The Conecuh Sausage Company makes a sausage called Conecuh sausage, which is pronounced “Cah-nek-ah.” The sausage is named after Conecuh County, Alabama, USA. There are six flavors of sausages to choose from: original, hickory, all-natural hickory (no MSG), spicy, and
The pork and spices are mixed together to make the smoked sausage, which is known for its savory and smokey taste.
Even though Conecuh sausages are lightly smoked before they are packed, the meat inside is still raw, so cook them all the way through before eating them. These sausages contain no preservatives, so store the meat in the fridge or freezer.
Conecuh sausage is a beloved smoked sausage originating from Alabama. With its signature blend of spices and quality meat, Conecuh sausage has a rich, smoky flavor that makes it a go-to choice for recipes like gumbo, jambalaya, and more. One of the easiest ways to cook up Conecuh sausage is by baking it in the oven. But exactly how long should you cook Conecuh sausage in the oven? Let’s take a look at some tips and guidelines for getting perfect results every time.
The Basics: Time and Temperature
The basic recommended time and temperature for baking Conecuh sausage is around 25-30 minutes at 375°F. However, cooking times can vary slightly based on the size and thickness of your sausages, as well as your specific oven’s quirks. The key things to keep in mind are:
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Preheat the oven fully before cooking. This helps ensure even heating.
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Use an oven thermometer. Oven temperatures can fluctuate. Monitoring with a thermometer prevents over or undercooking.
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Flip sausages halfway through. This promotes even cooking on all sides.
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Track cooking time. Begin checking doneness at around 20-25 minutes.
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Check the internal temp. Use a meat thermometer to confirm sausages reach 165°F.
Choosing the Right Sausage
To start with the best results, select high-quality, fresh Conecuh sausage rather than pre-cooked. Check that the sausages are plump with a nice color. The label should specify “fresh” or “raw.” Different sausage varieties like smoked, spicy andouille, or cheese also impact flavor.
Prepare Your Sausage
Before cooking, remove sausage from packaging and lay in a single layer on a baking sheet or pan. You can leave them whole or slice into portions. Pricking the sausages with a fork helps release fat and juices. For added flavor, brush with oil or coat with your favorite spices or herbs.
Should You Use Foil?
Lining your baking sheet with foil or lightly tenting foil over the top can help prevent excess browning and lock in moisture. But remove foil towards the end for more browning if desired. Skipping foil promotes greater crisping and caramelization of the sausages for bolder flavor.
Adjusting Cook Time and Temperature
While 25-30 minutes at 375°F is standard, you may need to tweak time and temperature slightly for your specific oven and sausage size. Here are some tips:
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For thicker sausages, increase cook time up to 35 minutes.
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If sausages are browning too quickly, lower the oven temp 25 degrees.
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For milder seasoning or more moisture, decrease oven temp and use foil cover.
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Track doneness carefully near end to avoid overcooking.
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Let sausages rest 5 minutes before serving for juicier meat.
Serving Up Perfectly Cooked Sausage
Once your Conecuh sausages are cooked through, you can enjoy them in so many ways! Slice and serve with classic barbecue sides like baked beans, coleslaw, and cornbread. Chop them up to mix into jambalaya, red beans and rice, or gumbo. You can also wrap in a breakfast taco or biscuit sandwich for a savory start to the day.
With the right time and temperature, you can achieve tender, juicy Conecuh sausage baked in the oven. Pay attention as it cooks, use a meat thermometer for doneness, and adjust the method to suit your oven and preferences. In no time, you’ll be serving up conveyor-belt delicious Conecuh sausage!
Frequently Asked Questions About Baking Conecuh Sausage
How do I know when Conecuh sausage is fully cooked in the oven?
Use an instant-read thermometer to check internal temperature, which should reach 165°F when fully cooked. Visual cues like firm texture, browned exterior and opaque interior also indicate doneness.
Should I flip the sausages during baking?
Yes, flipping the sausages halfway through cook time allows for even browning and cooking on both sides.
What temperature should I bake Conecuh sausage at?
375°F is ideal, but you can adjust between 350-400°F based on your specific oven and preferences. Higher heat speeds cooking.
Can I use a foil tent or wrap while baking sausage?
Yes, foil can help retain moisture and prevent burning. But remove it towards the end for browning. Skipping foil promotes more crisping.
How long does it take to bake frozen Conecuh sausage?
Frozen sausage will require a longer bake time, around 35-45 minutes at 375°F. Always verify doneness with a thermometer.
Should I prick or score the sausages before baking?
Pricking helps release fat and juices. Scoring allows seasoning penetration. Both can be done but are optional. Do not pierce too deeply.
What pans work best for baking sausage in the oven?
Any oven-safe baking sheet, pan or dish will work. Nonstick or lined with parchment prevents sticking. Use rimmed sheets to catch drippings.
Can I add seasonings or sauce to the sausage before baking?
Yes, brushing oil or adding spices, herbs, mustard or barbecue sauce before baking adds extra flavor. Apply glazes later in baking to avoid burning.
How can I ensure even cooking and prevent burning?
Use a thermometer, flip halfway, tent with foil if needed and adjust oven temperature to prevent burning. Rotate pans can also promote even cooking.
With these handy tips, you can achieve perfection when baking up this Southern favorite. Simply preheat your oven, prepare the sausages, and bake for 25-30 minutes at 375°F. Check for doneness, and enjoy your piping hot Conecuh sausage straight from the oven.
An Easy Skillet Recipe for Baked Conecuh Sausage Cornbread
Looking for a deliciously easy recipe using baked Conecuh sausage? This skillet cornbread is sure to satisfy!
Here’s a simple 5-step recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1⁄2 lb chopped, pre-baked Conecuh sausage
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 6-oz packages cornbread mix
- 1⁄4 cup cornmeal
- 1⁄2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 7-oz can corn, drained
- 1 1⁄2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup chopped green onions
Instructions:
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Pre-bake Conecuh sausage in oven at 375°F for 25-30 minutes. Allow to cool, then chop.
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Preheat oven to 425°F. Add oil to cast iron skillet and heat in oven for 8-10 minutes.
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In a bowl, mix together baked sausage, cornbread mixes, cornmeal, red pepper, buttermilk, corn, 3/4 cup cheese, and green onions.
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Carefully remove hot skillet from oven and pour in cornbread mixture. Do not stir.
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Bake 20-25 minutes until cornbread is cooked through. Top with remaining cheese last 5 minutes.
The result is a hearty cornbread loaded with smoky, savory Conecuh sausage. Feel free to play around with different mix-ins like jalapeños, bacon, or green chilies. Serve straight from the skillet alongside your favorite chili or barbecue dinner. Yum!
Helpful Tips for Achieving Sausage Perfection
Cooking up tasty Conecuh sausage in the oven is
How to Grill Conecuh Sausage
Grilling Conecuh sausages is easy and gives crispy, smoky results. It takes 10 to 12 minutes to grill raw sausages and up to 15 minutes to grill frozen sausages. Increase grilling time for an electric grill and decrease the total time if using a gas grill.
If you are using a charcoal grill, don’t put the sausages on until the charcoal is all burned over. Grilling Conecuh sausages requires constant attention to ensure the sausages don’t burn.
Ingredients and Materials:
- Defrosted or frozen Conecuh sausages
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- Kitchen tongs
Instructions:
- Set the grill to medium to high heat and light it with charcoal, gas, or electricity. Put some cooking oil on the grill grates and let them heat up for 10 minutes, or until the meat reaches 275°F on the inside.
- Divide the Conecuh sausages into 6-inch pieces and poke holes in them with a fork or knife. Arrange the sausages on the grill plates so that there is space between them.
- Every two to four minutes, turn the sausages over with the kitchen tongs to make sure they get a good sear.
- It’s time to take the sausages off the grill when they are 165°F inside and golden brown on all sides.
- Allow the sausages to rest for 10 minutes before serving
The grilled sausage can be used in many popular grilled dishes, such as hotdogs and sausage kebabs. The links go well with grilled veggies like onions and peppers and are delicious when marinated.
How to Cook Conecuh Sausage in the Oven
Cooking Conecuh sausage in the oven is easy and makes the sausage crispy and evenly cooked. If the link is raw, it will take 25 to 30 minutes to cook in the oven. If it is frozen, it will take 35 to 40 minutes.
Ingredients and Materials:
- Defrosted or frozen Conecuh sausages
- Nonstick baking sheet or a large cast iron skillet
- Kitchen tongs
- Oven mitts
- Meat thermometer
Instructions:
- Warm the oven up to 400°F, and then put the baking pan on the middle rack. Cover the pan with the baking sheet or parchment paper.
- Take the sausages out of the package and use a fork or knife to make a hole in each inch of them. This will quickly render the fat, making the sausage taste better when it’s done.
- You can cut the sausages into 4-inch pieces to cook them faster, or you can leave them whole before putting them on the pan and putting them in the oven.
- With oven mitts, take the sausages out of the oven after 10 to 15 minutes (raw) or 20 to 25 minutes (frozen). Use kitchen tongs to brown the bottom sides of the sausages.
- Back the sausages into the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes (if they are raw) or 20 to 25 minutes (if they are frozen). Watch them carefully to make sure they don’t burn. Using a meat thermometer, take them out of the oven when the internal temperature of each sausage reaches 165°F. Serve right away with your choice of dipping sauce.
You can bake popular foods like cornbread, baked beans, pizza, hash brown casserole, and macaroni and cheese with conecuh sausage. For starters, the link can be used to make bacon-wrapped sausage, Conecuh wontons, or pigs in a blanket.