Sausages are a delicious and easy-to-prepare food, perfect for any time of day. But in order to enjoy them at their best, it’s important to cook them to the correct internal temperature. Here’s everything you need to know about sausage internal temp!
Table of Contents
- 1 Can You Eat Sausage Raw?
- 2 Ideal Sausage Internal Temperature
- 3 Desired Level Of Doneness For Sausage
- 4 Recommendations For Sausage Cooking Temperature
- 5 How To Tell If Sausage Is Done Cooking
- 6 How To Cook Sausage
- 7 How Long To Cook Sausage
- 8 How To Know If The Sausage Is Done
- 9 Is It Safe To Eat If There’s A Little Pink In Sausage?
- 10 Tips For Cooking Sausage
- 11 Can You Get Salmonella From Undercooked Sausages?
- 12 FAQ: Sausage Internal Temp
- 12.1 What is the best temperature to cook sausage?
- 12.2 How do you know when sausage is done grilling?
- 12.3 How long does it take for sausage to cook?
- 12.4 What temperature should pork sausage be?
- 12.5 Is 145 safe for pork sausage?
- 12.6 How do I know when sausage is done?
- 12.7 What happens if you eat slightly undercooked sausage?
- 12.8 How likely are you to get sick from raw sausage?
- 12.9 How quickly does food poisoning kick in?
- 12.10 Can you get e coli from sausage?
- 13 Conclusion: Sausage Internal Temp
Can You Eat Sausage Raw?
It’s generally not recommended to eat sausage raw due to the risk of food poisoning from bacteria like salmonella or E. coli that may be present in uncooked sausage. Additionally, some sausages contain ingredients that are unhealthy when consumed raw, such as nitrates and nitrites. If you do choose to consume raw sausage, it’s important that the sausage has been stored and handled correctly.
In order to ensure safety when consuming raw sausage, it should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). This temperature is high enough to kill any dangerous bacteria present in the meat

Ideal Sausage Internal Temperature
The ideal internal temperature for sausage is 160°F (71°C). This is the minimum safe temperature for cooked sausage, as it ensures that any bacteria present have been killed. To ensure the proper internal temperature has been reached, use a food thermometer to measure the temperature of the thickest part of the sausage once cooked. If you do not have a food thermometer, you can also check the internal temperature of the sausage by cutting it open and making sure that the center is no longer pink.
Desired Level Of Doneness For Sausage
In addition to being cooked to the correct internal temperature, it is important to ensure that the desired level of doneness has been achieved. For sausage, a slightly crispy exterior is generally preferred. To achieve this, cook sausage over medium-high heat in a skillet or on a grill for about 10 minutes, flipping regularly throughout cooking time.
Recommendations For Sausage Cooking Temperature
Always cook your sausage to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and a desired level of doneness. To achieve this, it is best to cook sausage over medium-high heat in a skillet or on the grill for 10 minutes, flipping regularly throughout cooking time. Additionally, be sure to use a food thermometer to ensure the sausage has reached the correct internal temperature.

How To Tell If Sausage Is Done Cooking
Method 1: Check With A Thermometer
To check the internal temperature, insert a food thermometer into the thickest part of the sausage. If the temperature is at least 160°F (71°C), it is safe to eat.
Method 2: Check Without A Meat Thermometer
If you don’t have a food thermometer, you can also check the internal temperature of the sausage by cutting it open and making sure that the center is no longer pink. Additionally, make sure that the exterior of the sausage has achieved a slightly crispy texture.
How To Cook Sausage
You don’t know what sausage internal temp is perfect. Read the following shares to have a great meal.
In A Skillet
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place the sausage in the skillet and cook for 10 minutes, flipping regularly throughout cooking time until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
In The Oven
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the sausage on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking time until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
On The Grill
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Place the sausage on the grill and cook for 10 minutes, flipping regularly throughout cooking time until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Cook In Water
- Fill a pot with enough water to cover the sausage.
- Bring the water to a boil and add the sausages.
- Turn the heat down to low and simmer for 8-10 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Remove from heat and serve.
How Long To Cook Sausage
In addition to the cooking sausage internal temp, the cooking time of the sausage is very important. The cooking time for sausage will depend on what type of cooking method is being used. For example, when cooked over medium-high heat in a skillet or on the grill it should take about 10 minutes to reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). If cooked in the oven, it should take about 20 minutes and if cooked in boiling water it should take 8-10 minutes. It is always important to check the internal temperature of the sausage with a food thermometer to ensure that it has reached the desired temperature and doneness.
How To Know If The Sausage Is Done
When the sausage has reached an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and a desired level of doneness, it is safe to eat. To confirm this, you can use a food thermometer or check without one by cutting the sausage open and making sure that there is no pink in the center. Additionally, make sure that the exterior has achieved a slightly crispy texture.
Is It Safe To Eat If There’s A Little Pink In Sausage?
No, it is not safe to eat if there’s a little pink in sausage. The sausage must reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and have no pink in the center before it can be considered safe to eat.
Tips For Cooking Sausage
- Always use a food thermometer when cooking sausage.
- Make sure to flip the sausage regularly throughout cooking time.
- Cook the sausage until it has reached an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Check that there is no pink in the center and the exterior has achieved a slightly crispy texture before consuming.
- Be sure to discard any unused sausage after two hours at room temperature.
Following these tips will help ensure that your sausage is cooked safely and thoroughly. Enjoy!

Can You Get Salmonella From Undercooked Sausages?
Yes, you can get salmonella from eating undercooked sausage. This is why it is important to cook the sausage until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and has no pink in the center. To confirm this, use a food thermometer or cut open the sausage to check if there is any pink inside. Additionally, make sure that the exterior of the sausage has achieved a slightly crispy texture. This will help ensure that your sausage is cooked safely and thoroughly before consuming.
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FAQ: Sausage Internal Temp
What is the best temperature to cook sausage?
The best temperature to cook sausage is 160°F (71°C).
How do you know when sausage is done grilling?
When the sausage has reached an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and a desired level of doneness, it is safe to eat. To confirm this, you can use a food thermometer or check without one by cutting the sausage open and making sure that there is no pink in the center.
How long does it take for sausage to cook?
The cooking time for sausage will depend on what type of cooking method is being used. For example, when cooked over medium-high heat in a skillet or on the grill it should take about 10 minutes to reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
What temperature should pork sausage be?
Pork sausage should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Is 145 safe for pork sausage?
No, pork sausage should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) in order to be considered safe to eat.
How do I know when sausage is done?
When the sausage has reached an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and a desired level of doneness, it is safe to eat. To confirm this, you can use a food thermometer or check without one by cutting the sausage open and making sure that there is no pink in the center. Additionally, make sure that the exterior of the sausage has achieved a slightly crispy texture. This will help ensure that your sausage is cooked safely and thoroughly before consuming.
What happens if you eat slightly undercooked sausage?
If you eat slightly undercooked sausage, there is a risk of food poisoning due to harmful bacteria, such as salmonella. To help ensure that your sausage has been cooked safely and thoroughly before consuming it, make sure to check that the internal temperature has reached 160°F (71°C) and there is no pink in the center.
How likely are you to get sick from raw sausage?
The likelihood of getting sick from raw sausage depends on the type and amount of bacteria present in the meat. It is important to cook the sausage to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and make sure there is no pink in the center before consuming it. Additionally, always discard any unused sausage after two hours at room temperature.
How quickly does food poisoning kick in?
Food poisoning can kick in anywhere from 1-24 hours after consuming contaminated food. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever and chills. If you believe you have consumed contaminated food and are feeling unwell, seek medical advice immediately.
Can you get e coli from sausage?
There is a risk of getting E. coli from eating undercooked sausage, as this bacteria can sometimes be present in improperly handled foods. To help ensure the safety of these products, always cook your sausage to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and make sure there is no pink in the center before consuming it.
Conclusion: Sausage Internal Temp
Cooking sausage correctly is essential to ensure it is safe to eat. All types of sausage should be cooked until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and have no pink in the center. Use a food thermometer to check the temperature, make sure to flip regularly during cooking time, and look for slightly crispy exterior texture. After two hours at room temperature, any unused sausage should be discarded. Following these tips will help ensure that your sausage is cooked safely and thoroughly for you to enjoy!
Echo Reed is the owner and head chef of darkhorse restaurant. She has been working in the culinary world for over a decade, and opened her own establishment in 2018. Echo is known for her unique style and approach to cooking, which has won her critical acclaim from food critics and diners alike.