Sausage is a delicious and versatile food that can be enjoyed in many different ways.
Originating in Europe, sausage has been a popular food for centuries and has evolved into many different varieties and flavors.
Whether you are using breakfast sausage on your griddle for your morning meal or cooking a gourmet sausage dish for dinner, proper cooking techniques are essential to ensure that your sausages turn out perfectly every time.

In this article, we will discuss the ideal cooking time for sausages on a griddle, the factors that affect cooking time, step-by-step instructions for each cooking method, helpful tips to achieve the best results when cooking sausages on a griddle, common mistakes to avoid when cooking sausages on a griddle, adjusting the cooking time for different appliances and cuts of sausage or portions of meat and storage and reheating guidelines.
How Long to Cook Sausage on Griddle
The ideal cooking time for sausage on griddle depends on several factors such as the type of sausage being cooked, desired level of doneness or crispiness, thickness of the meat and temperature used during cooking. Typically, breakfast sausages take around 10-12 minutes to cook evenly while thicker cuts of meat like bratwurst may take up to 20-25 minutes.
Different Cooking Methods
When it comes to using a flat top griddle there are several methods available. Here are three popular methods:
- Direct Heat Method: This method requires preheating the grill pan over medium-high heat before adding uncooked pork patties. The patties should be spread out evenly across the grill pan with enough space between them so they don’t touch each other while they cook.
- Indirect Heat Method: This method involves preheating one side of your grill pan over high heat before turning it down to medium-low heat once your patties have been added onto it so they cook slowly.
- Combination Method: This method combines the use of both direct heat and indirect heat for optimal cooking results. Start by searing the patties over high heat on one side of your grill pan before moving them to the cooler side to finish cooking.
Factors Affecting Cooking Time
Several factors can affect the cooking time of sausages, including size, thickness, desired level of doneness or crispiness, type of sausage or meat cut and temperature used during cooking. Thicker sausages will take longer than thinner varieties while higher temperatures will result in faster cooking times but may compromise the flavor and tenderness of the meat.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Sausage on Griddle
Follow these simple steps to cook perfectly cooked sausage on a griddle:
- Preheat your griddle over medium-high heat for 5 minutes.
- Season your sausages with salt and pepper according to taste preference.
- Place your sausages onto the heated griddle with enough space between each one so they don’t touch each other while they cook.
- Cook your sausages for around 10-12 minutes or until golden brown on all sides.
- Remove from heat once done and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Helpful Tips for Cooking Sausage on Griddle
Here are some expert tips you can use to achieve perfect results every time when cooking sausage on a flat top griddle:
- Properly prepare or marinate your sausage beforehand to maximize its flavor potential.
- Monitor temperature accuracy for optimal results by using a thermometer to ensure that it reaches the desired internal temperature (160°F).
- Use proper equipment such as tongs or spatulas made from high-quality materials like stainless steel which will provide a better grip and prevent sticking or burning during flipping
- Master essential techniques such as flipping sausages regularly throughout their cooking time to ensure even cooking.
- Present sausages well by serving them with complementary sides like homemade mashed potatoes, gravy, or a fresh salad.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To achieve the best results when cooking sausage on a griddle, there are a few common mistakes you should avoid:
- Overcooking or undercooking your sausage – ensure that you check the internal temperature before removing them from the griddle.
- Not maintaining consistent cooking temperature – keep an eye on your heat settings and adjust accordingly throughout the cooking process for optimal results.
- Rushing or skipping crucial preparation steps – make sure that you follow all necessary steps for marinating, seasoning and prepping your meat before adding it onto the grill pan.
- Incorrect tool or equipment usage – use high-quality tongs or spatulas made from durable materials like stainless steel which will provide a better grip and prevent sticking or burning during flipping.
- Not following proper safety procedures such as washing hands thoroughly before handling raw meat to avoid cross-contamination with other foods in your kitchen space.
Adjusting Cooking Time for Different Appliances
Different appliances may require different cooking times when using sausages.
For example, using a convection oven may require a shorter cook time than using an oven without convection settings due to its powerful circulation features which help distribute heat evenly throughout the cooking process.
Similarly slow cookers will take longer while pressure cookers can drastically reduce overall cooking time depending on their pressure release settings and variety of sausage being used.
Cooking Time for Different Cuts or Portions of Sausage
Different cuts of pork may also require different cooking times so be sure to choose appropriate cuts based on your desired level of doneness and thickness needed for optimal results.
Bone-in are some of the thickest cuts available and often have more fat content than boneless varieties, which means they require longer cook times on average up to 30 minutes, while boneless sausages typically take around 15-20 minutes to cook evenly.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Once you have cooked your sausages on a griddle, be sure to store any leftovers properly by refrigerating or freezing them in an airtight container to maximize their shelf life. When reheating, use proper methods such as microwaving, boiling or grilling depending on the type of sausage you’re working with for best results.
Jenny has always been passionate about cooking, and she uses her platform to share her joy of food with others. Her recipes are easy to follow, and she loves giving tips and tricks to help others create their own unique culinary creations.