Microwave Magic: Pre-cooked Sausage & Canned Corn

Craving a meal that practically makes itself? This lazy microwave combo transforms pre-cooked sausage and canned corn into a hot, satisfying dish faster than you can say “hangry.” No pans, no prep, no patience required.

We’ll show you how to nail this 5-minute meal with zero culinary skills. Bonus: you’ll learn why canned corn sizzles like a champ in microwaves and how to keep pre-cooked sausage juicy without a stovetop.

Below, we cover ingredient swaps, reheating hacks, and even how to add spicy or cheesy twists. Let’s turn your microwave into a lazy chef’s best friend.

What Does Pre-cooked Sausage Taste Like?

Pre-cooked sausage delivers savory satisfaction without the raw meat gamble. Think smoky, slightly salty notes with a softer texture than pan-seared links – like a polite cousin of breakfast sausage who skipped the grease splatter. Brands like Hillshire Farm or Eckrich offer smoked, honey-glazed, or spicy varieties that hold their flavor when microwaved.

My dad George once “catered” my 10th birthday party using only pre-cooked kielbasa and a microwave. While other parents made elaborate snacks, he served us sausage coins on paper plates with ketchup smears. Shockingly, we kids devoured it – proof that pre-cooked sausage’s convenience and crowd-pleasing taste trump fancy presentation.

Is Canned Corn Good in the Microwave?

Canned corn and microwaves are BFFs. The kernels’ natural sugars caramelize slightly when zapped, mimicking that charred grill taste without the actual effort. Just drain the liquid first – that briny can juice turns steamy in microwaves, risking mushy corn. We aim for plump, slightly sweet nuggets, not soggy yellow pebbles. For a delicious twist, try adding chili and lime for a quick microwave chili lime corn dish that elevates this simple ingredient. It’s a perfect side that brings vibrant flavors to the table in just minutes.

George’s pro tip: add a pat of butter before heating. The fat helps distribute heat evenly, preventing dry spots. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between intervals. At 700W, 60-90 seconds gets ideal crunch-tenderness. Overdo it, and you’ll resurrect that school cafeteria corn texture we all fear. For a delicious twist, consider trying quick microwave garlic butter corn, which combines the same methods but elevates the flavor with garlic and butter. It’s a simple and tasty side dish that can be made in minutes!

Ready to assemble your lazy feast? Let’s break down the ingredient lineup and clever swaps for dietary needs or pantry shortages. This includes some lazy microwave instant stuffing mix that pairs well with the pre-cooked sausage and canned corn.

Ingredients for Lazy Microwave Sausage and Corn

Gather your edible MVPs – this meal thrives on simplicity. We’re talking pantry raid energy meets “I need food now” urgency. Think quick and satisfying dishes that can be prepared in just minutes. In fact, there are 15 microwave recipes better than takeout that can transform your mealtime experience.

Essential Components

• Pre-cooked sausage (4 oz per serving): Smoked kielbasa, andouille, or chicken apple work best
• Canned corn (1/2 cup drained): Go for no-salt-added if watching sodium
• Microwave-safe bowl: At least 12 oz capacity to prevent spillovers
• Optional flavor boosters: Butter pat, black pepper, smoked paprika

Substitutes and Alternatives

• Vegetarian? Swap in plant-based sausages like Beyond Meat or Field Roast
• Corn alternatives: Use 1/3 cup frozen kernels (thawed) or fresh corn cut off 1 ear
• Butter substitutes: Olive oil (1 tsp) or bacon grease for smoky richness
• Spice it up: Cajun seasoning, chili flakes, or everything bagel sprinkle

Also See: Lazy Microwave Frozen Chicken Patty Sandwich Hack

How to Make Lazy Microwave Sausage and Corn

Channel your inner microwave wizard with our foolproof method. Total active time: 2 minutes. Passive time: 3 minutes to avoid mouth burns. For a quick and easy way to prepare fresh corn on the cob, utilizing the microwave can save time and effort. There’s a simple trick to microwaving corn that guarantees perfectly cooked kernels in just minutes!

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Slice sausage into 1/4” coins – thicker than a nickel, thinner than a poker chip.
2. Drain corn thoroughly in a colander. Shake like you’re mad at it for being canned.
3. Combine sausage and corn in bowl. Add butter if using. No stirring yet!
4. Microwave uncovered at 700W for 1 minute. Stir. Zap 30 seconds more.
5. Let rest 60 seconds – this redistributes heat and prevents corn shrapnel burns.

Tips for Better Texture and Flavor

Want to avoid George’s infamous “half-frozen, half-lava” incident? Cover the bowl with a paper towel to trap steam, keeping sausage plump. Add spices after heating – paprika gets bitter when nuked too long. If you’re looking for an easy meal option, microwave frozen plant-based sausages can be a great choice. They heat up quickly and provide a satisfying alternative for those who prefer a meatless diet.

For caramelized edges, arrange sausage coins in a single layer against the bowl’s sides. The microwave’s uneven heating becomes your ally here, creating crispy bits amidst the juicy bites. To achieve perfectly cooked sausage, microwaving is a quick and easy option worth considering. It allows the sausages to cook evenly while retaining their moisture and flavor.

Also See: Quick & Easy Microwave Raspberry Cheesecake in a Mug

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Even lazy cooking has pitfalls. Here’s how to dodge the two biggest oopsies.

Overheating Canned Corn

Zapping corn beyond 90 seconds turns kernels into wrinkled pea impersonators. If you’ve already overdone it, stir in 1 tsp water and let sit 2 minutes. The steam helps plump them back up slightly. For a quicker option, consider using microwave canned corn, which is already cooked and just needs reheating. This can save time and help ensure your meal is ready in minutes.

Dry Sausage Solutions

Pre-cooked sausage dries out when microwaved too long. Slice thinner next time (aim for 1/8”) or add 1 tbsp broth before heating. Already parched? Drizzle with 1/2 tsp maple syrup – the sweetness pairs surprisingly well with smoky meats.

Mastered the basics? Let’s crank up the fun with spicy and cheasty twists coming up next…

Flavor Variations for Your Microwave Meal

Our base recipe is just the beginning. With two lazy tweaks, you can swing from fiery fiesta to cozy cheese pull without dirtying extra dishes. Pro tip: keep a “flavor kit” in your fridge door – hot sauce packets from pizza deliveries, leftover condiments, that half-used cheese bag.

Spicy Kick Variation

Turn up the heat with pantry staples. I once transformed a bland microwave meal using Cholula and pickled jalapeños from my fridge’s condiment graveyard – now it’s my go-to when Netflix serves drama but my dinner doesn’t.

• Add 1/2 tsp chili powder or 5 dashes hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot) pre-microwave
• Stir in 1 tbsp diced pickled jalapeños post-zap – their vinegar cuts through richness
• Top with crushed red pepper flakes for capsaicin confetti (that’s science talk for “ouch-yummy”)

Cheesy Comfort Twist

Embrace your inner cheese goblin. My college roommate and I survived finals week by melting American singles onto everything – including this sausage-corn combo. Upgrade with sharper cheeses now, but the principle remains: melty dairy = instant joy. For an even easier melt, try using the microwave; it works wonders for achieving that gooey texture. Melting cheese in the microwave can turn any dish into a comforting, cheesy delight in just seconds.

• Mix in 1/4 cup shredded cheddar post-heating (prevents rubbery texture)
• For creaminess, add 1 tbsp cream cheese and stir until saucy
• Crush 6 Ritz crackers over the top – their buttery crunch mimics oven-baked casserole vibes

Leftovers? (Unlikely, but we’ve got plans.) Next up: how to store and reheat any surviving bites without turning corn kernels into tiny rubber bullets, especially when you’re reheating corn on the cob in the microwave for that lazy pre-cooked sausage and canned corn combo.

Now It’s Your Turn to Microwave!

We’ve covered everything from selecting the right pre-cooked sausage to avoiding common microwave pitfalls. With just 3-5 minutes of cooking time, this lazy meal delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Why not give this microwave hack a whirl tonight? Whether you’re craving the classic combo or want to experiment with our spicy or cheesy variations, this is one of those rare meals that’s both stupid-easy and surprisingly satisfying. Just don’t blame us when this becomes your new go-to lazy dinner!