As someone who loves to cook and grill sausages, I was excited when I got my first George Foreman grill The convenience of being able to quickly cook up tasty sausages indoors is fantastic However, I soon realized that in order to get the best results, I needed to learn the ideal temperature setting for cooking sausages on the George Foreman grill. Through trial and error, research, and speaking with fellow sausage enthusiasts, I’ve discovered the perfect temperature range for grilling up plump, juicy sausages on this popular indoor grill.
Why Temperature Matters When Cooking Sausages
Temperature is crucial when cooking any type of meat to ensure safety and proper doneness. But it is especially important for sausages as they need adequate heat to cook through and release their delicious juices while avoiding drying out or burning on the outside.
Cooking sausages at too low of a temperature can lead to uneven cooking and underdone interiors. Meanwhile, overly high heat can cause the fatty sausages to become dried out or charred. The sweet spot is finding the right temperature that cooks the sausages all the way through while retaining moisture and flavor.
The optimal temperature for sausage grilling allows the natural fats to render slowly, basting the sausage in its own juices while developing that nice snap when you bite into it. So let’s look at what temperature range you should use to achieve grilled sausage perfection on a George Foreman grill.
Recommended Temperature Range For George Foreman Grills
For most countertop George Foreman grills, the ideal temperature range for cooking fresh sausages is 350°F to 375°F Within this range, the sausages will cook through fully and become browned and crispy on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside
Here are some tips to hit this target temperature range on your George Foreman grill:
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Preheat the grill for 5-10 minutes before cooking. This allows the plates to reach optimal cooking temperatures.
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Set the temperature dial to the highest (MAX) setting to reach temperatures between 350-375°F.
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Use a meat thermometer to double check the grill’s temperature.
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Adjust the temperature dial slightly up or down if needed to maintain the target range.
Pay close attention to your sausages in the first batch to ensure the temperature is ideal – then you’ll know the perfect setting for subsequent cooks.
Adjusting Time and Temperature Based On Sausage Type
While 350-375°F is ideal for most sausages, you may need to slightly adjust the time and temperature based on the particular type of sausage you are cooking.
Here are some guidelines:
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Thicker sausages like bratwurst may need a little less time at a lower temp such as 325°F. This prevents over-browning the outside before the inside is cooked through.
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Smaller breakfast sausages can be cooked at a higher 375-400°F range to develop crispy exterior while still cooking quickly.
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Uncooked sausages like Italian sausage need more time at a lower temp of 300-325°F to fully cook through.
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Pre-cooked sausages require less time and can be cooked at higher 375-400°F temps to simply heat through and brown.
The key is paying attention during cooking and making any necessary adjustments. Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperatures.
Common George Foreman Grill Cooking Times
To give you a general idea, here are typical cooking times for popular sausage types at 350°F:
- Breakfast sausages: 4-6 minutes
- Hot dogs: 4-5 minutes
- Bratwurst: 8-12 minutes
- Italian sausages: 12-15 minutes
These cooking times assume sausages are fully defrosted if frozen but still raw. Always double check for doneness and adjust cook times as needed.
Signs Your George Foreman Grill Is At The Right Temp
If you don’t have a meat thermometer handy, here are some visual signs your George Foreman grill is at the optimal 350-375°F temperature range for sausages:
- The grill plates sizzle slightly when sausage is added
- Sausage browns within 2-3 minutes but not too quickly
- Some fat/grease drippings are produced during cooking
- Sausage develops light char marks similar to a backyard grill
Safety Tips For George Foreman Grilling
To safely cook sausages on your George Foreman grill at the ideal temperature, follow these tips:
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Always cook sausages on a flat, level surface and avoid near walls or cabinets.
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Don’t leave the grill unattended during preheating or cooking.
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Keep the grill unplugged when not in use.
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Clean the grill plates after each use to prevent grease buildup and fires.
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Follow all manufacturer instructions for safe operation.
Properly preheating your George Foreman grill and cooking sausages at the 350-375°F temperature sweet spot is the key to making mouthwatering, juicy sausages indoors. Adjust times and temps based on sausage type and size. With a little practice, you’ll be turning out flawlessly grilled sausages that look and taste like they came fresh off a backyard barbecue.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cooking Sausage on A George Foreman Grill
What is the ideal internal temperature for cooked sausages?
The recommended safe minimum internal temperature for cooked sausages is 160°F. Use a meat thermometer to check sausages at their thickest part. This ensures any harmful bacteria are killed.
Should I use cooking spray or oil on the George Foreman grill?
Lightly coating the grill plates with vegetable oil or nonstick cooking spray can help prevent sausages from sticking. Just brush a thin layer on the preheated grill before adding sausages.
How do I avoid burnt or dried out sausages?
Use the recommended 350-375°F temperature range and adjust cooking times based on thickness. Don’t overcrowd the grill, and flip halfway through. Also, don’t press down on sausages while they cook.
Can I put frozen sausages directly on the George Foreman grill?
It’s best to fully defrost sausages before grilling for food safety and even cooking. If needed, you can briefly microwave frozen links to speed thawing.
What about grilling pre-cooked smoked sausages?
Smoked or pre-cooked sausages just need to be heated through on the grill. Use higher temps around 400°F for a few minutes per side until hot.
How do I know when they’re done grilling?
Check for an internal temp of 160°F with a meat thermometer. Visually, sausages will appear lightly charred and browned on the outside when fully cooked.
In Conclusion
Mastering the ideal temperature range is the secret to grilling up deliciously juicy and flavorful sausages on your George Foreman grill. For most sausage varieties, a temperature setting between 350-375°F will allow the interior to cook through while the outside gets nicely browned. Monitor sausages closely and adjust time and temp based on thickness and pre-cooking. Follow safety tips and enjoy restaurant-quality sausages from the convenience of your countertop grill.