s done cooking. However, if it feels soft or mushy, then you may need to continue cooking your sausage.
Can Color Tell You If Sausage Is Cooked?
There is no one “right” way to tell if sausage is cooked, and different people may have different opinions on what the best indicator of a fully-cooked sausage is. However, color can be a good indicator for some sausages.
Red, Raw Sausage:
Some might say yes, but I’m not so sure. Sure, if the sausage is red on the inside it’s likely that it contains beef, lamb, or game meats – and these types of meat are naturally red when raw.
But that doesn’t necessarily mean that the sausage is cooked. It could just as easily mean that the sausage is chorizo – and in this case, I would prioritize the internal temperature and texture to tell if it’s cooked.
So while the color of raw sausage can give you some clues as to what type of meat it contains, it’s not always a reliable indicator of doneness.
Pink, Raw Sausage:
If your sausage is made of pork or poultry (like chicken or turkey), it will naturally be pink on the inside when raw. In this case, you’ll want to continue cooking and check again until the color changes and the sausage has a nice, golden brown color on the outside.
If you see a pink or raw-looking interior on your sausage, this is a sign that the meat inside isn’t fully cooked yet.
Pink, Cured Sausage:
Some sausages, like chorizo or salami, are cured – which means that they’ve been treated with preservatives to prevent them from spoiling. In this case, the color of your sausage may actually be an indication of doneness!
Cured sausages will often have a pinkish color on the inside, even when cooked through. So if you see a pink interior on your sausage after it looks fully cooked, that’s likely an indicator that the sausage is safe to eat!
How To Tell If Sausage Is Cooked Through?
1. Use A Meat Thermometer:
This is the most accurate way to check if your sausage is cooked through. Simply insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the sausage and wait until it reaches 160 degrees F or higher, depending on the type of sausage you are cooking.
The best way to know if sausage is cooked is by using a meat thermometer.
2. Touch the Sausage:
If you’re not sure how cooked your sausages are, one simple test is to touch them. A fully cooked sausage should be firm and springy when pressed – if it’s soft, spongy, or squishy, then it probably needs a bit more cooking time. On the other hand, undercooked sausages may feel hot or “raw” when pressed.
3. Check the Sausage Juices:
To ensure your sausage is cooked through, you can also check for any signs of liquid.
Undercooked sausage will often release watery juices when you cut into it, while fully cooked sausages are unlikely to have any visible liquid.
4. Look at the Inside of the Sausage:
One final tip for determining if your sausage is cooked through is to actually look at the inside.
Undercooked sausages will often have a raw, pink hue to them, while fully cooked sausages should be golden brown and evenly cooked throughout. So take a look at the inside of your sausage to assess its doneness!
Tips: If you want to be extra-confident that your sausage is done, you can cook it on the grill or in a cast iron pan. These cooking methods will give your sausages a nice, crispy exterior that is an indicator of well-cooked sausage on the inside.
So now you know how to tell if sausage is cooked through – just follow these tips, and you’ll be cooking up perfectly cooked sausages every time!
How can you tell if sausage is cooked in the oven?
One of the easiest ways to tell if sausage is cooked in the oven is to use a meat thermometer.
You can insert the thermometer into the center of one of your sausages and check for an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
Another option is to slice open your sausage and look for a golden color inside, which indicates that it is fully cooked.
Other tips for checking if your sausage is cooked include looking at the color and texture of the meat itself. Sausage should be reddish-brown in color and feel firm to the touch when fully cooked.
Additionally, you can check for any pink or runny parts inside your sausages, which indicate that it is undercooked.
How can you tell if sausage is cooked on the grill?
One of the easiest ways to check if your sausage is cooked through on the grill is to use a digital instant-read thermometer. Simply insert the thermometer into the center of one of your sausages, and wait for a few seconds until it gives you an accurate reading. You should aim for an internal temperature that’s at least 160 degrees F.
Another way to tell if your sausage is cooked on the grill is by using the touch test. Simply press down gently on the sausage with your finger. If it feels firm and springy, then it’s likely fully cooked. However, if it feels squishy or mushy, then you should let it cook for a little longer.
Regardless of how you check for doneness, it’s always important to make sure that your sausages reach an internal temperature above 160 degrees F. This ensures that any bacteria in the sausage will be killed off and prevents food poisoning.
FAQs About How To Tell If Sausage Is Cooked Through
Why Is The Sausage Undercooked?
There are a few possible reasons why your sausage might be undercooked. One possible reason is that you may have started cooking the sausages before they were fully thawed out, which can cause them to cook unevenly. Additionally, if your pan or grill isn’t hot enough, this can also lead to undercooking.
To prevent undercooked sausages, make sure that you cook your sausage at a high temperature and with plenty of heat. This will help ensure that the sausage is cooked evenly throughout and to the perfect doneness.
Additionally, it’s always important to check the internal temperature of the sausages before serving them to your guests or family.
Is it Okay to Eat Sausage a Little Pink?
Many people wonder whether it is okay to eat sausage that is a little pink. In general, it’s not considered safe to consume sausage that is still pink in the middle.
However, there are some types of sausages that are okay to eat when they’re a light pink color or even slightly browned.
If you’re unsure about whether your sausage is cooked through, it’s best to check the internal temperature of the sausage with a food thermometer.
This will give you an accurate reading about whether or not the sausage is fully cooked.
If you want to be extra safe, try using pre-cooked sausages instead. These sausages are made from high-quality ingredients and can be cooked at a lower temperature, making them a great option for busy cooks who want to make sure their sausages are safe and delicious.
How long should you cook pre-cooked sausage?
There is no single answer to this question, as the cooking time for pre-cooked sausage will depend on a number of factors.
For example, the size and thickness of your sausages, as well as the temperature of your oven or grill can all affect how long it takes to cook your sausages.
However, if you are looking for a general guideline, you can try cooking your pre-cooked sausages in an oven set to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 to 20 minutes.
Can you eat undercooked sausage?
Yes, you can eat undercooked sausage. However, if the sausages are not cooked properly, they may contain harmful bacteria that can cause food poisoning.
To avoid this risk, it is important to cook your sausages to a safe internal temperature and check for doneness using these methods.
This will help ensure that your sausages are safe to eat and free from harmful bacteria.
Can you get sick from eating undercooked sausage?
Yes, you can definitely get sick from eating undercooked sausage. Undercooked sausages may contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, which can cause food poisoning.
To avoid this risk, it is important to make sure that your sausages are cooked through completely before serving them.
This typically means cooking them until they are no longer pink inside and have reached an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
What does undercooked sausage taste like?
Undercooked sausage can taste slightly chewy or rubbery, and may have an unpleasant metallic flavor.
In some cases, it may also be slightly pink or bloody in appearance. If your sausage tastes undercooked, this is likely due to not having reached a high enough internal temperature during the cooking process.
To avoid this, use one of the methods discussed in this article to ensure that your sausages are completely cooked through.
What Happens If You Eat Undercooked Sausages?
If you eat undercooked sausages, there is a risk of food poisoning. This can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and more.
If you experience any of these symptoms after eating undercooked sausage, it’s important to seek medical attention right away.
Additionally, if your sausages are not cooked properly, they may not taste as good. So it’s important to make sure your sausages are cooked all the way through before eating them.
Is it OK if my sausage is a little pink?
While it is normal for some pink to show in your sausage, you should always try to make sure that the entire piece of sausage is cooked through.
Undercooked sausage can contain harmful bacteria that can cause food poisoning. If you are concerned about undercooking your sausage, you may want to consider using a meat thermometer or cooking your sausages for a longer period of time.
However, if your sausages have been properly cooked and stored, they should be safe to eat. Just make sure to follow food safety guidelines when handling and storing your sausage so that you can enjoy it with confidence.
Conclusion
Sausages are one of the most delicious and easy-to-cook meals that can be enjoyed by all. However, before cooking them, it is important to know how to tell if sausage is cooked. This is because undercooked sausage can cause food poisoning. No one wants undercooked or burnt sausage. So, how can you tell if your sausage is cooked?
- Check the color of the sausage. It should be white or light brown all the way through. If it’s still pink in the middle, it needs to cook longer.
- You can also cut into the sausage to check for doneness.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the sausage is at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
By following these steps, you can be sure that your sausage is cooked properly and safely to eat.
As a chef, Tad Johnson has always been fascinated by the way food can bring people together. He loves to experiment with new flavors and techniques in the kitchen, and he takes great pride in serving up delicious dishes that his guests will love.
Tad’s culinary career began at a young age when he started working in his family’s restaurant. He quickly fell in love with the art of cooking, and he knew that this was what he wanted to do for the rest of his life. Since then, Tad has worked at some of the most prestigious restaurants in the country, and he is now considered one of the top chefs in the industry.
When he’s not cooking in the kitchen, Tad enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children. He also likes to stay active by playing basketball and hiking outdoors.