Emilie Meyer
Cooking breakfast sausage in a crock pot is possible and can be a great way to prepare a warm breakfast without having to spend too much time in the kitchen. Crock pots are ideal for cooking less expensive portions of meat, making them more tender and tasty. Sausages can be cooked in a crock pot in a variety of ways, including as part of a breakfast casserole or with vegetables and seasonings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Crock Pot Capacity | 6-quart |
| Ingredients | Sausage, potatoes, eggs, milk, salt, pepper, green onions, cheese |
| Sausage Type | Fresh/raw or pre-cooked |
| Sausage Brands | Jimmy Dean, Ore Ida |
| Sausage Varieties | Maple, spicy, classic mild |
| Cooking Time | 4 hours on HIGH or 8 hours on LOW |
| Temperature | 165 degrees F with no visible pink in the center |
| Customization | Add vegetables, use different types of cheese, or switch up the meat |
| Calories | 452kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 17g |
| Protein | 26g |
| Fat | 31g |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking time and temperature for raw and pre-cooked sausages
Sausages can be cooked in a crock pot, and there are a variety of recipes that use this method, including breakfast casseroles and those that involve cooking the sausages with potatoes, onions, and other vegetables.
When cooking raw sausages in a crock pot, it is important to ensure that the sausages reach a high enough temperature to avoid foodborne illnesses. One source recommends cooking raw sausages in a crock pot on low for an entire day. Another source recommends cooking raw sausages on low for six to eight hours or until a meat thermometer registers 165°F and there is no visible pink in the center of the sausage.
Pre-cooked sausages can also be cooked in a crock pot, but they do not need to be cooked for as long as raw sausages. Pre-cooked sausages only need to be heated through, while raw sausages need to be cooked for a longer period of time to ensure they are safe to eat. One source recommends placing pre-cooked sausage links at the bottom of the slow cooker and cooking for six to eight hours on low.
It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the type of sausage, the size and thickness of the sausage, and the specific crock pot or slow cooker being used. It is always important to ensure that raw sausages are cooked to the appropriate internal temperature to avoid foodborne illnesses.
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Sausage types and ingredients
Sausages are typically classified into two types: fresh and pre-cooked. Fresh sausages include options like kielbasa and bratwurst, while pre-cooked varieties encompass smoked sausage and knockwurst. When preparing fresh sausage in a crock pot, it's essential to allow for a longer cooking duration to ensure food safety. On the other hand, pre-cooked sausages simply need to be heated through.
When it comes to breakfast sausages, you can opt for classic mild varieties, or explore flavours like maple or spicy. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even make your own breakfast sausage from scratch. This allows you to customise the ingredients to your taste preferences.
To elevate your breakfast sausage experience, consider incorporating additional ingredients. Green onions, for instance, lend a burst of colour and flavour. Eggs are also a classic companion to breakfast sausage, providing a hearty start to your day. For a creamy touch, whisk in some milk, sour cream, or even unsweetened almond milk.
Cheese is another popular ingredient that pairs well with breakfast sausage. Cheddar and mozzarella cheeses are common choices, but you can also experiment with smoked gouda, fontina, or pepper jack cheeses for a more distinctive flavour profile. If you're feeling creative, try a combination of cheeses to find your perfect blend.
Vegetables also play a crucial role in rounding out the dish. Potatoes are a staple, with options like diced or shredded hash browns adding texture and substance. Bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms contribute colour, flavour, and nutritional value. If you're feeling bold, toss in some green chiles for an extra kick.
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Preparing the crock pot
Once the crock pot is prepared, you can start layering your ingredients. For a classic breakfast casserole, start with a layer of frozen shredded hash browns, creating an even layer at the bottom of the crock pot. You can use a gluten-free brand like Ore Ida, which holds up well to slow cooking. There is no need to thaw the hash browns before adding them to the crock pot.
The next step is to add a layer of breakfast sausage. You can use a brand like Jimmy Dean, which offers gluten-free options and various flavors such as maple or spicy varieties. If you prefer, you can brown and drain the sausage ahead of time and refrigerate it until you're ready to assemble your crock pot meal. Layer the sausage evenly over the hash browns.
After the sausage layer, it's time for the cheese. Shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses are a popular combination, and you can add an equal amount of each to create a flavorful layer. You can also experiment with other cheese varieties like smoked gouda, fontina, or pepper jack, depending on your preference. Repeat the hash brown, sausage, and cheese layers to create a second layer.
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Layering the ingredients
Layering ingredients is a crucial step in preparing a delicious breakfast sausage crock pot meal. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you layer your ingredients like a pro:
Prepare the Crock Pot
First, prepare your crock pot by spraying it with a nonstick cooking spray. This step ensures that your breakfast casserole doesn't stick to the pot, making both the cooking and cleaning processes easier.
Layer One: The Base
For the base layer, you have a few options. You can use frozen shredded hash browns, which don't need to be thawed before use. Simply spread them evenly across the bottom of the crock pot. Alternatively, you can use potatoes. Slice or cube them and layer them at the bottom.
Layer Two: Meat
The next layer is the star of the show—the breakfast sausage! If you're using raw sausage, cut it into chunks or crumble it, and if you're using pre-cooked sausage, simply place the links in the crock pot. You can also brown the sausage beforehand and drain the excess grease if you prefer. Layer the sausage evenly over the hash browns or potatoes.
Layer Three: Cheese and Veggies
Now, it's time to add some flavourful ingredients. Start with a layer of shredded cheese. You can use cheddar, mozzarella, or a combination of both. Then, add a layer of chopped green onions for a pop of colour and flavour. If you want to add more veggies, feel free to include diced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or even green chiles.
Repeat and Top Off
Repeat the hash brown (or potato), sausage, and cheese layers. Then, in a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper to create an egg mixture. Pour this mixture evenly over the top of your layered creation.
Cooking Time
Pop the lid on your crock pot and let it cook. You can cook it for 4 hours on HIGH or 8 hours on LOW. Your breakfast casserole is ready when the top is golden brown and the centre is set.
Feel free to experiment with different types of sausage, cheese, and veggie combinations to create your very own signature crock pot breakfast sausage dish!
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Serving suggestions
Breakfast sausage can be cooked in a crock pot, and there are several serving suggestions that can be considered.
One option is to prepare an overnight breakfast with potatoes and sausage. To make this dish, wash and chop some red potatoes, and peel and chop an onion. Toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and add them to the crock pot with uncooked breakfast sausage. This can be cooked for 8 hours on low, and served for breakfast the next day.
Another suggestion is to make a crockpot breakfast casserole. This dish includes sausage, bacon, eggs, potatoes, and vegetables. To prepare, saute some vegetables such as peppers, onions, mushrooms, or green chiles, and add them to the crock pot with the meats and eggs. This can be cooked overnight and served for breakfast or brunch. The casserole can be served with fruit salad, homemade cinnamon rolls, orange juice, coffee, or fruit on the side.
When preparing the crockpot breakfast casserole, it is recommended to use pre-cooked crumbled sausage and pre-cooked bacon to reduce mess and preparation time. Frozen hash browns can also be used, and it is suggested to thaw them in the fridge first. Additionally, shredded cheese can be added to the top of the casserole about an hour before serving. This dish can be served as part of a brunch, along with other egg dishes such as classic deviled eggs or scrambled eggs.
The crockpot breakfast casserole can also be customised by switching up the meat or adding different vegetables and cheeses. For example, bacon, diced ham, or veggie crumbles can be used instead of sausage, and diced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or green chiles can be added to the green onion layer. Smoked gouda, fontina, colby jack, monterey jack, or pepper jack cheeses are some alternative options to consider.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can cook breakfast sausage in a crock pot. You can use either fresh or pre-cooked sausage, but you will need to follow a different method depending on the type.
Fresh sausage needs to be cooked for a longer amount of time to ensure it is safe to eat. You can cook it on low for six to eight hours, or until a meat thermometer registers 165 degrees F and there is no visible pink in the centre of the sausage.
Pre-cooked sausage needs to be heated through. If you are cooking raw and pre-cooked sausage together, you can brown/drain/refrigerate the breakfast sausage several days ahead of time.
