How to Cook Zummo Sausage in the Oven: A Complete Guide

The Zummo Meat company in East Texas has been making tasty smoked sausage called Zummo sausage for more than 100 years. Zummo sausage is popular for anything from breakfast tacos to appetizers and main dishes. Its spicy flavor makes it stand out. You can cook Zummo sausage on the grill or on the stove, but baking it in the oven is one of the easiest and safest ways to do it.

In this complete guide we’ll cover everything you need to know to cook delicious Zummo sausage in the oven. including

• Benefits of Cooking Zummo Sausage in the Oven
• Choosing the Right Zummo Sausage for Oven Cooking
• Necessary Equipment for Oven-Cooking Zummo Sausage
• How to Prepare Zummo Sausage for the Oven
• Oven Temperature and Cook Times
• Baking Tips and Tricks
• Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
• Serving Suggestions

So let’s get started and learn how to make perfect oven-baked Zummo sausage!

Benefits of Cooking Zummo Sausage in the Oven

Baking Zummo sausage in the oven has several advantages over other cooking methods:

• Even cooking: The hot air circulates evenly around the sausages, ensuring they cook through without burning or undercooking.

• Serves many sausages: A baking sheet can hold many sausages, making it simple to cook for many people.

• Easy: Once the sausages are in the oven, you don’t have to keep an eye on them or flip them over all the time like you do on the stove.

• Adds flavor: The dry oven heat helps intensify the smoky, seasoned flavor of the sausages.

• Easy cleanup: Unlike grilling or frying, baking sausage makes minimal mess.

So if you need to quickly and easily cook Zummo sausage for a weeknight dinner or a big get-together, the oven is your best bet!

Choosing the Right Zummo Sausage for Oven Cooking

Zummo makes a wide variety of sausage flavors and formats. When choosing which type to cook in the oven, opt for raw, uncooked sausages rather than pre-cooked. Raw sausages like their popular Party Time links work perfectly.

Pre-cooked smoked sausages can dry out or get tough in the oven, so they are better suited for grilling or pan frying. Raw sausages will cook up juicy and flavorful when baked at the right temperature.

You can bake any size Zummo raw smoked sausage, from little mini links to foot-long ropes. Just adjust oven times accordingly. Smaller sausages may take 15-25 minutes while larger links may need 30-45 minutes.

Necessary Equipment for Oven-Cooking Zummo Sausage

Cooking Zummo sausage in the oven doesn’t require any special tools. Here’s the basic equipment you’ll need:

• Baking sheet or pan: Choose a rimmed baking sheet or oven-safe pan to contain any fats or juices that cook out of the sausages.

• Parchment paper or foil (optional): Lining your baking sheet with parchment or foil makes cleanup easier.

• Cooking spray or oil: Lightly coat the baking sheet with cooking spray or vegetable oil to prevent sticking.

• Meat thermometer: Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the sausages reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

• Tongs or spatula: Have tongs or a sturdy spatula on hand to transfer sausages to and from the oven.

And that’s it! Provided you have a baking sheet and functioning oven, you’re ready to cook.

How to Prepare Zummo Sausage for the Oven

Prepping the sausages before baking is easy but important:

• Select sausages: Pick fully thawed raw sausages and pat them dry with paper towels.

• Prick sausages: Use a fork to gently prick each sausage 4-5 times all over. This prevents them from bursting.

• Coat pan: Lightly grease your baking sheet or pan with cooking spray or oil.

• Arrange sausages: Place the sausages on the pan in a single layer without overcrowding.

• Season (optional): Brush or sprinkle the sausages lightly with oil or other seasoning if desired.

Now your sausages are ready to pop in the preheated oven!

Oven Temperature and Cook Times

To bake Zummo sausage to juicy perfection:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). This moderately hot temperature evenly cooks the sausages.

• Cook for 15-30 minutes depending on size. Check for doneness at 15 minutes.

• Flip sausages halfway through. Turn them over so both sides brown evenly.

• Check the internal temperature. Small sausages should reach 165°F and large sausages at least 160°F.

• Let rest 5 minutes before serving. The residual heat finishes cooking them.

These oven settings reliably yield sausages that are sizzling on the outside and moist on the inside without being dried out or undercooked.

Baking Tips and Tricks

Follow these tips for perfect oven-baked Zummo sausage:

• Flip halfway: Turn the sausages over midway during baking for even cooking.

• Add liquid: Try adding some beer, apple juice, or water to the baking pan for extra moisture.

• Brown first: For crispy exterior, brown the sausages in a skillet before transferring to a baking sheet.

• Use convection setting: If your oven has convection, use it to accelerate cooking time.

• Check often: Peek in frequently near the end to prevent over-browning or bursting.

• Let rest before cutting: Allowing the sausages to rest seals in the juices for moist, tender links.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

It’s easy to end up with dried-out, undercooked, or burnt sausages if you’re not careful. Here are some common oven baking mistakes and tips to prevent them:

Mistake: Sausages that are shriveled or dry.

Solution: Don’t overcook. Use a meat thermometer and stick to recommended bake times.

Mistake: Sausages that are still pink or raw inside.

Solution: Double check the internal temperature with a thermometer before removing from oven.

Mistake: Sausages that are blackened or burnt on the outside.

Solution: Use lower heat, flip them halfway through, and watch closely near the end of baking.

Mistake: Sausage casings that have split or exploded.

Solution: Be sure to prick sausages thoroughly before baking so steam can escape.

Serving Suggestions

Once you’ve master