Sausages are delicious and a rich source of protein the whole family can enjoy. You can make a hearty meal with them quickly when you don’t have much time, and you can eat them for breakfast, in soups, or on a plain hot dog bun. It’s not a surprise that sausage sales are going up since there are so many thing that can be done.
Buying good sausages and storing them the right way until it’s time to cook will keep your family healthy. Because you want your sausages to be fresh before you serve them, you need to know how long they can be kept. That way, you can be sure that the sausages you serve are always the healthiest and tastiest, just the way they should be, no matter who you’re cooking for. Here are some general guidelines regarding the shelf life of sausages.
Pork sausage is a freezer staple for many home cooks. Forming bulk sausage into patties or links makes it easy to pull out just what you need for recipes. Freezing stops bacteria growth that causes spoilage extending the shelf life of pork sausage significantly. But just how long can raw or cooked pork sausage last in the freezer?
Overview of Freezing Pork Sausage
Freezing gives you flexibility when buying and using pork sausage. You can purchase family packs when they go on sale make large batches for freezing, and stock up for future recipes. Vacuum sealing or tightly wrapping raw sausage prevents freezer burn. Freeze sausages flat in a single layer until firm before stacking.
While frozen pork sausage remains safe indefinitely, the quality slowly diminishes over time Follow proper storage and defrosting methods to retain flavor and texture. Use frozen sausage within recommended time limits for best results
How Long Can Raw Pork Sausage Stay Frozen?
According to USDA guidelines, raw pork sausage links or patties maintain top quality when frozen for 1 to 2 months at 0°F or below. Continuously freezing at 0°F keeps raw pork sausage safe indefinitely, but the quality will decrease.
For optimal taste and texture, use frozen raw pork sausage within these recommended freezer times:
- Fresh pork sausage links or patties – 1 to 2 months
- Fresh Italian-style sausages – 1 to 2 months
- Frozen raw sausage from the store – 1 to 2 months from purchase date
The National Pork Board states raw pork sausage frozen at 0°F retains optimum quality up to 4 months. Label sausage packages with the freeze date and use within this 4-month window.
How Long Can Cooked Sausage Stay Frozen?
Fully cooked pork sausage like kielbasa, bratwurst, smoked sausage etc. lasts 1 to 2 months in the freezer at 0°F with good quality. The National Pork Board recommends consuming cooked frozen sausage within 2 months.
Cooked pork sausage tends to dry out faster than raw due to moisture loss during cooking. For best results, freeze cooked sausage no longer than 2 to 3 months.
Proper Storage of Frozen Pork Sausage
Follow these tips for storing raw or cooked pork sausage:
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Package sausage tightly in freezer wrap or bags, eliminating air pockets. Portion into meal-sizes.
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Arrange sausages in single layer on trays and quick-freeze until solid before stacking.
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Freeze sausage as soon as possible after making or buying. Avoid leaving at fridge temperatures.
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Place packages towards back of freezer where temperature remains most constant at 0°F or below.
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Separate packages so they don’t freeze together in a block. Freeze raw and cooked sausages separately.
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Once thawed, use refrigerated sausage within 1 to 2 days. Do not refreeze thawed raw pork sausage.
Proper freezer storage preserves quality and prevents freezer burn on frozen pork sausages.
How To Tell If Frozen Sausage Has Spoiled
Although frozen pork sausage stays safe indefinitely, the quality suffers over time. Signs that frozen sausage has spoiled and should be discarded:
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Unpleasant or off odors when package is opened
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Color changes to gray, greenish-gray, brownish
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Dry, sticky, or tacky texture
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Signs of freezer burn like dry spots, discoloration
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Presence of ice crystals or clumps inside sausage
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Mold growth anywhere – discard immediately!
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Sausage exceeds recommended freezer times
Don’t taste pork sausage that shows signs of spoilage. When in doubt, throw it out.
Safe Thawing of Frozen Pork Sausage
Always thaw frozen sausage properly before cooking. Avoid leaving sausage at room temperature to thaw. Better thawing options include:
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Refrigerator – Thaw overnight in fridge for slow, safe thawing.
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Cold water – Place sausage in airtight bag, submerge in cold tap water. Change water every 30 mins.
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Microwave – Use the defrost setting at 30% power. Turn sausages over and break up clumps.
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As part of cooking – Add extra cooking time if using frozen sausage in soups, casseroles etc.
Cook thawed pork sausage within 1 to 2 days. Do not refreeze raw sausage after thawing.
Tips for Cooking Frozen or Thawed Sausage
Follow these guidelines when cooking pork sausage:
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Pat sausage dry before cooking to prevent splattering
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Cook to a minimum internal temperature of 160°F measured with a meat thermometer
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Brown sausages on both sides until cooked through
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Drain fat during cooking for healthier results
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Avoid overcrowding the pan which steams instead of browning
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Balance flavors with spices like sage, pepper, fennel, garlic
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Simmer or braise links in soups, beans or sauces for extra tenderness
Proper cooking destroys potentially harmful bacteria for safe enjoyment of pork sausage.
Can Thawed Sausage Be Refrozen?
It is not recommended to refreeze raw pork sausage after thawing. Refreezing can affect texture and moisture.
If thawed sausage cannot be used in time, you have two options:
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Cook sausage thoroughly until done, let cool, then freeze again. The cooking process makes it safer for refreezing.
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If the raw sausage was thawed in the fridge at 40°F or below for just 1-2 days, cook it immediately before refreezing.
Freezing Cooked Sausage Recipes
Leftovers like sausage pasta sauce, soups, casseroles, meatballs etc. containing cooked sausage can be frozen. Allow dishes to cool completely before freezing in airtight containers. Label cooked frozen sausage foods with recipe, date, and reheating instructions. Eat within 2 to 3 months for best quality and food safety.
The Bottom Line
When properly stored at 0°F, raw pork sausage keeps 1-2 months before the quality declines. Cooked sausage lasts 1-2 months frozen. Thaw sausage safely in the refrigerator, cold water or microwave. Follow recommended freezer times, storage methods and food safety practices to enjoy delicious frozen pork sausage for months.
How to Store Sausages Properly
You can prolong the life of your sausages with correct storage. If you pay extra attention to how you store your sausages, they will stay safe to eat and keep their great fresh, spicy taste. Keep the following tips and tricks in mind:
- Keep your hands clean and dry. Before you touch sausages, wash and dry your hands well. It prevents the spread of potentially harmful bacteria. Keep raw meat away from other foods at all times, and clean all surfaces and tools when you’re done.
- They should be kept in the coldest part of the fridge or freezer. Fridge and freezer temperatures are different. Keep in mind that meat should be kept in the fridge at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.
- Follow the two-day rule: Eat fresh sausage no more than two days after buying it. It should be frozen if you plan to use it more than two days after buying it.
- Use the right containers: Whether you’re putting sausages in the fridge or the freezer, make sure you use the right container, like a tub that won’t let air in or a wrap that can handle temperatures below zero.
- If you’re not sure if your sausages are safe to eat, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
How to Tell if Your Sausages Have Gone Bad
If you’ve forgotten the time, the power went out, or you’re not sure if the sausage is still good to eat, look for these signs:
- Strong or unpleasant smell: If your sausage smells strong or unpleasant, it’s already gone bad. If the smell of your sausage is fishy, sour, or acidic, you should probably throw it away. When sausage is bad, it often smells like rotten eggs, so throw it away even if you bought it already cooked.
- As the sausages age, their color may change. If you see a gray or greenish tint, this is usually a sign. You should throw away cooked sausage that turns brown.
- Shape and feel changes: If your sausage gets slimy and loses its color and firmness, it’s probably no longer safe to eat.
- Mold: If your sausages have mold or any other sign of bacterial growth, you should throw them away.
- Loss of moisture: When cooked sausage starts to crack or dry out, it means it’s losing its water. You should throw it away because it’s not fresh enough to eat anymore.
How long can food stay in your freezer?
FAQ
Is sausage still good after 2 years in the freezer?
How do you know if sausage has gone bad in the freezer?
Can you eat sausages that have been frozen for 12 months?
How long can you keep uncooked sausages in the freezer?
How long does frozen pork sausage last?
According to the National Pork Board, frozen pork sausage can last for six months or more in the freezer. This means that you can stock up on your favorite sausage and enjoy it for months to come. However, it’s important to note that while frozen sausage may be safe to eat beyond six months, its quality may start to deteriorate.
Is sausage casing healthier option to eat?
Cellulose casings and some natural casings are perfectly fine to eat. Sausage casings are used to hold and shape filling inside so that it can be cooked. There are natural sausage casings and synthetic varieties, and most of them are edible. The healthiest way to cook them is by boiling or baking. Sausages provide high levels of vitamin B12 and iron, both of which are essential for healthy red blood cells and hemoglobin production.
How long does sausage last in the freezer?
The freezer life of sausage varies depending on its type, packaging, and storage conditions. 1. Fresh Sausage: Fresh sausage, when properly frozen and stored, retains its peak quality for up to 2 months. Beyond this timeframe, its flavor and texture may deteriorate. 2. Smoked Sausage:
Can you freeze pork sausage?
Freeze it fast: Freezing your pork sausage as quickly as possible can help prevent the formation of large ice crystals on the surface, which can lead to freezer burn and result in tougher meat when thawed. Make sure that your freezer temperature is set to at least 0oF to ensure that your sausage freezes quickly.