How to Cook Costco Sausage

Kirkland Signature Italian Sausage is a raw pork sausage sold at Costco in a 56-ounce package containing 14 links.

The sausage features natural casing with seasoning that includes fennel and black pepper.

No MSG. No preservatives. No artificial ingredients.

Most people cook these for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or when feeding a crowd. The bulk package makes it practical for families or batch cooking.

This guide covers four cooking methods: stovetop, oven, air fryer, and grill. Cooking time ranges from 10 to 25 minutes depending on your approach.

You will need a meat thermometer to check doneness. That is the only way to know for sure if the sausage is safe to eat.

Product Details

Product: Kirkland Signature Mild Italian Sausage

Type: Raw pork sausage (requires cooking)

Package Size: 56 oz / 3.5 lbs (14 links)

Price: $10.99 at Costco (Updated December 2024)

Storage: Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below

Calories per Serving: 250 calories per link (112g)

Main Ingredients: Pork, water, salt, sugar, vinegar powder, spices (fennel, black pepper), natural flavors, paprika

Item Number: 1735359

Cooking Methods Comparison

Recommended Method: Air fryer for speed and crispy texture with minimal cleanup.

Method 1: Air Fryer (Recommended)

The air fryer cooks Kirkland Italian sausage in about 10-13 minutes at 360°F.

Links come out with a crispy exterior and juicy inside. No oil needed. Minimal splatter.

This method works for 4-6 sausages at a time, depending on your basket size.

Step 1: How Do You Prepare the Sausage?

Remove sausage links from refrigerator. Let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.

Instructions:

1. Take out as many links as you need (one link per serving)
2. Pat dry with paper towels if there is excess moisture
3. Do NOT poke holes in the casing

Equipment: Air fryer, tongs, instant-read thermometer

Step 2: What Temperature and Time Do You Use?

Preheat air fryer to 360°F for 3 minutes. Cook sausages for 10-13 minutes total.

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 360°F
2. Place sausages in basket in single layer, leaving space between each
3. Set timer for 10-13 minutes

Temperature: 360°F

Time: 10-13 minutes

Step 3: When Do You Flip the Sausages?

Flip sausages halfway through cooking time. This ensures even browning on all sides.

Instructions:

1. At the 5-6 minute mark, open air fryer
2. Use tongs to flip each sausage
3. Continue cooking for remaining time

Checkpoint: At 5-6 minute mark

Step 4: How Do You Know When It Is Done?

Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Insert through the end of the sausage, not through the side.

Instructions:

1. Insert thermometer into the end of the sausage link
2. Wait for reading to stabilize
3. Let sausages rest 3-5 minutes before serving

Target Temperature: 160°F minimum (USDA recommendation for ground pork)

Visual Indicator: Golden brown exterior, no pink visible when cut

Method 2: Stovetop

Pan frying with water gives you juicy sausages that brown at the end.

This takes about 15-20 minutes total. The water prevents burning while the inside cooks through.

Step 1: How Do You Prepare the Sausage?

Get your cast iron skillet or non-stick pan ready. You will need water for the first stage.

Instructions:

1. Place sausages in a large skillet
2. Add about 1/2 inch of water to the pan

Equipment: Cast iron skillet or large non-stick pan, lid, tongs, meat thermometer

Step 2: What Temperature and Time Do You Use?

Start with medium heat to simmer, then finish on medium-high to brown.

Instructions:

1. Bring water to a simmer over medium heat
2. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes
3. Remove lid and continue cooking 5-8 minutes until water evaporates

Temperature: Medium heat (setting 5-6 out of 10)

Time: 15-20 minutes total

Step 3: When Do You Turn the Sausages?

Once the water evaporates, turn sausages frequently to brown all sides.

Instructions:

1. After lid is removed and water is gone, sausages will start to sizzle
2. Turn every 1-2 minutes for even browning

Checkpoint: At 12-minute mark when water evaporates

Step 4: How Do You Know When It Is Done?

The sausage should be golden brown on all sides with an internal temp of 160°F.

Instructions:

1. Check internal temperature with thermometer
2. Look for caramelization on the casing
3. Let rest 3-5 minutes before slicing

Target Temperature: 160°F

Visual Indicator: Golden brown exterior, sizzling sounds

Method 3: Oven

Baking sausage at 400°F takes about 20-25 minutes. This is the easiest hands-off method.

You can cook the entire package at once. Line your sheet pan with foil for easy cleanup.

Step 1: How Do You Prepare the Sausage?

Preheat oven and prepare your baking sheet while sausages come to room temperature.

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F
2. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil
3. Place sausages on sheet, leaving 1 inch between each link

Equipment: Rimmed baking sheet, aluminum foil, tongs, meat thermometer

Step 2: What Temperature and Time Do You Use?

Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes. Higher temps (400°F) produce crispier skin than lower temps.

Instructions:

1. Place sheet pan on center rack
2. Bake for 20-25 minutes total

Temperature: 400°F

Time: 20-25 minutes

Step 3: When Do You Flip the Sausages?

Flip once at the halfway point for even browning on both sides.

Instructions:

1. At 10-12 minute mark, open oven
2. Use tongs to flip each sausage
3. Return to oven for remaining time

Checkpoint: At 10-12 minute mark

Step 4: How Do You Know When It Is Done?

Sausages should have a golden-brown exterior and reach 160°F internally.

Instructions:

1. Check internal temperature
2. Look for browned, slightly blistered casing
3. Let rest 3-5 minutes before serving

Target Temperature: 160°F

Visual Indicator: Golden brown with slight blistering on casing

Method 4: Grill

Grilling Italian sausage at 400-450°F takes about 8-12 minutes.

This method adds smoky flavor. Works with gas grill or charcoal grill.

Step 1: How Do You Prepare the Sausage?

Let sausages reach room temperature while preheating the grill.

Instructions:

1. Remove sausages from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before grilling
2. Preheat grill to 400-450°F
3. Clean grill grates with brush

Equipment: Gas or charcoal grill, tongs, meat thermometer

Step 2: What Temperature and Time Do You Use?

Grill over direct medium-high heat for 8-12 minutes total.

Instructions:

1. Place sausages on grill grates over direct heat
2. Close lid and cook 4-5 minutes per side

Temperature: 400-450°F (medium-high heat)

Time: 8-12 minutes total

Step 3: When Do You Flip the Sausages?

Flip once halfway through. Use tongs, not a fork.

Instructions:

1. After 4-5 minutes, open lid
2. Flip sausages using tongs (avoid puncturing casing)
3. Close lid and finish cooking

Checkpoint: At 4-5 minute mark

Step 4: How Do You Know When It Is Done?

Check temperature by inserting thermometer through the end of the sausage.

Instructions:

1. Insert thermometer into end of sausage (not through the side)
2. Look for grill marks and charred appearance
3. Let rest 3-5 minutes off the grill

Target Temperature: 160°F

Visual Indicator: Charred grill marks, browned casing

Safety and Quality Indicators

Food Safety:

• Internal Temperature: 160°F minimum (USDA guideline for ground pork)
• Steam Check: Sausage should steam when cut open
• Thawing: Always thaw frozen sausage in refrigerator overnight, never at room temperature

Quality Indicators (Done Properly):

• Color: Golden brown exterior with no raw pink spots inside
• Texture: Firm but still juicy when pressed
• Temperature: Hot throughout, 160°F minimum
• Appearance: Casing slightly blistered but not burst

Signs of Overcooking:

• Shriveled, wrinkled casing
• Dry, crumbly texture inside
• Excessive charring or burnt spots

Serving Suggestions

Portion Size: 1 link (112g) per serving (14 servings per package)

Serving Ideas:

• Sliced over pasta with marinara sauce and parmesan
• In a hoagie roll with sauteed peppers and onions
• Alongside Costco mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables

Pairing Recommendations:

• Serve with Costco garlic bread for a complete Italian meal
• Add to cooked pasta with olive oil and fresh basil
• Pair with a simple green salad

Storage and Reheating

Leftover Storage:

• Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking
• Store in airtight container
• Consume within 3-4 days
• Can freeze cooked sausage for up to 2-3 months

Reheating Instructions:

• Microwave: 1-2 minutes at 50% power, covered
• Air Fryer: 2-3 minutes at 350°F
• Oven: 10-15 minutes at 350°F, wrapped in foil
• Target Temperature: 165°F when reheating

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Issue: Sausage casing burst or split open

Cause: Heat too high or sausage punctured before cooking

Solution: Lower your cooking temperature. Do not poke holes in the casing. Use tongs instead of a fork when flipping.

Issue: Burnt outside but raw inside

Cause: Cooking temperature too high

Solution: Use the stovetop water method or lower oven/grill temperature. Cook longer at lower heat.

Issue: Sausage is dry and tough

Cause: Overcooked or cooked at too high temperature for too long

Solution: Use a meat thermometer and remove sausage at 160°F. Do not exceed 180°F internal temp. Let rest before cutting.

Issue: Uneven browning

Cause: Sausages placed too close together or not flipped

Solution: Leave 1 inch space between each link. Flip at least once during cooking.

Product Variations and Related Items

Similar Costco Products:

• Costco chicken sausage – Lower fat option, cooks faster
• Costco hot Italian sausage – Same cooking method, spicier flavor
• Costco breakfast sausage – Smaller links, different seasoning
• Costco turkey sausage – Leaner option, cook to 165°F
• Teton Polish sausage from Costco – Different flavor profile, similar cooking time

Cooking Time Adjustments:

• Chicken or turkey sausage: Cook to 165°F (slightly higher than pork)
• Thicker bratwurst-style links: Add 2-3 minutes to cooking time
• Frozen sausage: Add 5-7 minutes to total cooking time

Quick Reference Chart

| Method | Temp | Time | Flip At | Internal Temp | | — | — | — | — | — | | Air Fryer | 360°F | 10-13 min | 5-6 min | 160°F | | Stovetop | Medium | 15-20 min | Continuously after water evaporates | 160°F | | Oven | 400°F | 20-25 min | 10-12 min | 160°F | | Grill | 400-450°F | 8-12 min | 4-5 min | 160°F |

The key to cooking Kirkland sausage well? Use a meat thermometer. Every time.

Internal temperature tells you more than color or time ever will.

FAQ on How To Cook Costco Sausage

What temperature should Costco Italian sausage be cooked to?

Kirkland Signature Italian sausage must reach an internal temperature of 160°F for pork sausage.

Use an instant-read thermometer inserted through the end of the link.

This is the USDA recommendation for all ground pork products.

How long do you cook Kirkland sausage in an air fryer?

Cook Costco sausage links in an air fryer at 360°F for 10-13 minutes.

Flip them halfway through. Check internal temp reaches 160°F before serving.

Thicker links may need an extra 2-3 minutes.

Can you cook Costco sausage from frozen?

Yes. Add 5-7 minutes to any cooking method when starting with frozen sausage.

Air fryer works best for frozen links. Set to 400°F for 12-14 minutes.

Always verify internal temperature with a meat thermometer before eating.

Should you poke holes in Italian sausage before cooking?

No. Piercing the natural casing lets juices escape, making sausage dry.

Keep the casing intact during cooking. The casing holds in moisture and fat.

Use tongs instead of a fork when flipping to avoid punctures.

How do you know when Costco sausage is done?

Check with a meat thermometer. Internal temp should read 160°F minimum.

The exterior will be golden brown. Cut one open to verify no pink remains inside.

Cooked sausage should steam when sliced.

What is the best way to cook Kirkland Signature Italian sausage?

Air fryer produces the best results. Fast cooking time of 10-13 minutes with crispy exterior.

Stovetop with water gives juicier sausage. Grilling adds smoky flavor.

Choose based on your preference and available equipment.

Can you grill Costco Italian sausage?

Absolutely. Preheat your gas grill or charcoal grill to 400-450°F.

Grill sausage links for 8-12 minutes total, flipping once halfway through.

Close the lid between flips for even cooking. Check for 160°F internal temp.

How do you cook Costco sausage on the stovetop?

Add sausages to a cast iron skillet with 1/2 inch of water. Cover and simmer 10-12 minutes.

Remove lid. Let water evaporate.

Then brown on medium heat for 5-8 more minutes, turning frequently.

How long does cooked Costco sausage last in the fridge?

Store cooked Italian sausage in an airtight container. It stays good for 3-4 days refrigerated.

For longer storage, freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Reheat to 165°F before eating leftovers.

Why did my Costco sausage casing split?

The casing burst because heat was too high or you poked holes before cooking.

Lower your cooking temperature. Use the stovetop water method to prevent splitting.

Never pierce the natural casing with a fork or knife.

Conclusion

Learning how to cook Costco sausage comes down to one thing: hitting that 160°F internal temperature.

Pick your method based on time and texture preference. Air fryer gives you a crispy exterior fast. Stovetop keeps things juicy inside. Grilling adds that smoky char.

The Kirkland Signature bulk package makes weeknight meal prep simple. Cook the whole batch, store leftovers properly, and you have easy protein ready for days.

Grab a meat thermometer. Follow the cooking times. You will get perfect results every time.