Quick Answer
Yes, you can absolutely cook sausages on a George Foreman grill. George Foreman grills are designed to cook meats quickly by applying heat from both the top and bottom at the same time. This makes them an ideal appliance for cooking sausages thoroughly and evenly. The ridged surface also creates tasty char lines on the sausages. As long as you preheat the grill properly and don’t overcrowd it, cooking sausages on a George Foreman grill is easy and convenient.
How Does a George Foreman Grill Work?
George Foreman grills use a clamshell design to cook food between two ridged heating plates. The bottom plate is stationary, while the top plate can be lowered to contact the food. Once closed, the heating elements in both plates turn on and rapidly cook the food from both sides at once using conduction.
This allows the grill to cook foods very quickly and efficiently. The ridged surface also leaves char lines on meats and veggies, giving them an appetizing grilled finish. The sloped design causes excess grease and fat to run off into a drip tray, resulting in healthier cooking than frying or broiling.
George Foreman grills are available in different sizes. Small models are great for dorm rooms or RV cooking, while larger family-sized versions can handle a bounty of burgers or chicken breasts. Most models also offer adjustable temperature settings.
Benefits of Cooking Sausages on a George Foreman Grill
There are several advantages to using a George Foreman grill to cook sausages:
Even cooking
The heating plates cook the sausages from both sides simultaneously. This prevents the need to flip them repeatedly to ensure even cooking. It also virtually eliminates the risk of undercooked interiors or burnt outsides.
Great texture and char lines
The ridged grill plates sear tasty char lines into the sausages that add visual appeal and delicious flavor from the browned bits called the Maillard reaction. This beats the smoother, paler finish of oven or skillet cooking.
Reduced fat and calories
Excess grease and oils drain away while cooking, resulting in sausages that are less greasy than pan frying. This removes some fat and reduces the calorie count.
Easy and fast
George Foreman grills preheat in just minutes. Cooking time is usually 5 minutes or less per batch. The compact size means home cooks can enjoy quick weekday meals without heating up the whole kitchen.
Moist and juicy interior
The direct conductive heat cooks the interior before the outside can dry out. This leaves the sausage moist and flavorful in every bite, not dried out and shriveled.
How to Cook Sausages on a George Foreman Grill
Cooking sausages on a George Foreman grill takes just a few easy steps:
1. Select appropriate sausages
The grill works best with fresh, raw sausages that are fully cooked by grilling, like breakfast links, bratwurst, Italian sausage, chorizo, keilbasa, andouille, etc. Do not use precooked or smoked sausages like hot dogs or kielbasa unless just reheating.
2. Preheat the grill
Always preheat the grill for 3-5 minutes before adding food. Consult the owner’s manual for proper preheating instructions. Usually this involves closing the lid and turning it to the highest setting. Preheating ensures the plates get hot enough to sear and cook properly.
3. Use a little oil
Lightly brush or spray both grill plates with vegetable oil before cooking. This prevents sticking. Avoid thick, greasy coatings that can cause flare ups.
4. Arrange the sausages
Place the sausages on the bottom grill plate parallel to the ridges. Make sure they do not overlap or touch each other. Overcrowding prevents proper cooking and char line formation.
5. Close and cook
Lower the top plate gently to contact the sausages. Cook according to package directions, usually around 4-8 minutes for fresh sausages. The sausages are ready when browned with visible grill marks and firm to the touch.
6. Remove and serve
Carefully lift the top plate. Use tongs to transfer the cooked sausages to a platter. Tent loosely with foil and let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Tips for Great Results
Follow these tips for the very best grilled sausage on your George Foreman appliance:
– Choose sausages that are similar thickness for even cooking.
– Resist the urge to move or flip the sausages while cooking. Let them sear undisturbed.
– Use a digital food thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
– Let the grill reheat 1-2 minutes between batches to reheat the plates.
– Cut a few slits in the sausage casing before grilling if using raw sausage with casing. This prevents “blowouts”.
– Experiment with different flavors like chicken apple sausage, spicy andouille, or cheese bratwurst.
– Serve with fun condiments like sautéed peppers and onions, sauerkraut, and spicy mustard.
Common Questions
What kind of sausages work best?
Raw sausages that require thorough cooking work best, like breakfast sausage, bratwurst, Italian sausage, chorizo, keilbasa, andouille, etc. Avoid precooked smoked kielbasa or hot dogs.
Should I puncture the sausages before grilling?
This isn’t mandatory, but slicing a few slits into sausage casings may help them cook more evenly and prevents “blowouts”.
How long does it take to cook sausages on a George Foreman Grill?
Cook times range from 4-8 minutes depending on thickness. Use a food thermometer to confirm sausages reach 160°F internally.
Can I use cooking spray instead of brushing on oil?
Yes, spraying a light coat of oil works just as well as brushing to prevent sticking. Just don’t overdo it or residue can build up on the plates.
What temperature should I preheat the grill to?
Consult your owner’s manual, but most models preheat to around 420°F – 480°F for proper searing. Let it fully preheat before adding any food.
How do I prevent flare ups while cooking greasy sausages?
Make sure to trim excess fat before grilling to reduce flare ups. Also avoid overcrowding the grill, as this can lead to more grease buildup. Keep grease trap emptied.
Conclusion
George Foreman grills are an easy, convenient way to cook up delicious sausages at home. The direct conductive heat sears them perfectly while locking in moisture and flavor. Follow proper preheating and oiling techniques for best results. Grilled sausages make wonderful meals any time of day – from eggs and links breakfasts to beer brats at the game. With a little practice, you’ll be an expert at churning out tasty sausages from your countertop grill. Give it a try next time you have a craving for these savory links!