Is Smoked Sausage Already Cooked: An In-Depth Guide

Smoked sausages are one of the most versatile meats that you can easily add to your breakfast, lunch, or even dinner. That is because you can use this meat in endless ways to create a delectable dish of your choice. However, many people wonder if smoked sausages have already been cooked. 

After all, you don’t want to overcook them, and neither you want to eat them raw. So, if you are wondering about this, you are in the right place. Here is an in-depth guide on whether smoked sausages are already cooked or not. 

Are Smoked Sausages Already Cooked?

As a rule of thumb, smoked sausages that have been cured don't need to be cooked. That is because smoked sausages come in two variations, which include cold smoked sausages and hot smoked ones. For example, cold smoking adds a smoky flavor, but it doesn't cook the sausage completely. 

On the other hand, hot smoking provides a smoky flavor while cooking the meat without any issues. So, the first thing you need to do is check whether the sausages have been hot or cold-smoked. If they have been cold smoked, you will need to cook them further, while that is not the case with hot smoked sausages. 

How To Cook Smoked Sausages In The Best Way?

If you have gotten cold smoked sausages, you can cook them in the best way to reap the most benefits. Here are the guidelines you can follow to cook smoked sausages in no time:

Cooking Smoked Sausages In The Grill 

The best way to cook smoked sausages is to use a grill. That is because the high heat of the grill will make the sausage moist and juicy. It will not take more than ten to fifteen minutes to fully cook the sausage. 

Cooking Smoked Sausages On A Skillet 

The next method you have is to cook the smoked sausages in a skillet. Place one to two tablespoons of olive oil in the skillet on medium-high heat. Then, you can leave the sausages whole on the skillet to cook them.

It will take at least three to four minutes for the sausages to cook. Then, you can lower the heat and cook the sausages for two more minutes until they are completely cooked. 

Cooking Smoked Sausages In The Oven 

Yes, the oven is another place that will allow you to cook the smoked sausages. We recommend that you set the oven for preheating at 425F. You can cut the sausages in half or leave them whole. 

Then, place the sausages on a baking sheet and let them be in the oven for ten to fifteen minutes. You will notice that the color of the sausages turns brown after ten minutes. Once the sausages reach a temperature of 160F, it means they are cooked and ready to consume. 

Cooking Smoked Sausages In A Slow Cooker 

Finally, you can use a slow cooker for cooking the cold smoked sausages in the best way possible. You can cut the sausages into pieces that are half an inch thick and place them inside a slow cooker with sliced onion. You can also pour the vegetable broth on the sausages if you like. 

Cover the cooker and let it be for six to eight hours on a low setting or four hours on a high setting. Once the time is over, take the sausages out and serve them as you like. 

How Can You Tell That The Smoked Sausages Are Cooked?

The key to making the perfect smoked sausages is to know when they are cooked. Keep a meat thermometer handy so that you can check the temperature of the sausages. The aim is to have 160F in the middle of the link, as that will mean it is fully cooked. 

However, if you are using sausage meat such as chicken or turkey, then the ideal temperature will be 165F. Besides that, it is crucial that you are mindful of the cooking process and keep an eye on the sausages while they are cooking. The color of the sausages and the texture will also give you cues on whether it has been fully cooked or not. 

The best part is that most of the smoked sausages in the market have already been cooked. So, you will only need to reheat these sausages to get the best taste for a long time.

Final Thoughts 

By now, you know whether smoked sausages are already cooked or not when you purchase them in the packet. Most of the time, they will already be cooked, depending on the technique that has been used. If they have not been cooked, then you can follow these guidelines to get the most out of the smoked sausages and cook them well for your friends and family.