How To Cook Sausage In The Microwave

Last updated on June 24th, 2025

Sausage can be synonymous to many to a classic morning breakfast. It can be cooked in multiple ways, even with a microwave! Knowing how to cook different types of sausage correctly can be tricky. Let me show you how to cook sausage in the microwave and explain different methods for each type of sausage.

Can You Cook Raw Sausage In The Microwave?

Can you cook raw sausage links in the microwave? Yes! It’s very easy to cook and heat raw sausages in a microwave oven.

Cooking raw sausage straight from the packet is safe and can be consumed. The sausage skin casing will peel away from the sausage if you do cook them in a microwave oven as the microwave cooks from the inside out.

How long does it take to cook sausage in a microwave? Depending on the method you choose and if you cut the sausage into smaller sections or in half, cooking a sausage in the microwave can take less than 5 minutes.

Benefits of Cooking Sausage in the Microwave

Cooking sausage in the microwave is incredibly fast. In just a few minutes, you can have a hot meal ready to eat. This speed is perfect for busy mornings or evenings when you don’t have time or energy to use the stove.

Microwaves are more energy-efficient than ovens or stovetops. By choosing to microwave your sausages, you’re using less electricity. This not only helps reduce your energy bills but also has a positive impact on the environment.

Microwaving results in minimal mess. You only need a microwave-safe plate, which means fewer dishes to wash. There’s no greasy stovetop or splattered oven to clean, making the entire cooking process more convenient. To make even less of a mess, cover your sausages with a microwave-safe cloche.

Microwave cooking provides even heat distribution, which helps cook sausages consistently from the inside out. This reduces the risk of overcooking the outside while leaving the inside raw, a common issue with other cooking methods. It’s quite a reliable method.

How to Cook Sausage in Microwave

Prep Tips

• Before microwaving, grab a fork or sharp knife and give those links a few gentle pokes. These tiny holes act as pressure release valves, preventing messy explosions and ensuring even cooking.
• Ditch the fancy china and opt for a microwave-safe plate or bowl with some depth. A microwave bacon tray works wonders too, allowing fat to drip away.
• You can add a splash of water (about a tablespoon) to the dish before microwaving. This creates a steamy environment, cooking the sausages evenly and preventing them from drying out. It’s like a spa treatment for your links!
• Space them out in a single layer, giving each link room to breathe. For multiple sausages, place them in a circle around the edge of the plate for even cooking.

How do you cook raw breakfast sausage in the microwave?

You will need

• Raw breakfast sausages
• Microwave oven
• Microwave-safe plate
• Paper towel or microwave-safe lid
• Knife
• Scissors

Steps

• If the sausages are linked, use either the knife or scissors to cut the links apart.
• Use the knife to prick or create small holes on the outside of the sausage before you place them in the microwave. Like me, you can also make slashes on them, so they don’t explode.
• Place all the sausages onto a microwave-safe plate, making sure to keep all the sausages separate and not touching one another. This is the time you can put some water along with the sausages.
• Cover the sausages on the microwave-safe plate with a microwave-safe lid. This will prevent spray from the sausages while they are cooking in the microwave oven. If you do not have a microwave-safe lid, you can use paper towels.
• Microwave the raw breakfast sausages on high heat for two minutes. After two minutes, turn the sausages oven and microwave for another two minutes.
• After the four minutes, the sausages will be cooked. The sausages should now look a light brown color rather than a light pink color.

How To Cook Sausage Links In The Microwave

Breakfast sausage links will take longer to cook as they are thicker in width. If you are wanting to minimise your cooking time then you can cut the breakfast sausage links in half.

How to

1. Cut the breakfast sausage links in half or in small pieces before playing onto a microwave-safe plate.
2. Microwave the breakfast sausage links pieces on a high heat for 30 seconds.
3. Flip the breakfast sausage links pieces so that the other side shows and microwave on a high heat for another 30 seconds.

How To Cook Sausage Patties In The Microwave

Microwaving sausage patties can be the fastest method when heating up the sausage patty to the right temperature to consume. As the sausage patty is thin in width, it is easier to cook in the microwave than normal breakfast sausages.

How to

• Step 1: Using the paper towel, wrap the sausage patties so that the paper towel covers the whole of the sausage patty. The paper towel will work to soak up moisture or water, especially if the frozen patties are frozen.
• Step 2: Place the sausage patties on a microwave-safe plate and heat on a high setting for 3 minutes.

How To Microwave Vegan Sausages

Let’s face it, not all vegan sausages are created equal – especially when it comes to nuking them in the microwave. Before you zap those plant-based links, take a moment to consider your options.

Look for brands that specifically mention microwave-friendly cooking. Some vegan sausages are like divas – they need the spotlight of a grill or the warm embrace of an oven. But others? They’re ready for their microwave close-up.

1. First things first – give ’em a little prick. Use a fork to poke a few holes in the casing. This lets steam escape and prevents your sausages from exploding and creating a mess.
2. Next, arrange your sausages on a microwave-safe plate like you’re setting up a vegan charcuterie board. Give each link some personal space – nobody likes a clingy sausage.
3. Most vegan sausages take about 30-45 seconds per link on high power. But like snowflakes, each vegan sausage is unique. Start with 30 seconds, then check and flip. Repeat until they’re heated through. Pro tip: If your sausages are frozen, double the initial cooking time. And remember, patience is a virtue – letting them rest for a minute after cooking helps distribute the heat evenly.

Just because they’re plant-based doesn’t mean they have to taste like cardboard. Sprinkle on some smoked paprika before cooking for a hint of BBQ flavor. Or, mix up a quick glaze with maple syrup and soy sauce for a sweet and savory kick.

After cooking, why not nestle your vegan sausages in a warm bun with some caramelized onions and stone-ground mustard? It’s like a flavor party, and everyone’s invited!

Different Types of Sausages in the Microwave

There are plenty of different types of sausages that can all be cooked and heated in a microwave oven. Here are some simple methods on how to cook them:

• Can you cook smoked sausage in the microwave?
  • Yes! Cut the smoked sausage into smaller pieces and microwave on a microwave-safe plate on a high heat for 5 minutes. Make sure to turn the smoked sausage at the halfway point to make sure they are evenly heated.
• Can you cook Italian sausage in the microwave?
  • Yes, but Italian sausages may take longer to heat than breakfast sausages. Place the italian sausages on a high heat for 8 minutes. Check to make sure the sausage is no longer pink but a light brown shade.
• Can you microwave vegan sausages?
  • Often you have to heat up vegan and vegetarian sausages from frozen. You can use a microwave to cook vegan sausages. Microwave the vegan sausages for 6 minutes, making sure to turn halfway through so they are heated evenly. Use a paper towel to soak up the water if they are frozen.
• How to cook Chinese sausage in microwave
  • Make sure to pierce the outside of the Chinese sausage before cooking in a microwave otherwise the chinese sausage will explode due to pressure. To avoid drying out the sausage add water before cooking in the microwave. Microwave the chinese sausages on a high heat for three minutes.
• How to cook Vienna sausage in microwave
  • Vienna sausages are super quick and easy to heat in the microwave. Place the Vienna sausages on a microwave-safe plate and microwave for two minutes.
• How to cook boudin sausage in microwave
  • Use a paper towel when cooking boudin sausage in a microwave to avoid excessive splatter. Place the boudin sausages into the microwave on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 6 minutes, making sure to turn at the halfway point.
• How long to cook kielbasa sausage in microwave
  • When cooking kielbasa sausages in the microwave it’s best to cut the kielbasa sausage into smaller pieces. Add water to the kielbasa sausages and cook for three minutes on a high heat.

Why Sausages Explode in the Microwave

Ever wonder why sausages can go kaboom in the microwave? It’s all about pressure! As they heat up, moisture inside turns to steam, while fat expands. With nowhere to go, these forces build up until… pop! Your sausage turns into a meaty missile.

To keep your links in line:

1. Prick the casing with a fork to create steam escape routes.
2. Use lower power settings for gentler cooking.
3. Microwave in short bursts, giving breaks between zaps.
4. Wrap sausages in a paper towel to absorb excess moisture and fat.

Choosing the Right Sausage

Let’s talk a little bit about how types of sausages can affect being cooked in the microwave.

When picking your perfect microwave sausage, take a peek at the ingredients list. Sausages with a higher meat content and fewer fillers tend to fare better in the microwave. They’ll retain their texture and flavor without turning into sad, shriveled shadows of their former selves.

First up, we’ve got pork sausages – the classic crowd-pleaser. These bad boys come in all shapes and sizes, from breakfast links to Italian-style sausages. They’re usually a safe bet for microwaving, but keep an eye on those fat content levels. Too much fat can lead to a splatter fest in your microwave!

Next on the menu are chicken sausages. These leaner options are perfect for health-conscious folks who still want that sausage fix. They tend to cook up beautifully in the microwave without turning into rubbery disappointments.

Don’t forget about turkey sausages! These birds of a feather flock together nicely in the microwave. They’re another great low-fat option that won’t leave you feeling guilty after indulging.

Now, here’s the million-dollar question: precooked or raw? Precooked sausages are like the VIP pass of the microwave world. They heat up quickly and evenly, making them ideal for those “I need food now!” moments. Raw sausages, on the other hand, require a bit more TLC. You’ll need to keep a closer eye on them and possibly adjust your cooking technique.

Pro tip: If you’re new to the sausage-microwaving game, start with smaller varieties like breakfast links or cocktail sausages. They’re more forgiving and less likely to end up as a microwave casualty.

Safety Tips

Let’s face it, we’ve all been there – eager to bite into that juicy sausage, only to end up with a burnt tongue. Microwaving sausages can turn them into little heat bombs if you’re not careful. Here’s how to keep your taste buds intact:

• Always use microwave-safe dishes. That fancy china might look pretty, but it’s not worth the risk of it shattering and ruining your snack (and possibly your microwave).
• Use oven mitts or pot holders when removing the dish from the microwave. Those plates can get hotter than a summer sidewalk in Phoenix!
• Let the sausages rest for a minute or two after cooking. It’s like letting a steak rest, but instead of redistributing juices, you’re avoiding potential mouth burns.

Think of a meat thermometer as your dance partner in the kitchen – it’ll guide you to perfectly cooked sausages every time. Here’s how to do the thermometer tango:

• Invest in a good instant-read thermometer. It’s like a crystal ball for your sausages!
• The magic number you’re aiming for is 165°F (74°C) for all types of sausages.
• Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the sausage, avoiding any fat pockets.
• If you’re cooking multiple sausages, check a few to ensure they’re all done.

Once your sausages are cooked, it’s tempting to just grab and go. But hold your horses! Here are some tips for safe handling:

• Use tongs or a fork to transfer sausages to your plate. Playing hot potato with your food isn’t as fun as it sounds.
• If you’re cutting the sausages, let them cool slightly first. This prevents the dreaded “sausage squirt” that can lead to burns.

Flavor Enhancements

Don’t let microwaved sausages be bland! Sprinkle on garlic powder, paprika, or Italian herbs before cooking for an instant flavor boost. Feeling spicy? Try cayenne or red pepper flakes.

Pro tip: mix your favorite spices with a touch of olive oil and brush it on the sausages before nuking. It’ll add a delicious layer of flavor to your links.

Sauces can elevate your microwaved sausages. Whip up a quick honey mustard or BBQ sauce for dipping, or get fancy with homemade chimichurri. For a twist, mix ketchup with a splash of balsamic vinegar – it creates a tangy, complex flavor that pairs perfectly with sausages.

Give your sausages some good company! Microwave a potato for a quick side, or toss together a crisp salad for contrast. For a sweet-savory combo, try zapping apple slices with cinnamon. And don’t forget about mac and cheese – it’s a classic pairing that never disappoints.

Microwaving Sausage Might be Your Answer!

Microwaving sausage can be easy, quick and can work for every time of sausage. Using a microwave you can get your sausage heated up in less than 8 minutes!

Why stop at sausages? How about microwaving your entire breakfast – here’s a video from “For Us Foodies” another one of my favourite YouTube channels!

How do you microwave sausage?

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