As a longtime fan of Bob Evans restaurants I was thrilled when the company began selling their signature pork sausage links in grocery stores. There’s nothing quite like the flavor of these juicy seasoned sausages sizzling in the morning alongside eggs, pancakes, and hashbrowns.
After buying dozens of packs of Bob Evans pork sausage links from my local supermarket, I’ve experimented with all kinds of methods and recipes to figure out how to cook them just right. If you also love these sausages, keep reading for my tips on how to cook Bob Evans pork sausage links to absolute perfection every time.
A Brief History of Bob Evans Pork Sausage Links
Bob Evans restaurants first opened inOhio in 1953, serving classic homestyle favorites like biscuits and gravy. But it was Bob Evans sausage that really put the restaurant on the map. Bob Evans created his signature fresh pork sausage recipe himself back in those early days.
The juicy, seasoned pork sausage links became so popular with customers that Bob Evans eventually began selling them in grocery stores nationwide. Nowadays you can find refrigerated and frozen Bob Evans sausage products at major supermarkets across the United States.
The recipe and preparation process remains unchanged since the 1950s. Bob Evans pork sausage links are still made with premium cuts of pork and Bob’s original blend of spices.
Purchasing and Storing Bob Evans Sausage Links
Bob Evans pork sausage links are sold in 12 ounce packages in the refrigerated meat section of grocery stores. I recommend purchasing links with a use-by date at least a week away, so you have plenty of time to cook and enjoy them.
Once purchased, refrigerate the Bob Evans sausage links in their original packaging. They should keep for 5-7 days past the use-by date printed on the package when properly refrigerated.
Make sure to cook the Bob Evans pork sausage links within a few days of purchasing for the best texture and flavor. Freezing isn’t recommended as this can negatively affect the sausage’s texture.
Cooking Methods for Bob Evans Pork Sausage Links
Over the years, I’ve experimented with all kinds of cooking methods to figure out how to make the tastiest Bob Evans pork sausage links at home. Here are my top recommendations for cooking up plump, juicy, and flavorful links every time.
Pan-Fried
Pan-frying is my go-to method for cooking Bob Evans sausage links with ease. Here’s how to do it:
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Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of oil or cooking spray.
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Add the sausage links in a single layer, making sure they aren’t overlapping.
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Cook for 12-14 minutes, occasionally flipping and rotating the sausages until browned on all sides.
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Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 160°F when done.
The sizzling sausages will release plenty of flavorful juices, resulting in tender, juicy links with nice caramelization on the outside.
Oven-Baked
For a hands-off cooking method, baking Bob Evans sausage links in the oven is perfect:
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Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment.
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Arrange sausage links on the baking sheet with space between each one.
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Bake for 20 minutes, then flip each link and bake 10 more minutes.
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Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 160°F.
The oven heat will gently cook the sausages all the way through while providing an evenly browned exterior.
Grilled
Grilling imparts a delicious smoky flavor to Bob Evans pork sausage links:
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Preheat a grill to medium heat. Lightly oil the grates.
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Place sausage links perpendicular to the grates so they don’t slip through.
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Grill for 12-14 minutes with the lid closed, turning frequently, until browned with grill marks.
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Check the internal temperature to ensure sausages reach 160°F.
The sizzling heat of the grill gives the exterior of the links a irresistible char while locking in moisture.
Serving Suggestions for Bob Evans Pork Sausage Links
Bob Evans sausage links have a mild, savory pork flavor that pairs well with all different recipes and ingredients. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve up these tasty sausages:
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Breakfast sandwiches – Add a sausage patty to an egg and cheese sandwich on a biscuit, bagel, or English muffin.
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Breakfast bowls – Serve sausage links with cheesy scrambled eggs, potatoes, and pancakes.
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Eggs benedict – Top an English muffin half with sausage, poached egg, and hollandaise sauce.
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Hash – Fry diced sausage with potatoes, peppers, and onions for a hearty hash.
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Pizza – Sliced sausage links make a stellar savory pizza topping.
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Pasta – Toss sliced sausage links with tomato pasta sauce and penne.
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Soup – Add bites of sausage to soups like minestrone, bean, or potato for extra protein.
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Kabobs – Skewer sausage links with veggies like onions and peppers, then grill.
No matter how you serve them, Bob Evans sausage links add hearty pork flavor to any meal of the day!
Tips for Cooking Perfect Bob Evans Sausage Links
Through plenty of trial-and-error, I’ve come up with some top tips for cooking flawless Bob Evans sausage links at home:
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Always use a meat thermometer to check doneness – sausage links should reach 160°F internally.
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Avoid overcrowding the pan or baking sheet to ensure even cooking.
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Cook over medium heat to prevent burning or undercooking. Higher heat can make the casings burst.
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Flip and rotate the links frequently while cooking to get an evenly browned exterior.
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Let sausage links rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking before serving so juices redistribute.
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Store leftover cooked sausage links in the fridge and eat within 3-4 days for best quality. Reheat gently.
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Uncooked sausage links can’t be frozen well, so cook them first then freeze for longer storage.
Follow my guidance for achieving tender, juicy, and delicious Bob Evans pork sausage links every time you cook them!
Common FAQs about Bob Evans Pork Sausage Links
If you’re new to cooking Bob Evans pork sausage links, chances are you have some questions. Here I’ll answer some of the most common FAQs:
How long should I cook Bob Evans sausage links?
Cook for 12-14 minutes total over medium heat until browned. Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 160°F when done.
Can I microwave cook Bob Evans sausage links?
It’s not recommended. Microwaving can create uneven cooking and a rubbery texture. It’s best to pan-fry, bake, or grill the links.
What if my Bob Evans sausage links burst while cooking?
If you notice a casing burst, just patch it with a piece of sausage or breadcrumb mixed with egg wash to prevent the sausage from escaping. Avoid cooking links over high heat.
Can I cook Bob Evans sausage links from frozen?
No, only thaw them in the fridge overnight before cooking. Cooking from frozen can create an unpleasant texture.
How long do cooked Bob Evans sausage links last in the fridge?
Store leftover cooked sausage links for 3-4 days max. Make sure to promptly refrigerate them after cooking. Reheat gently before eating.
Should I prick sausage links before cooking?
There’s no need to prick or poke Bob Evans pork sausage links before cooking. This can actually cause juices to escape and the links to dry out.
Easy Recipe Ideas Using Bob Evans Sausage Links
Bob Evans pork sausage links serve as the perfect base for quick and easy recipes. Here are a few of my favorite recipes:
Sausage Egg Bake
This breakfast casserole is savory and satisfying. Just combine cooked crumbled sausage, eggs, cheese, and veggies, then bake until set. Eat for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Sausage Bread Rolls
These pull-apart rolls get a boost of flavor from bits of cooked sausage mixed into the dough before baking. Serve the warm, tender rolls with a pat of butter at breakfast.
Sausage and Pepper Sheet Pan Dinner
Sheet pan meals make dinnertime easy. Roast sausage links with bell peppers, onion, and potatoes for a complete meal in one pan.
Sausage Gravy and Biscuits
The classic! Make an easy sausage gravy by cooking crumbled sausage with flour and milk, then serve over flaky homemade biscuits. Pure comfort food.
Bob Evans sausage links add hearty meatiness, savory flavor, and next-level deliciousness to any recipe. Try them in pastas, soups, casseroles, sandwiches, pizza and more!
Enjoy the Signature Flavor of Bob Evans Links at Home
As a long-time Bob Evans fan, I’m so glad these signature seasoned pork sausage links are now available at my local grocery store. With proper storage and cooking, I can enjoy juicy, flavorful Bob