How to Cook an Italian Sausage by Baking

Italian sausage is a versatile type of sausage because it cooks well with virtually any method; whether baked, boiled or grilled, Italian sausage makes a hearty and delicious meal. The key to baking sausage is either cooking it for a long time at a low temperature, or if you have less time, to cover it in foil. Either way, you will prevent your sausage from drying out. You may bake your sausage all by itself, or with vegetables such as onions and green peppers.

Bake the sausages while frying the onions and peppers for a quick dinner. (Image: adlifemarketing/iStock/Getty Images)

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 2

Cut the Italian sausage into 4-inch pieces if the links are long and prick them all over with a fork to prevent the sausages from exploding when the juices get hot.

Step 3

Coat the bottom of your baking dish with the olive oil. Lay the sausages in the dish, making sure they aren't overlapping. Cover the dish with foil.

Step 4

Bake the sausages for 45 minutes. The sausages should be putting off clear juice when they are ready.

Step 5

Remove the foil and bake for another five to 10 minutes, or until the sausages are brown.

Things You'll Need

• 2 lb. Italian sausage

• Knife

• 3 tbsp. olive oil, or enough to coat the bottom of the pan

• Glass or ceramic baking dish

• Aluminum foil