Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb Italian sausage (choose between sweet, mild, or spicy)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: Sliced onions and bell peppers for added flavor
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is ideal for baking sausages evenly without drying them out.
- Prepare the Sausages: If your sausages are linked together, cut them apart. Lay them out on a clean surface and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
- Season the Sausages: In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Brush this mixture over the sausages evenly, ensuring they are well-coated. This will add a flavorful crust to the sausages as they bake.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place the sausages on the baking sheet, making sure they are not touching. This allows them to cook evenly on all sides.
- Add Vegetables (Optional): If you’re including onions and bell peppers, toss them in the remaining seasoning mix and scatter them around the sausages on the baking sheet.
- Bake the Sausages: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes. Halfway through the baking time, turn the sausages over to ensure they brown evenly on both sides.
- Check for Doneness: The sausages are done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for pork and 165°F (74°C) for chicken sausages. Use a meat thermometer to check. The sausages should be golden brown with a slightly crispy exterior.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the sausages from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your sausages are moist and flavorful.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your perfectly baked Italian sausages with a side of roasted vegetables, over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, or sliced into a pasta dish. They also make a great addition to sandwiches or can be enjoyed on their own with a dipping sauce.