What Temp to Cook Sausage on Griddle: The Key to Perfect Sausages

By Avi Green March 27, 2024

If youre a barbecue enthusiast who loves cooking sausages on your griddle, this guide is here to offer delightful and delicious smoking techniques. Griddle cooking is its own art form, and understanding what temp to cook sausage on griddle is essential to achieving that perfect, juicy, flavor-packed sausage.

Whether you're new to griddle cooking or a seasoned pro, there's always something thrilling about uncovering fresh tips and tricks. Let's delve deep into the best practices, tips, and techniques on this griddle journey!

Why Griddle Cooking is the Trend

Griddle cooking offers several benefits. The consistent heat distribution, the convenience of a large, flat cooking surface, and the formidable array of grilling approaches make it a beloved tool for barbecue aficionados. Its particularly fantastic for cooking sausages because:

Even Heat Distribution: This ensures sausages are cooked thoroughly, which is crucial for both taste and safety.
Versatility: You can cook various types of food simultaneously without one affecting the flavor of another.
Easy Cleanup: Compared to traditional grills, griddles are straightforward to clean.

Knowing what temperature to cook sausage on a griddle ensures you avoid both undercooked interiors and charred exteriors, making your cooking process seamless.

Ideal Temperature for Sausage on a Griddle

Cooking sausages to perfection requires keen attention to temperature. Setting your griddle to the right heat is pivotal. The magic number falls between 325F and 350F. This range is optimal because:

Preserves Juices: At this temperature, sausages cook evenly without drying out, preserving their inherent juices.
Promotes Even Browning: The exterior gets a delightful golden-brown hue while inner meat cooks thoroughly.
Prevents Splitting: Overly high temperatures can cause sausage casings to split or burst.
Retains Flavor: Moderate heat helps in retaining the flavors and ensuring the sausages do not burn or overcook.

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Texture: Proper temperature control ensures the sausages aren't dry or rubbery.

Flavor: Properly cooked sausages yield a rich flavor profile without any burnt char.

Types of Sausages and Griddle Cooking

There are several types of sausages you might want to cook on your griddle. Each has specific temperature ranges and cooking times.

1. Breakfast Sausages

Breakfast sausages are usually smaller and thinner. Therefore, they require less cooking time but careful temperature monitoring. Heres how:

Temperature: 325F
Cooking Time: Approximately 10-12 minutes
Tip: Turn frequently to avoid burning and ensure even cooking.

2. Italian Sausages

Italian sausages are larger, with robust flavors. For optimal cooking:

Temperature: 350F
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Tip: Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 160F.

3. Bratwursts

These German sausages are hearty and plump. Follow these steps:

Temperature: 350F
Cooking Time: 18-22 minutes
Tip: Begin on higher heat for searing, then reduce to moderate heat to complete cooking.

4. Chorizo

This spicy sausage needs attentiveness due to its high fat content:

Temperature: 325F
Cooking Time: 16-18 minutes
Tip: Cook slowly to render fat without causing it to burst.

Pro Tips for Perfect Sausage Griddle Cooking

While knowing the right temperatures is crucial, employing some additional tips can make your sausage-cooking outcomes consistently brilliant:

Oil Your Griddle

Use an oil with a high smoke point such as canola or grapeseed oil. This helps in preventing the sausages from sticking as well as achieving that desirable crispy texture.

Pre-cooking Preparation

Allow sausages to come to room temperature before placing them on the griddle. This ensures even cooking. Also, pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any moisture.

Keep an Eye on It

Regularly turn your sausages using tongs. Avoid piercing with a fork as it can cause the juices to escape, leading to dry sausages.

Simmer to Finish

For thicker sausages like bratwursts, consider simmer-cooking as the final step. Once you achieve a good sear, add some water or beer to the griddle and cover it. Allow them to steam for a few minutes.