Nothing quite compares to the delicious taste of a perfectly cooked sausage. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner – there’s nothing more enjoyable than biting into a juicy and succulent sausage. But making sure your sausages cook to perfection can be tricky. It’s important to cook them properly in order to ensure they are both safe and tasty! That’s why we’ve put together this guide on how to tell if sausage is cooked – so that you know exactly when it’s time for those tastebuds of yours start tingling.
What is sausage?
Sausage is a type of processed meat product, usually made from ground pork, beef, or poultry. It is typically sold in links and can be cooked in a variety of ways. Sausages are commonly used for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even appetizers.

How to cook sausages at home?
When cooking sausages at home, it’s important to follow the instructions on the packaging. Depending on how thick the links are and how you plan to cook them, you may need to adjust your cooking time accordingly.
Generally speaking, oven-baked sausages should be cooked for 10–15 minutes at 375°F (190°C) and grilled sausages should be cooked over medium-high heat for 10–15 minutes, flipping occasionally.
Make sure to check the internal temperature of your sausage with a food thermometer – once the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), your sausage is considered safe to eat.
Why should you know how to tell if sausage is cooked?
The answer is simple – an undercooked sausage can be dangerous. Undercooked pork sausages can contain parasites that can cause food poisoning if ingested. Therefore, it’s important to make sure your sausages have been cooked thoroughly before you eat them. Additionally, over cooked sausages can be dry and unappetizing.
How to tell if sausage is cooked with a thermometer?
Using a thermometer is the most reliable way to make sure your sausages are cooked to perfection. The USDA recommends that you cook your sausages at an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in order for them to be safe to eat.
To test how well done your sausage is, simply insert the thermometer into the center of the fattest sausage and wait until it registers 165°F (74°C). And remember: make sure to check the temperature in multiple sausages, since how long it takes for them to cook through can vary from sausage to sausage.

How to tell if sausage is cooked without a thermometer?
If you don’t have a thermometer, there are still ways to tell how well done your sausages are. A good rule of thumb is that sausages should be cooked until they are no longer pink in the middle. When cut open, the center should be completely white with no hint of pink remaining.
Additionally, try pressing the sausages gently with a fork – if they are cooked through, they should be firm and won’t be too squishy. And of course, use your nose! A well-cooked sausage will smell delicious, while an undercooked one won’t have much of a scent.
Finally, remember to always cook sausages thoroughly before eating to make sure they are safe. With this guide on how to tell if sausage is cooked, you can be confident that your sausages will be cooked to perfection and ready for those taste buds of yours to enjoy.
What color should cooked sausages be?
Cooked sausages should be brown or golden in color. On the outside, they should have a slight crispness that the heat from cooking has given them. If your sausages are still pale or have any hint of pink, then they need to cook for longer.
Similarly, if the outside looks too charred or dry, then the sausages have been overcooked. The key to perfection is finding that perfect balance between how long it takes for them to cook and how much flavor they have left after cooking.

Tips for how to tell if sausage is cooked
– Always check the internal temperature of your sausages with a food thermometer – a safe internal temperature is 165°F (74°C).
– When cut open, the center should be completely white and not pink.
– Sausages should be brown or golden on the outside and not too charred.
– Do not cut up or prick your sausages before cooking as this can cause the juices to escape, resulting in dry sausages.
– Use your nose! A well-cooked sausage will smell delicious.
Can you cut up or prick sausages before cooking?
It is not recommended to cut up or prick sausages before cooking. Pricking and cutting can cause the juices to escape, resulting in dry, tasteless sausages. Additionally, pricking the skin can be a safety risk as it increases the likelihood of undercooked areas where parasites can remain alive.
Therefore, it is best to cook sausages whole and only cut into them once they have been cooked. This will ensure that the sausages are both safe and flavorful. And with this guide on how to tell if sausage is cooked, you’ll be able to make sure your sausages are cooked to perfection every time.

How do you cook sausages without them splitting?
To prevent sausages from splitting, it’s important to cook them at a moderate heat and not over high heat. Additionally, make sure your sausages are fully thawed before cooking – if they’re still frozen in the center when you put them on the grill or pan, they’ll likely split open as they cook.
Finally, be careful how much you move the sausages while they’re cooking – flipping or moving them too often can cause them to split. With this guide on how to tell if sausage is cooked and how best to cook it without splitting, you can now make sure your sausages are juicy and full of flavor every time.
What does undercooked sausage taste like?
Undercooked sausage will have a soft texture and a chewy, raw taste. The color of the meat may also be slightly pinkish in the center, indicating that it is not cooked through. Additionally, undercooked sausages won’t have much of a flavor or aroma, since all the flavor has yet to be released into the meat.
Can you get sick from eating undercooked sausage?
Yes, it is possible to get sick from eating undercooked sausage. Uncooked pork sausages may contain harmful parasites that can cause food poisoning if ingested. Therefore, it is important to make sure your sausages are cooked thoroughly before you eat them. Additionally, overcooked sausages can be dry and lack flavor, so finding a balance is key to cooking perfection.

How should cooked sausages be stored?
Once your sausages are cooked, make sure to store them in an airtight container, either in the refrigerator or freezer. Cooked sausages will last for up to four days in the fridge and two months in the freezer.
When reheating cooked sausages, make sure to heat them until they’re steaming hot throughout and have reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). With this guide on how to tell if sausage is cooked and how best to store it, you can now enjoy your sausages time after time.
How to enjoy cooked sausages?
Cooked sausages can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. They can be served as part of a breakfast, lunch, or dinner meal, sliced up and added to pasta dishes, salads and soups, or grilled on the barbecue.
Sausages are also great for snacking – try slicing them into bite-sized pieces and serving with a selection of dips, pickles, chutneys and other accompaniments for an enjoyable snack. With this guide on how to tell if sausage is cooked and how best to enjoy it, you can now make the most of this tasty treat.

Some recipe ideas with cooked sausages
Cooked sausages can be used in a variety of recipes, from quick and easy weeknight meals to gourmet dishes. Here are some ideas to get you started:
• Grilled Sausage and Pepper Skewers: Grill cooked sausages with bell peppers, onions and tomatoes for a colorful summertime barbecue dish.
• Sausage and Bean Stew: Simmer cooked sausages in a flavorful tomato sauce with beans and vegetables for an easy one-pot meal.
• Sausage Pizza: Layer slices of cooked sausage onto your favorite pizza dough along with other toppings for a cheesy treat.
• Sausage and Cabbage Casserole: Layer cooked sausages in a baking dish with potatoes, carrots and cabbage, then pour over a creamy white sauce. Bake until golden brown and bubbly.
• Pea and Sausage Risotto: Simmer cooked sausages in a creamy risotto with peas, garlic and Parmesan cheese for a comforting meal.
Now that you know how to tell if sausage is cooked and how best to enjoy it, why not try these recipes out for yourself? With so many delicious options available, your sausages will never be boring again.

Conclusion: How to tell if sausage is cooked
Cooking sausage correctly is an important part of making sure that your food is safe to eat and full of flavor. With this guide on how to tell if sausage is cooked, how best to cook it without splitting, how to store it correctly, and how to make the most of its deliciousness with meal ideas – you can now be confident in cooking up a sausage feast time after time.
FAQs Sausage
Is it OK to eat sausage a little pink?
If you love deliciously flavorful sausages, then add some paprika or cayenne pepper for a deep red hue. This seasoning will ensure that your cooked sausage remains pink on the inside – just be sure to cook it through and enjoy safely.
How do you know when fried sausages are cooked?
Fry up your sausages for that perfect, golden-brown finish! Make sure to mix them around and flip every few minutes so each piece is evenly cooked. When you’re done, the outside should be a deep brown color with clear liquid spatters from any meat juice running off – no pink or blood left in sight when cut open means they are just right!
How do I know if I ate undercooked sausage?
Ensure your sausages are safe to consume by testing their internal temperature with a meat thermometer. For optimal safety, the gauge should reach around 160-165 degrees Fahrenheit – no more guesswork necessary.
Can pork sausage still be pink after cooking?
Not all meat stays nice and pink – unless it has been treated with nitrite salt! Organic stores often still include this preservative in their products, so don’t let the label fool you. In fact, your next sausage dinner might be full of hidden ingredients that are keeping its rosy hue intact until it reaches your plate.
Is it OK if pork sausage is slightly undercooked?
Despite the risks, there’s hope–your undercooked sausage may not necessarily leave you with a food poisoning! Unless it was infected at its origin or during preparation, your meal could be safe from contamination. So enjoy that sizzle and chow down without worry (but always practice extra caution).
What to do if you ate undercooked sausage?
When eating raw or undercooked meat, be aware of the risks associated with trichinosis. If you experience any symptoms – no matter how mild they may seem- swift medical attention is absolutely essential to prevent further complications which could even become fatal in some cases if left untreated.
Can you eat pork sausage medium rare?
Enjoy pork without worry – gone are the days when our plates were overcooked ‘to be sure’. Nutritionists, and even America’s US Department of Agriculture have given us guidance to heat up this type of meat until it reaches a juicy medium temperature in terms of its internal body temperature. This can lead to tender, flavorful pink-hued meat that will put our taste buds at ease.
Can you overcook sausage?
When it comes to preparing sausage, there’s no room for mistakes! You’ll want to ensure that the internal temperature of your meat never exceeds 120°F (48.9°C) or else you risk ruining its succulent flavor and bouncy texture – a mistake which can quickly transform perfectly cooked pork into a soggy, unappetizing mess.
Is it bad to eat overcooked sausage?
Despite overcooking, there is no cause for alarm – all potentially harmful bacteria has been rendered harmless by the heat.
Is it OK to eat cold sausages?
Store your sausages safely! To ensure that the raw ones stay fresh and delicious, put them on the bottom shelf of your fridge. After cooking leftovers, quickly transfer to a container for cooling – spread it out in one layer if possible – then store properly so you can enjoy within two days.
Susan Muskat is a professional chef with over 25 years of experience in the culinary industry. After working in some of the most prestigious restaurants in the world, she opened her own restaurant, Moose and Sadie’s, which quickly became a local favorite. Susan is also the author of a blog all about recipes, guidelines, cooking tips, and knowledge from professional chefs. She loves nothing more than sharing her passion for food with others.