Serving warm, juicy breakfast sausage links is one of life’s simple pleasures. However, keeping sausage links hot and ready to eat can be a challenge, especially when cooking for a crowd. Fortunately, with a few easy tricks up your sleeve, you can keep breakfast sausage mouthwateringly warm and tasty for your family or guests.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore several effective methods for keeping sausage links warm Whether you need to keep them hot just through breakfast or all day long, these tips will help you serve sausage at the perfect temperature every time Get ready to master the art of warm sausage!
Why Proper Warming Matters
Before jumping into the techniques, let’s look at why properly warming sausage links makes such a big difference:
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Maximizes flavor – Warm sausage links maintain more robust, juicy flavor than cold ones straight from the fridge. The fat stays melted and infuses the meat with richness.
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Prevents drying out – Heat keeps the casings and meat moist Cold sausage can become tough and dry,
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Allows even cooking – Gentle warming lets sausage links cooked ahead of time finish cooking evenly without overdoing it.
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Improves food safety – Warming maintains a safe serving temperature above 140°F to prevent bacterial growth.
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Enhances enjoyment – Who doesn’t love starting their day with warm, savory sausage links fresh off the stove? Proper warming takes the experience to the next level.
When sausage links stay warm until serving time, it makes all the difference in taste and texture. Now let’s look at the best warming methods.
Use a Warming Tray or Platter
A warming tray or platter is specifically designed to keep foods piping hot for buffet service. Here’s how to use one for sausage links:
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Place a metal warming tray on the countertop and preheat to 200-250°F.
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Arrange pre-cooked sausage links in a single layer on the tray.
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Keep the tray heated, replacing links as they are served.
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Check the temperature periodically and adjust the heat to maintain it above 140°F.
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For large quantities, use multiple trays and replace emptied ones with fresh hot links.
Warming trays are ideal for keeping large batches of sausage links hot for breakfast buffets, brunch bars, and potlucks when you need to accommodate a crowd. The open design allows you to keep a hot supply at the ready.
Use a Sheet Pan in the Oven
For smaller quantities, a rimmed baking sheet in the oven can work just as well. Simply:
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Preheat oven to 200°F.
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Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
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Arrange cooked sausage links on the sheet in a single layer.
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Warm in the oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
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Check temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s above 140°F.
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Remove sheet from oven and keep on stovetop to maintain warmth.
The gentler heat of the oven prevents overcooking while thoroughly heating the links. Just be sure not to leave them in too long or they could dry out.
Simmer in a Skillet or Pan
If you just need to quickly reheat a few sausage links, simmering them in a skillet on the stovetop is fast and easy:
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Heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Add 1-2 tsp oil or butter.
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When hot, add sausage links in a single layer.
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Cook 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally until heated through.
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Use a meat thermometer to confirm temperature is above 140°F.
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Remove from pan and serve immediately.
The key is keeping the heat low to gently rewarm without browning. Simmering gives the links a quick reheat while locking in moisture.
Keep Warm in a Slow Cooker
For larger quantities, a slow cooker set on warm is an effortless way to hold sausage links at a perfect serving temp:
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Cook sausage links fully until browned.
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Transfer to slow cooker and set to warm for 2-4 hours.
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Stir occasionally and check temperature to keep above 140°F.
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Use a slotted spoon to transfer links directly from the cooker to plates.
The set-it-and-forget-it simplicity of a slow cooker makes it easy to keep sausage ready to go for potlucks, parties, and big family meals.
Heat in a Steam Basket
Using a steam basket is a gentle warming option since the hot steam surrounds the links evenly:
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Bring 1-2 inches water to a boil in a saucepan.
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Place cooked sausage links in a steam basket.
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Set basket in pan, cover, and steam 3-5 minutes just until heated through.
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Check internal temperature and remove basket when above 140°F.
Steaming prevents the links from drying out, giving them a delicate reheat. It’s great for keeping sausage moist and flavorful.
Wrap in Foil
If you need to reheat sausage links in transit, wrapping in foil helps retain heat:
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Place cooked sausage links on a plate and cover tightly with foil.
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Warm in a 200°F oven for 15 minutes until heated through.
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Wrap platter tightly again before traveling.
The insulation of the foil helps keep the trapped heat stable for 30-60 minutes unplugged or in a cooler.
Warm in a Crockpot
Crockpots can keep sausage links warm for hours without drying them out:
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Add 1⁄2 cup broth or water to crockpot base.
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Place cooked sausage links in crockpot.
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Cover and cook on low for 1-2 hours until heated through.
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Switch setting to warm and hold up to 4 hours.
The moist environment gives the links a gentle heat infusion. Just stir periodically and monitor temperature.
Tips for Perfectly Warm Sausage
To take your sausage warming skills to the next level, keep these handy tips in mind:
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Always use fully cooked links, never raw.
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Arrange links in a single layer for even heating.
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Preheat warming appliances before adding links.
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Use low, gentle heat around 200°F to prevent drying.
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Check internal temperature regularly and adjust heat as needed.
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Transfer heated links immediately to a heated platter or containers.
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Don’t keep links warm for longer than 4 hours maximum.
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To revive cold links, simmer briefly in sauce or gravy.
With the right technique, you can keep sausage links ready to serve for any breakfast, brunch or dinner occasion. Now that you know how to keep them perfectly warm, go impress your family and friends with hotel-style hot sausage!
Frequently Asked Questions About Warming Sausage Links
What’s the best way to reheat sausage links in the microwave?
Gently heat sausage links on 50% power in 30 second intervals until warm, checking frequently to prevent overcooking on the edges. Or simmer in broth for more even heating.
Can I reheat cooked sausage links on the grill or skillet?
Yes, fire up a grill or sauté pan on medium-low and cook links for 2-3 minutes per side just until warmed through. Watch closely to avoid over-browning.
Is it safe to eat cold breakfast sausage links straight from the fridge?
It’s not recommended. Refrigerated sausage links should always be reheated to 165°F for food safety. Cold links can harbor bacteria.
What’s the best way to keep sausage links warm outdoors?
Use a chafer dish,slow cooker, or insulated container to keep links warm on a buffet line. Check temperature regularly and replenish with fresh hot links as needed.
Can I reheat then chill and reheat sausage links again?
It’s best not to reheat links more than once, as this creates a higher risk of bacteria growth. Always discard links that have been reheated and held warm for more than 4 hours.
Savor the Warm Sausage Experience
Serving up warm, savory sausage links makes any breakfast, brunch or potluck a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With these simple yet effective warming methods, you can ensure your links stay mouthwateringly delicious no matter the occasion or quantity you need to keep hot.
So go forth and indulge in the simple pleasures of perfect warm sausage. Just be prepared for the choruses of delight when your family, friends or buffet line guests experience how these easy tips take sausage flavor to the next level!