Trader Joe’s hot Italian sausage is a beloved staple for good reason. Bursting with savory, garlicky flavor, this quick-cooking sausage can transform any meal into something special. But to truly get the most out of this versatile ingredient, it’s important to learn how to cook it properly.
There you have it! Everything you need to know to cook delicious Trader Joe’s hot Italian sausage. You’ll learn the best methods for pan-frying, baking, grilling, and more. With just a few easy tips, you can make sure that every sausage is tender and juicy. So let’s get cooking!.
Part of what makes Trader Joe’s Italian sausage so tasty is the quality of the ingredients Their hot Italian sausage contains a zesty blend of spices like garlic, paprika, fennel, and red pepper flakes. This imparts it with addictive flavor that’s slightly spicy but not overwhelmingly hot
The sausage itself has a pleasing texture that’s nicely coarse from the meat and fat. Unlike some sausages that can dry out during cooking, Trader Joe’s maintains a delicious juiciness when prepared properly.
This versatility also makes it ideal for everything from quick weeknight meals to impressive dinner parties. The sausage is fully cooked, so it just needs to be heated through before serving.
Now let’s explore some foolproof methods for cooking up this tasty sausage!
Helpful Tips and Tools for Cooking Sausage
Having the right tools on hand makes cooking sausage a breeze. Here are a few key items to have in your arsenal:
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Heavy skillet or sauté pan
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Tongs for easy flipping
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Instant-read thermometer
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Baking sheet
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Aluminum foil
Some helpful tips:
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Remove sausage from packaging and pat dry before cooking
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Use a lower heat setting to avoid burning
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Flip/rotate sausage frequently for even cooking
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Check internal temp to confirm doneness
Pan-Frying for Fast, Flavorful Results
One of the quickest and tastiest ways to cook Trader Joe’s Italian sausage is by pan-frying it in a skillet on the stovetop.
Here’s a simple pan-frying method:
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Heat a heavy skillet over medium heat. Add just a teaspoon of oil or cooking spray.
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Add sausage links and cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes per side until nicely browned.
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Use tongs to flip and continue cooking, rotating periodically, until internal temp reaches 160°F.
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Remove from heat and let rest 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Pan-frying locks in the natural juices while imparting delicious caramelization and char. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan, which can cause steaming versus browning.
Achieving Sausage Perfection in the Oven
For hands-off cooking with minimal cleanup, baking Trader Joe’s sausage in the oven is ideal.
Follow these steps for perfect oven-baked sausage:
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Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil.
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Arrange sausage links on sheet without overcrowding.
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Bake 15 minutes then flip sausage and bake 10 more minutes.
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Check internal temp and continue baking if needed until 160°F.
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Let sausage rest 5 minutes before serving.
The gentle, ambient heat of the oven means you don’t have to babysit the sausage as closely. Just be sure to flip halfway through and use a thermometer for doneness.
Unlocking Smoky, Charred Flavor on the Grill
Warm weather calls for firing up the grill, and Trader Joe’s Italian sausage is perfect for imparting smoky flavor.
For mouthwatering grilled sausage:
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Preheat grill to medium heat. Lightly oil grates.
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Place sausage on hot side of grill and cook uncovered for 6-8 minutes, flipping occasionally.
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Move to cooler side of grill if flare-ups occur.
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Grill until internal temp reaches 160°F.
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Let rest 5 minutes and serve.
The key with grilling is using moderate heat to avoid scorching the exterior before the interior cooks through. Keep a close eye on the sausages and move them to a cooler area of the grill if needed.
Perfectly Crispy Sausage From the Air Fryer
For a quick, healthier cooking method, Trader Joe’s sausage also shines when made in the air fryer.
Here’s how to air fry sausage to crispy perfection:
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Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
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Place sausage links in fryer basket in a single layer.
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Cook for 4-6 minutes until browned. Flip halfway through.
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Check internal temp and cook longer if needed until 160°F.
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Allow to rest before serving.
The hot air circulates around the sausage for an evenly browned and crispy exterior. Be sure not to overcrowd the air fryer, which can lead to uneven cooking.
Cooking Raw Sausage Safely
Trader Joe’s Italian sausage is fully cooked, but when purchasing raw sausage, special care must be taken to cook it safely to the proper internal temperature.
Follow these tips for safely cooking raw sausage:
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Cook to an internal temp of 160°F.
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Preheat pans/grills fully before cooking.
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Turn sausages frequently for even cooking.
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Don’t reuse marinades used on raw sausage.
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Never brown or partially cook then refrigerate raw sausage to finish later. Always cook fully.
With the right precautions, raw sausage can be enjoyed safely. But for convenience, opting for pre-cooked sausage like Trader Joe’s eliminates this extra step.
Serving Suggestions and Recipe Ideas
The possibilities are endless when it comes to putting Trader Joe’s hot Italian sausage to delicious use. Here are just a few serving ideas:
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Sandwiches – Pair with melted provolone on crusty rolls.
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Breakfast – Add to egg bakes, stratas, or breakfast bowls.
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Salads – Slice and toss with crisp greens, tomatoes, olives.
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Pasta – Mix crumbled sausage into tomato sauce for added flavor.
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Pizza – Scatter pieces over pizza for a meaty, savory topping.
With its versatility, Trader Joe’s sausage can be used in cuisine from Italian to American to Mexican. Get creative with your own signature sausage dishes!
Helpful Hacks for Leftover Sausage
Like any pre-cooked sausage, Trader Joe’s links will last about 5-7 days refrigerated. But you can extend their life and get creative with these leftover sausage hacks:
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Freeze links fully cooked in a single layer then transfer to bags once frozen. Thaw overnight in fridge before using.
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Fry slices or crumbles until crispy for easy sausage topping to add texture and flavor to dishes all week long.
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Simmer crumbled sausage in tomato sauce or gravy for a quick, hearty dish.
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Mash cooked sausage with cream cheese or ricotta cheese for an instant flavor-packed spread or dip.
With a few simple storage tricks, you can eliminate any waste and enjoy Trader Joe’s Italian sausage all week long after opening.
FAQs About Cooking Trader Joe’s Sausage
If you’re new to cooking Trader Joe’s sausage, chances are you have some questions. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:
How long does Trader Joe’s Italian sausage last refrigerated?
About 5-7 days refrigerated. Make sure to use by any date marked on the packaging.
Can you freeze Trader Joe’s cooked Italian sausage?
Yes, freeze fully cooked links in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to freezer bags. Thaw in refrigerator before using.
What’s the best way to reheat Trader Joe’s sausage?
Gently reheat in a skillet, or slice and heat in the microwave or oven until warm throughout.
How do you know when Trader Joe’s sausage is fully cooked?
Always use an instant-read thermometer to check internal temperature, which should reach 160°F for doneness.
Should you prick or poke Trader Joe’s sausage before cooking?
Pricking with a fork before cooking can prevent “curling” but is not mandatory. Use tongs to flip and rotate while cooking instead.
Satisfying, Savory Sausage Made Simple
With its unmatched flavor and versatility, Trader Joe’s hot Italian sausage is a staple worth learning how to cook to perfection. Whether pan-fried, baked, grilled or air fried, following these simple tricks ensures tender, juicy results every time.
Incorporate this beloved sausage into your weekly meal rotation and prepare to fall in love with each satisfying, savory bite. Buon appetito!
Spaghetti With Trader Joe’s Sweet Italian Pork Sausage and Tomato Basil Marinara
I like to keep a few packages of spaghetti in my pantry because it stays fresh for a long time and is great for building a quick dinner on top of. My favorite summer spaghetti recipe can be found HERE. But when I need to make a quick Trader Joe’s dinner, I keep it simple and add whatever I have on hand to the spaghetti. I typically start with a sauce, then meat or veggies, then cheese and herbs. Trader Joe’s is known for having great seasonal items that change with the seasons, like this harvest blend for fall. But their basic tomato basil sauce is my favorite way to cook. I’ll use it in another recipe below, so trust me when I say you should keep it in your pantry! I also like to freeze Trader Joe’s sweet Italian pork sausage and make little meatballs out of it.
Ingredients:
- 1 Package Spaghetti
- 1 Jar Trader Joe’s Tomato Basil Marinara
- Trader Joe’s has 1 pound of sweet Italian sausage in the meat section that keeps meat cold.
Toppings:
- Fresh Basil, chopped
- Parmesan Cheese, grated
Sides:
- Crusty Bread, a favorite is the Trader Joe’s olive baguette
- Quick Packaged Salad
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet on medium-high heat.
- Meanwhile, slice Italian sausage into 2-inch disks.
- Turn the sausage over several times in the hot pan until the middle is no longer pink and the outside is browned all over.
- Slow down the stove and add the tomato sauce jar. Simmer on low for about 10 minutes.
- While that’s going on, heat water in a saucepan for the spaghetti and cook it according to the directions on the package.
- Place the pasta on a plate and cover it with sauce. Add chopped basil and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Put some crusty bread and a simple salad next to it.
Trader Joe’s Gluten-Free Pancakes With Bacon and Blueberry Sauce
I grew up in a large family where mealtime was kept simple out of necessity. There wasn’t a lot of money for fancy food, so breakfast was often my mom’s “big splurge”. There was nothing strange about seeing our family at the dinner table during the week with pancakes, eggs, and bacon, if we were lucky. My siblings and I would all descend on the table and inhale everything we could get our hands-on. Because I remember these dinners so well, I chose to start a tradition with my own family. When we’ve used up all the fresh food and the pantry is running low, I use breakfast night about once a week. This is, by far, my kids’ favorite quick Trader Joe’s dinner of the week.
The Best Gluten-Free Pancakes:
- Trader Joe’s gluten-free pancake mix
- Melted butter
- Milk
- Eggs
Blueberry Sauce, by Pinch of Yum
- 3 cups blueberries, fresh or frozen
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 and a half tablespoons of cornstarch or arrowroot mixed with three tablespoons of water
- ½ tsp vanilla
Sides:
- 1 lb bacon
- Eggs
For the blueberry sauce:
- Place 1 1/2 cups blueberries in a small saucepan. Cover with the water and add sugar and vanilla. Bring to a low boil and stir in the blueberries. Cook over medium-high heat until the blueberries begin to break apart.
- Dissolve the cornstarch or arrowroot in water and add it to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a full boil. Turn down the heat and let the sauce simmer on low for two to three minutes, or until it reaches the consistency you want.
- If the sauce gets too thick, add water one tablespoon at a time. Remove from heat. Add remaining blueberries and stir gently. Serve warm or cold.
For the pancakes:
- There are a lot of GF pancake mixes out there, but the Trader Joe’s mix is my favorite. So much so that my family now likes it better than syrups that aren’t gluten-free.
- Instead of syrup, the fresh berry sauce above is the best thing to put on top of these pancakes. When I can add a splash of antioxidants to my breakfast, I always feel a little better.
- Once the blueberry sauce is ready, follow the directions on the pancake mix package. Before you fry the cakes on the griddle, if you want to be fancy, add more chocolate chips or blueberries to the wet mix.
- Top with powdered sugar and the homemade blueberry sauce.
