Whether learning how to cook Italian sausage for the first time or the hundredth, I am laying out step by step how to cook it the easy way so that you can cook the perfect sausage every time. Between the versatile methods that can be used to cook the pork sausage to the short cooking time and minimal equipment needed, this easy recipe is perfect to make for busy weeknights.
This is a great recipe to put on an easy summer meals list. It is great to serve at summer barbecues, especially for Labor Day, Fourth of July or Memorial Day barbecues. It is also great to grill as a weeknight meal that the whole family will love. This Italian sausage recipe is very kid friendly and the sausage can be used in a variety of recipes.
This was inspired by my Steak Sandwich on this site, and pairs well with this Grilled Mexican Street Corn.
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Ingredients
Either sweet fresh Italian sausages, mild Italian sausage or hot Italian sausage can be used for the sausage. The type of sausage used depends on personal taste. The onion is optional as a topping but highly suggested. Use either yellow onions or sweet onions. For best quality, use either potato buns or brioche hot dog buns to eat the sausage in. The sausage should be topped with ketchup, mayonnaise or any other condiment of choice.
- Italian Sausage Grillers
- onion
- butter
- potato hot dog buns or brioche buns
- ketchup
- mayonnaise
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Step 1: Turn on the grill to medium heat. Slice the onions and add them to a frying pan with butter on medium low heat. Cook until slightly charred and soft.
- Step 2: Add whole Italian sausage links to the grill or a frying pan. Close the grill or cover the pan. Flip every 5-7 minutes until internal temperature of the sausage reaches 165 degrees.
- Step 3: Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the insides of the hot dog bun. Place on the top rack of the grill until toasted.
- Step 4: Place sausages on the buns and top with onions. Mix together ketchup and mayonnaise and spread on top of grillers.
Hint: To keep all that flavorful juice locked inside, avoid poking holes in the sausages while cooking. The casing will crisp up nicely without releasing its delicious juices. I usually will just read the temperature of one of the tender sausages to make sure they are fully cooked to avoid losing a lot of juice and I make sure to do this when I know the sausage is almost done.
Substitutions
- Onion - instead of onion use bell peppers
- Bun - use gluten free buns instead of white bread buns to make this gluten free
- Vegetarian - the pork sausage can be replaced with a plant-based sausage to make this vegetarian
- Sausage - pork sausage can be replaced with turkey sausages or chicken sausages
Variations of How to Cook Italian Sausage
- Spicy - add hot sauce on top of the griller or use chorizo sausages, hot sausages or spicy Italian sausage instead of sweet Italian sausage to add heat to the dish. Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the mayonnaise or sauce of choice to add extra heat
- Deluxe - add extra toppings such as fried onions, jalapeños, tomatoes, etc. to upgrade this griller recipe
- Sausage Peppers and Onions - add cooked peppers and onions on top of the grillers and top with marinara sauce for a sausage peppers and onions sandwich. Use hoagie rolls if desired
- Burger - make a burger version by grilling burgers and adding onions and dijonnaise sauce
See this French Onion burger recipe on my website!
Equipment
To make this easy dinner recipe you will need a gas grill or a charcoal grill to assure you get that smoky flavor. If you do not have access to a grill, you can make this recipe inside using a cast iron pan or any skillet you have available.
You will also need a sharp knife and cutting board to cut the onions and a small frying pan to cook the onions. A meat thermometer is needed to assure the sausage is fully cooked.
Storage
Store the onions and sausages in an airtight container, wrapped in aluminum foil or a sealed plastic storage bag in the fridge, and reheat when ready. Good for 2-3 days.
These ingredients do stand up well to freezing prior to cooking for up to 2 months.
How to Reheat Italian Sausage
- Oven Method - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sausage and onions on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to retain moisture, and bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Remove foil in the last few minutes to slightly crisp the sausage casing if desired. This is the best method if reheating bulk sausage.
- Stovetop Method - Warm a skillet over medium heat and add sausages and onions. Cook gently, turning occasionally, until heated through and the natural casings crisp slightly again. This is my favorite method since it gives the sausage a nice crisp even when reheating.
- Microwave Method - Place sausage and onions on a microwave-safe plate and cover with damp paper towels. Microwave on medium-high for 1-2 minutes, checking to avoid overcooking or drying out.
Top Tip
Let the sausages rest for a few minutes after cooking to redistribute the juices and maintain moisture. This simple step elevates the texture and flavor of this tasty recipe.
FAQ
Cooking Italian sausage from frozen is possible but not ideal. It’s best to thaw it first for more even cooking. Cooking frozen sausage makes it much harder to judge the cook time needed for cooking sausages.
In the case of this recipe, no. Cooking sausage with the casing on helps retain juiciness and shape. Removing it can make crumbled sausage for recipes like pasta sauces.
Cook over medium heat and avoid piercing the casings. Also let the sausage rest after cooking to redistribute juices.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with these Italian sausage and onions:
📖 Recipe
How to Cook Italian Sausage with Onions (Very Easy)
Equipment
- 1 Grill
- 1 Small frying pan
- 1 sharp knife and cutting board
- 1 Meat Thermometer
Ingredients
- 4 Italian Sausage Grillers
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise to spread on buns
- 1 onion sliced
- 4 potato hot dog buns or brioche bun
- 2 tablespoon olive oil to cook onions
Instructions
- Turn on the grill to medium heat. Slice the onions and add them to a frying pan with butter on medium low heat. Cook until slightly charred and soft.
- Add whole Italian sausage links to the grill or a frying pan. Close the grill or cover the pan. Flip every 5-7 minutes until internal temperature of the sausage reaches 165 degrees.
- Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the insides of the hot dog bun. Place on the top rack of the grill until toasted.
- Place sausages on the buns and top with onions. Mix together ketchup and mayonnaise and spread on top of grillers.
Notes
- cook until sausages have an internal temperature of 165 degrees
- to cook inside use a cast iron skillet
- save leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Nutrition
If you have any questions about how to make these Italian sausage and onions or need other grilling recipe suggestions, leave a comment below!
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