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This is the best oven baked Italian sausage —simple, quick, and perfectly juicy! There are no extra ingredients, just pure, flavorful Italian sausage with a golden-brown, slightly crisp exterior.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
This method guarantees crispy, caramelized sausage on the outside and juicy, tender meat on the inside. It’s truly the best way to cook Italian sausage in the oven!
- Quick & Easy – Just one pan, no fuss, no extra ingredients—perfect for busy nights!
- Minimal Cleanup – Bake directly on a tray for the best browning or use foil/parchment for effortless cleanup. Baking at ensures a golden-brown crust while keeping the inside moist and delicious.
- Versatile – Enjoy them as-is, slice them for fettuccine alfredo pasta, creamy polenta, stuff them into sandwiches, or pair them with roasted veggies.
You’ll also love my Italian sausage, bell peppers and onions skillet, and baked sausage and potatoes.
Table of Contents
Recipe Ingredients
- Italian Pork Sausage Links (spicy, mild, or sweet)- Use high-quality, fresh sausages from your local butcher or a trusted brand for the best results.
See the recipe card for quantities.
How To Cook Italian Sausages In The Oven
Enjoy this foolproof method for oven-baked Italian sausage—perfectly juicy every time! Cooking Italian sausage in the oven has never been so easy! See the recipe card for oven temperatures and times.
Place the Italian sausage on the baking sheet and place in the preheated oven.
Flip the sausages halfway through cooking and broil for a minute at the end if desired.
My Pro Tip
Recipe Expert Tips
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Space the sausages apart so they roast evenly and get that perfect golden-brown exterior.
- Use a Wire Rack (Optional) – Placing sausages on a wire rack over a baking sheet allows air to circulate around them, ensuring even cooking and crisp skin.
- Flip Halfway Through – Turning the sausages at the 5-7 minute mark ensures both sides brown beautifully.
- Check the Internal Temperature – Italian sausage should reach 160°F (71°C) for pork or 165°F (74°C) for poultry for safe and juicy results.
- Broil for Extra Crispiness – If you love a deep golden-brown crust, broil the sausages for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Let Them Rest – After baking, let the sausages sit for 5 minutes before slicing or serving—this locks in juices and enhances flavor
- Bake Directly on a Sheet for Best Browning – While parchment or foil helps with cleanup, direct contact with a metal tray creates the best caramelization.
- Prick or No Prick? – Avoid poking holes in the sausages! This keeps the juices inside and prevents them from drying out.
- For Extra Flavor – While this recipe keeps it simple, you can brush sausages with olive oil or add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for even more depth.
FAQ’s
Any uncooked Italian sausage links work well! Choose from:
Sweet Italian sausage – Mild, with a hint of fennel and garlic.
Mild Italian sausage – Similar to sweet but without as much sugar.
Spicy or Hot Italian sausage – Contains red pepper flakes for a kick.
Chicken or Italian turkey sausage – A leaner option with great flavor.
Use high-quality, fresh sausages from your local butcher or a trusted brand for the best results.
The best way to check is with a meat thermometer:
Pork sausages should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Chicken or turkey sausages should reach 165°F (74°C).
The exterior should be golden brown, and the juices should run clear (not pink).
Yes! You can bake Italian sausages straight from frozen with a slight adjustment:
Increase the cooking time to 25-30 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
Flip halfway through for even browning.
Check the internal temperature to ensure they’re fully cooked (160°F for pork, 165°F for poultry).
No additional seasoning is needed! Italian sausages are already packed with herbs, garlic, fennel, and spices. However, if you want extra flavor, you can
Brush them with olive oil for a richer taste.
Sprinkle with cracked black pepper or Italian seasonings.
Serve with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or fresh herbs after baking.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Freeze for up to 3 months in a sealed bag or container.
Reheat:
- Oven: 350°F, 10-12 min (best method).
- Stovetop: Medium heat, cover with a splash of water, 5-7 min.
- Microwave: 50% power, 1-2 min, checking as needed.
- Air Fryer: 350°F, 4-5 min.
- For frozen sausages, thaw them overnight or add extra cooking time.
What To Serve With This Recipe
I love to serve this Italian sausage in the oven recipe with crusty bread, roasted peppers pasta, or polenta. These sausages also make the perfect addition to an Italian hoagie or a classic sausage and peppers dish.
You will also enjoy Italian sausage pasta with tomato sauce, Italian sausage white bean soup, and Italian sausage and lentil soup.
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Baked Italian Sausage Recipe
Ingredients
- 4-6 (4 oz) Italian Sausage Links (mild, sweet, or spicy)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup, or bake directly on the tray for better browning.
- Arrange the sausages in a single layer on the baking sheet, leaving some space between each link for even cooking.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the sausages are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for pork sausage (or 165°F (74°C) for chicken or turkey sausage).
- Optional: For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end.
- Rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices.
Notes
Tips for Success
- For juicy sausages: Bake on parchment paper to trap some steam.
- For extra browning: Bake directly on a metal sheet pan for the best caramelization.
- For easy cleanup: Use foil, but note that it won’t brown quite as much as direct baking.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
The BEST and only way to cook Itlain sausage in the oven! Perfect results every time!