Mastering the Art of Cooking Uncle John’s Sausage to Perfection

Uncle John’s sausage is a popular choice for those seeking delicious, easy-to-prepare sausage options. With a wide selection from smoked kielbasa to hot Italian links, Uncle John’s provides high-quality meats at an affordable price point.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to cook various Uncle John’s sausages to perfection. We’ll walk through pan frying, grilling, boiling and more to help you make the most of these tasty sausages.

About Uncle John’s Sausage

Uncle John’s Pride LLC is a producer of branded and private label fresh and smoked sausages based in Tampa, Florida. They offer a range of products including smoked sausage, kielbasa, chorizo, bratwurst, Italian sausage, breakfast links and more.

With a strong presence in Florida, Uncle John’s Pride has grown through organic expansion and acquiring heritage brands dating back to 1922 They provide quality sausage at accessible prices to retail, foodservice and wholesale customers.

While Uncle John’s did have a recall in 2017 due to contamination concerns, they quickly addressed the issue. Today their sausages remain a go-to choice for grilling, smoking, pan frying and recipes.

Choosing the Best Sausage for Your Needs

With the wide variety Uncle John’s offers it’s key to pick the right one for your cooking method and recipe

For pan frying or grilling, opt for raw sausages like Italian, bratwurst, chorizo or breakfast links.
For soups, chilis, casseroles, choose pre-cooked smoked sausage like kielbasa or smoked brats.
For hearty breakfasts, try maple breakfast sausage links.
For pizza or apps, select loose Italian sausage meat.
For sandwiches, go for smoked brats or hot links.

Consider other ingredients and flavors in your dish when selecting a variety. Kielbasa’s smokiness complements bold flavors while Italian sausage mixes well with tomatoes and peppers.

Preparing Uncle John’s Sausage

Proper preparation is vital for cooking sausage correctly:

For raw sausage, remove from packaging and pat dry with paper towels to achieve a nice sear.
For smoked sausage/kielbasa, simply rinse under cool water and pat dry.
If cased, pierce in several spots with a fork to prevent splitting and bursting during cooking.
For bulk sausage, form into patties or balls and refrigerate until cooking.
Pre-cook any raw sausage before adding to slow cooked dishes like soups.
Soak wooden skewers 30 minutes before skewering sausages to prevent burning.

Pan Frying Tips

Pan frying is one of the quickest, easiest ways to cook Uncle John’s sausage to juicy perfection:

Cut raw sausage into 2-3 inch pieces or leave whole and pierce casings.
Heat nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tbsp oil.
Once hot, add sausage in a single layer, working in batches to prevent crowding.
Cook 4-5 minutes per side until nicely browned.
Use a meat thermometer to confirm reaching 160°F internal temperature.
Remove from pan, drain on paper towel-lined plate.

The crispy exterior and juicy interior from pan frying makes Uncle John’s sausages shine. Serve with veggies, rice or roasted potatoes.

Grilling Tips

The rich, smoky flavor grilling gives Uncle John’s sausages is simply delicious. Follow these tips:

Use a hot grill heated to 400°F+ and clean/oil grates.
Cook raw sausage over direct heat, turning every 2-3 minutes until browned. Move to indirect heat to finish cooking to 160°F.
For pre-cooked smoked sausage, use indirect heat only to warm through without burning.
Try soaking wooden skewers of sausage in a marinade for added flavor.
Avoid poking sausages on the grill to keep juices intact. Use tongs for turning instead.
Allow natural sugars to caramelize for the best taste.

From plump brats to spicy chorizo links, the aroma and texture of Uncle John’s grilled sausage can’t be beat.

Boiling Smoked Sausage

Boiling is great for pre-cooked smoked varieties like kielbasa:

Cut sausage into bite-size pieces for even cooking.
Add to lightly boiling water, using enough to submerge completely.
Reduce heat and simmer 6-8 minutes until heated through. Avoid vigorous boiling to prevent splitting.
For extra flavor, add seasonings like garlic, onions, bay leaves or beer.
Drain well before adding to dishes or serving.

Poached kielbasa is perfectly succulent, ready for hearty soups and stews.

Baking Tips

The oven’s ambient heat lets you cook sausage low and slow for exceptionally moist results:

Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment.
Arrange raw sausages without overcrowding.
Bake 20-25 minutes, carefully flipping halfway through. Confirm 160°F internal temperature with thermometer.
For pre-cooked smoked sausage, bake at 325°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Try coating with olive oil, spices or marinade before baking for added flavor.

Baking brings out the plump, savory juiciness of Uncle John’s sausages. Enjoy on pizza, in subs or with veggies.

Recipe Inspiration

Beyond the basics, Uncle John’s sausage shines in all types of recipes:

Breakfast: Make a sandwich or burrito with eggs, cheese and tater tots.
Apps: Fry bite-size pieces, serve with homemade honey mustard dipping sauce.
Soups: Add sliced kielbasa to hearty bean and veggie soups or stews.
Pizza: Top crust with Italian sausage, sauce and cheese for a crowd-pleasing meal.
Pasta: Brown loose Italian meat, add marinara and mix with penne or rigatoni. Top with Parmesan.
Salads: Grill or pan fry slices/pieces and add to hearty greens or potato salad.

With the right preparation, Uncle John’s sausage can be incorporated into almost any recipe. Get creative with spices, glazes or ethnic flavors.

Serving Suggestions and Cooking Tips

Avoid poking sausages while cooking – use tongs instead to maintain juices.
Allow raw sausages to rest 5-10 minutes after cooking before serving to redistribute juices.
Pair cooked sausage with hearty sides like beans, greens or mac and cheese.
Choose varieties that complement other ingredients like peppers, mustard or barbecue sauce.
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and use within 3-4 days. Reheat fully to 165°F.

With its affordable price and variety of flavors, Uncle John’s sausage is a stellar choice for weeknight dinners, game day apps or outdoor grilling. Follow these tips and recipe ideas to enjoy their sausages at their very best. Just take care not to overcook them – moist, juicy texture is the hallmark of great sausage!

how to cook uncle johns sausage

Grilling Sausage

1. Heat your grill over medium heat (about 350 °F (177 °C)). Turn on the gas grill and set the temperature to 350 °F (177 °C). If you have a charcoal grill, light the charcoal and hold your hand over it to see how hot it is. You should only be able to hold your hand over it for 6 seconds at a time when it’s medium-high. Preheating usually takes about 10 minutes.
2 Space the sausages evenly on the grill. Place the sausages close to the middle of the grill, but not in the middle. Instead, space them out a little closer to the sides. Leave at least 1⁄2 in (1. 3 cm) of space between each sausage. That way, the heat can get to them more slowly, making it less likely that they will burst. [12] You can change the taste and texture of the sausages by cutting them in half lengthwise first.
3: Put the sausages on the grill and cook them for 9 minutes, or until they are all brown. Turn the sausages over often so that they get brown all over, and watch for them to become crispy. [13] Take the sausages off the heat right away if the skin cracks or burns. Turn down the heat (or close the vents on a charcoal grill) and keep a close eye on the sausages if the casing splits. They might have been on the grill for too long. It’s fine for the sausages to have dark grill marks, but make sure the outside is a uniform golden brown color.
4 Remove the sausages and cool them for 2 minutes. Take the sausages off the grill immediately to prevent overcooking. After putting them on a plate, let them rest so the meat’s juices don’t escape. Once they’re a little cooler, you can eat them! If you leave sausages on the grill for too long, they may burst or look wrinkly when they cool down.

Advertisement Method

Things You Should Know

Put the sausages on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them in the oven at 400 °F (204 °C) for 15 minutes.
Put about 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of oil in a skillet and heat it on medium heat. This will help you cook the sausage on the stove. After you add the sausages, cook them for five minutes on each side.
Place sausages in a pot with water. Cover them and boil them for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 °F (74 °C). [1] .

Perfectly Cook Sausages Every Time: Easy Boil & Burn Recipe | How To Cook Great

FAQ

How long to cook Uncle John’s sausage?

What are the best temperature and cooking time for Uncle John sausage in the oven? Bake in Oven Uncovered 400° for 1 Hr 15 Mins, flipping half way.

Is Uncle John’s sausage fully cooked?

Fully cooked. U.S. inspected and passed by Department of Agriculture.

Is it better to cook sausages in the oven or pan?

The great thing about cooking sausages in the oven is that there’s less risk of burning them, and you don’t need to turn them quite so frequently as you would when frying. The oven does most of the work for you.

What is the correct way to cook sausages?

To grill sausages, simply place them onto a grill and cook them for 8–12 minutes, turning them every few minutes until they’re evenly colored. For broiling, place them on a broiler pan in the oven and set its function to broil. Cook them for 5 minutes before turning and cooking them for another 5 minutes.

How do you make uncle John’s Pride Hot Country smoked sausage?

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced peppers, onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables are tender. Add the Uncle John’s Pride Hot Country Smoked Sausage to the skillet and cook until heated through. Pour in the white wine and simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Are uncle John’s smoked sausages good?

Uncle John’s Pride is a renowned brand known for its delicious smoked sausages. Made with the finest ingredients and a secret blend of spices, Uncle John’s smoked sausages are a true Southern delight. Whether you’re cooking for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Uncle John’s smoked sausages are the perfect addition to any meal.

Can you freeze uncle John’s smoked sausages?

A: Yes, you can freeze Uncle John’s smoked sausages for future use. Simply place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer. They will maintain their quality for several months. Q: Are Uncle John’s smoked sausages made with natural ingredients?

How do you cook sausage in the oven?

For oven cooking, put the sausages on a tray lined with parchment paper and cook them at 400 °F (204 °C) for 15 minutes. For cooking sausage on a stovetop, heat a skillet with about 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of oil on medium heat. Add the sausages and cook for five minutes on each side.