Pittsburgh hot links, often referred to as “Pittsburgh-style” hot links, are a staple of the western Pennsylvania region. These spicy sausages contain a blend of pork and beef, seasoned with red pepper flakes and garlic. Traditionally cooked on a grill, Pittsburgh hot links can also be prepared in the oven for those who prefer indoor cooking or don’t have access to an outdoor grill.
In this guide, we’ll discuss how to cook Pittsburgh hot links in the oven from start to finish. We’ll cover everything from preparing the sausages to serving suggestions and innovative ways to use leftovers.
Preparing the Pittsburgh Hot Links for Baking
Before you can cook your Pittsburgh hot links in the oven, you need to ensure that they are properly thawed and marinated. If your sausages are frozen, make sure to thaw them before cooking. You can do this by placing them in a bowl of cold water or defrosting them overnight in the refrigerator.
Once thawed, consider seasoning your hot links with marinade such as Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce mixed with spices like paprika and cumin. Allow the sausages time to absorb these flavors by marinating them for at least 30 minutes.
Lastly, it’s essential that you prick each sausage several times with a fork before baking. This allows steam to escape during cooking time preventing your hot links from bursting while baking.
Preheating the Oven for Baking
Like any other food item baked in an oven ensuring temperature settings is crucial when it comes to cooking Pittsburgh Hot Links. The ideal temperature range is roughly between 375°F – 400°F (190°C – 205°C) for even heat distribution during baking.
To prepare your oven correctly:
- Preheat your oven at 375°F (190°C) minimum.
- Depending on whether you’re using metal or silicone racks, use the right rack type to cook your hot links crisply.
- These temperature settings work for baking most hot links but may vary depending on the brand of sausage you purchase.
Steps to Bake Pittsburgh Hot Links in the Oven
- Arrange hot links on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Make sure there is enough space between each link to allow for proper air circulation and even baking throughout cooking time.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes.
- Halfway through cooking, while flipping hot links over, add any desired seasoning like olives or onions until fully cooked inside or reaching an internal temperature of about (165°F/73°C)
- Remove from oven when they have reached your preferred level of doneness and flavors are fully infused through.
Hot Link Sausages are usually prepared crisp outside and tender inside making them great addition served with various condiments like mustard sauce, hot sauce, BBQ sauce or tomato ketchup.
Alternative Methods for Cooking Pittsburgh Hot Links in the Oven
If you don’t have access to parchment paper or simply want to avoid using it, one alternative method is using foil instead. Wrap each sausage individually in heavy-duty aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet. During this process it’s essential that sausages remain tightly wrapped otherwise its natural flavors could leak out during cooking leading to drying out.
Another option is adding moisture when cooking by placing sausages in a water bath during their last ten minutes in the oven. This method helps keep them moist as they cook when that touch of sizzle has finished happening.
Serving Suggestions for Pittsburgh Hot Links
Pittsburgh style hot links come fully loaded with intense flavors resulting into delicacy that’s best served accompanied with various side dishes if you wish:
- Potato salad
- Macaroni salad
- Baked Beans
- Coleslaw
To take things to the next level, try using your baked hot links as sandwich fillings, adding cheese and eggs for breakfast or even using them in a pizza topping.
Conclusion / Recapitulation
Cooking Pittsburgh hot links is easy, but it all depends on the flavors and textures you’re looking for while cooking. Preparing hot links is all about allowing perfect temperature settings with a good amount of seasoning before baking making sure you achieve that sizzle on the outside, while keeping tender melt in your mouth goodness inside.
Following these recipe steps will ensure optimal taste results when whipping up some classic Pittsburgh Style Hot Links! Don’t forget to experiment with additional condiments and side items when serving hot links throughout meals.
Q&A
- Q: Can I cook Pittsburg Hot Links in the oven? A: Absolutely! Not everyone has access to a grill, and cooking hot links in the oven is just as tasty and convenient.
- Q: What temperature should I set my oven to when cooking Pittsburg Hot Links? A: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) before placing your hot links on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Q: How long should I cook Pittsburg Hot Links in the oven? A: Cook your hot links for about 15-20 minutes, depending on how crispy or charred you like them. Be sure to flip them over halfway through cooking.
- Q: Any secret tips for making sure my Pittsburg Hot Links come out perfectly from the oven? A: For extra flavor, brush some BBQ sauce onto your hot links right before you put them in the oven. And don’t overcrowd your baking sheet – give each link plenty of breathing room to get that perfect crispy texture!
