The Complete Guide to Cooking Uncle John’s Sausage to Perfection

Uncle John’s sausage holds a special place in many people’s hearts. This sausage has been satisfying taste buds since 1922. It is known for having a strong, smokey flavor. But if you want to really enjoy Uncle John’s sausage, you need to know how to cook it right.

In this guide, we’ll provide pro tips and step-by-step instructions for cooking Uncle John’s sausage perfectly every time. Whether you prefer pan-frying, baking, or grilling, we’ve got you covered. Read on to become a Uncle John’s sausage cooking master!

Before we dive into cooking methods, let’s take a moment to get acquainted with Uncle John’s sausage. This Tampa-based company offers a range of smoked and fresh sausage products made from quality pork.

Some of their most popular options include:

• Smoked Sausage – Classic smoked sausage infused with bold flavor. Available in various styles like smoked bratwurst and smoked andouille.

• Sausage: They have hot and sweet Italian, breakfast, and chicken apple sausages that are made from fresh meat.

• Smoked Kielbasa – Smoked Polish-style sausage with garlic notes and a hearty texture

No matter which you choose, Uncle John’s sausage always delivers big, smoky flavor perfect for any recipe Now let’s look at how to coax the most flavor out of these sausages.

Helpful Tools and Tips for Cooking Sausage

Having the right tools on hand makes cooking sausage much simpler. Here are a few handy items to have:

• Heavy skillet or grill pan

• Instant-read thermometer

• Tongs for easy flipping

• Baking sheet

• Aluminum foil

Some useful tips:

• Always read packaging for cook times and temps

• Remove sausage from packaging and pat dry before cooking

• Use medium-low heat to avoid burning

• Rotate sausage frequently for even browning

• Check internal temp to confirm doneness

Now let’s explore some easy cooking methods for Uncle John’s sausage.

Pan-Frying for Fast, Flavorful Sausage

One of the quickest and tastiest ways to enjoy Uncle John’s sausage is by pan-frying. This method adds delicious caramelized flavor with minimal cleanup.

Follow these simple steps for pan-fried sausage perfection:

1. Remove sausage links from packaging and pat dry with paper towels.

2. Heat a heavy skillet over medium heat. Add just a teaspoon of oil or cooking spray.

3. Add sausage links and cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes per side until nicely browned.

4. Use tongs to flip and continue cooking, rotating periodically, until internal temp reaches 160°F.

5. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Be sure not to overcrowd the pan, which can cause steaming versus searing. Pan-frying locks in the natural juices for the best texture.

Baking Uncle John’s Sausage in the Oven

For easy, hands-off cooking, baking Uncle John’s sausage in the oven is ideal. The ambient heat gently cooks the sausages to plump, juicy perfection.

Here’s how to bake Uncle John’s sausage in the oven:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment.

2. Arrange sausages on sheet without overcrowding.

3. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

4. Check internal temp, bake longer if needed until 160°F.

5. Let sausage rest 5 minutes before serving.

The key is using a thermometer to monitor doneness since oven temps can vary. Feel free to add veggies like peppers and onions to the pan for a sheet pan meal!

Grilling for Smoky, Char-Grilled Sausage

Since Uncle John’s sausage is already smoked, grilling adds even more irresistible smoky flavor. Follow these steps for mouthwatering grilled sausage:

1. Preheat grill to medium heat. Lightly oil grates.

2. Place sausages on hot side of grill. Cook 4-5 minutes per side with lid closed.

3. Move sausages to cooler side if flare-ups occur.

4. Grill until internal temp reaches 160°F.

5. Allow to rest 5 minutes before serving.

Monitor closely to avoid charring the exterior before the interior cooks through. Letting them rest after grilling allows juices to redistribute.

Crispy, Golden Air Fryer Sausage

An air fryer gives Uncle John’s sausage crispy texture without the added calories of frying. Simply:

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.

2. Place sausages in single layer in fryer basket.

3. Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping occasionally, until browned.

4. Check internal temp, cook longer if needed.

5. Allow to rest before eating.

The hot swirling air makes the casings deliciously crispy. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket for even cooking.

Incorporating Uncle John’s Sausage Into Recipes

The fun doesn’t stop once the sausage is cooked! Uncle John’s sausage shines in all types of dishes. Here are some tasty recipe ideas:

• Breakfast tacos or burritos – Dice and pair with eggs, cheese, peppers.

• Chili or stew – Slice and add for rich, meaty flavor.

• Mac and cheese – Dice and add to cheesy pasta bakes.

• Quesadillas – Mix with cheese between tortillas and pan fry.

• Eggs benedict – Use as the base instead of Canadian bacon.

• Pizza – Sprinkle crumbles over homemade or store-bought pizza.

With its versatility, Uncle John’s sausage can elevate everything from breakfast to dinner. Explore your own signature creations!

Storing and Reheating Leftover Sausage

Like any cooked sausage, Uncle John’s links should be consumed within 5-7 days for peak freshness. Here are some storage tips:

• Refrigerate fully cooked links in a sealed container.

• Frozen links will last 2-3 months – thaw in fridge before using.

• Reheat gently in a skillet, oven or microwave until heated through.

With proper storage, you can enjoy the flavor of Uncle John’s sausage all week long.

Common Questions About Cooking Uncle John’s Sausage

If you’re new to cooking Uncle John’s sausage, you probably have some questions. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

Should I prick or poke the sausages before cooking?

This isn’t mandatory but can prevent “curling” while cooking. Use tongs to flip and rotate instead if needed.

What’s the best way to get grill marks on the sausage?

Let sausages cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes at a time before flipping for defined grill marks.

How can I make the casings extra crispy?

Pan fry over high heat or finish in the broiler for a few minutes until casings are crisped.

What’s the minimum safe internal temperature for sausage?

Always cook smoked sausage like Uncle John’s to an internal temp of at least 160°F.

Can I re-freeze sausage once thawed?

For safety, it’s best not to re-freeze sausage once it’s been thawed. Cook within 5-7 days.

Satisfying Smoked Sausage Made Simple

Uncle John’s sausage is the secret ingredient for infusing breakfast, lunch, and dinner with mouthwatering smoked flavor. By following these handy tips for pan frying, baking, grilling, and more, you’ll be able to achieve sausage perfection every time. So grab a pack of your favorite Uncle John’s smoked sausages and get cooking!