Are you tired of standing over a hot stove, flipping breakfast sausage links and dealing with splattering grease? Well, I have the perfect solution for you - oven baked breakfast sausage links! Not only does this method save you time and effort, but it also ensures that your sausages come out perfectly cooked and juicy every time. In this article, I will guide you through 8 simple steps to achieve the most delicious oven baked breakfast sausage links.

Step 1: Preheat oven

The first step in this process is to preheat your oven. Set the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to fully preheat. This will ensure that your sausages cook evenly and thoroughly.

Step 2: Arrange sausage links on baking sheet

While your oven is preheating, take a baking sheet and line it with aluminum foil or parchment paper. This will make cleanup a breeze later on. Arrange the breakfast sausage links on the baking sheet, making sure to leave some space between each link. This will allow the heat to circulate around the sausages, ensuring even cooking.

Step 3: Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes

Once your oven has reached the desired temperature, place the baking sheet with the sausage links in the oven. Set the timer for 20 minutes and let the sausages bake. The gentle heat of the oven will cook the sausages to perfection, giving them a nice golden brown color.

Step 4: Flip sausage links halfway through cooking

About halfway through the cooking time, take a pair of tongs and carefully flip the sausage links over. This will ensure that both sides of the sausages are evenly cooked and will prevent one side from becoming too crispy. Be cautious when flipping the sausages to avoid any splattering hot grease.

Step 5: Check for doneness with meat thermometer

After the 20 minutes of baking time, it's important to check the internal temperature of the sausage links to ensure they are fully cooked. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of one of the sausages. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for pork sausages and 165°F (74°C) for poultry sausages. If the sausages have not reached the desired temperature, return them to the oven for a few more minutes and check again.

Step 6: Let sausage links rest for 5 minutes before serving

Once the sausage links have reached the appropriate internal temperature, remove them from the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute within the sausages, resulting in a more flavorful and tender bite. It's important to resist the temptation to cut into the sausages immediately, as this can cause the juices to escape, resulting in a drier sausage.

Step 7: Enjoy with your favorite breakfast sides

Now that your oven baked breakfast sausage links are perfectly cooked and rested, it's time to enjoy them with your favorite breakfast sides. Whether you prefer them alongside fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy hash browns, or buttery toast, these sausages will add a delicious savory element to your morning meal. Get creative and experiment with different flavor combinations to find your perfect breakfast pairing.

Step 8: Store leftovers in airtight container

If you happen to have any leftover sausage links, it's important to store them properly to maintain their freshness. Allow the sausages to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the sausages in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through.

So there you have it - 8 simple steps to achieve the most delicious oven baked breakfast sausage links. By following these steps, you can say goodbye to the hassle of stovetop cooking and enjoy perfectly cooked sausages every time. Give this method a try and elevate your breakfast game to a whole new level!