Sausage is one of the most useful meats because it can be used in a lot of different ways. It can be added to breakfast spreads, charcuterie boards, sandwiches, or just eaten by itself.
However, everything good must come to an end, and your sausages will go bad even if you store them perfectly. How long do smoked sausages stay fresh in the fridge? How long do they stay fresh when frozen?
The shelf life of your smoked sausages depends on a lot of different factors. That’s why we’re here to help you fully understand what to expect.
Without being opened, smoked sausages can stay in the fridge for up to two weeks. Once opened, they will only last about a week. If you freeze them, they will stay fresh for up to two months, but you can still eat them after that.
Proper storage is key to maximizing their shelf life and ensuring they remain tasty and safe to eat. We will talk about how to store sausage and what to look for to make sure you don’t eat bad sausage.
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Pork sausage is a delicious staple in many households From breakfast sandwiches to hearty pasta dishes, this versatile meat can be used in endless recipes However, like any fresh meat, pork sausage has a limited shelf life and needs to be stored properly to avoid spoilage. So how long does pork sausage last in the fridge? Here is a comprehensive guide to maximizing the shelf life of different types of pork sausage.
Overview of Pork Sausage Types
There are a few main categories of pork sausage to be aware of:
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Fresh (raw) pork sausage – This is uncooked pork sausage that you form into patties or cook in recipes It has the shortest fridge life,
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Pre-cooked pork sausage – This type comes already cooked, like kielbasa or bratwurst. It lasts longer than fresh raw sausage.
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Smoked pork sausage – Smoked sausages like andouille or chorizo can be stored the longest.
The ingredients and preparation process impact shelf life. Below are storage guidelines for each type.
How Long Does Raw Pork Sausage Last in the Fridge?
Fresh, raw pork sausage has the shortest fridge life. Here is how long it will last:
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1-2 days in the fridge: Raw pork sausage links or patties will stay fresh for 1-2 days past the sell by date. Cook or freeze within this timeline.
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3-4 months in the freezer: For maximum shelf life, freeze raw pork sausage within 1-2 days of purchase. It will keep for 3-4 months in a freezer set at 0°F.
To extend the shelf life, keep raw pork sausage in the coldest part of the fridge, usually the bottom shelf. Separate into portions so you only thaw what you need. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in a resealable bag.
Follow safe handling guidelines like cooking pork sausage to an internal temperature of 160°F before consuming.
How Long Does Pre-Cooked Pork Sausage Last?
Pre-cooked pork sausage that is already fully cooked when purchased lasts longer than raw. Here are the fridge timelines:
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5-7 days in the fridge: Keep refrigerated and consume pre-cooked bratwurst, kielbasa, and smoked sausage within 5-7 days. Discard if you notice an off smell, texture, or slime.
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1-2 months in the freezer: For maximum freshness, freeze pre-cooked pork sausage within 3-5 days of purchasing. Properly frozen, it will maintain quality for 1-2 months.
Pre-cooked sausage can be stored unopened in the pantry for 1-2 weeks before refrigerating. Once opened, it should be eaten within 5-7 days.
How Long Does Smoked Pork Sausage Last?
Smoked and cured pork sausages like chorizo, linguica, or andouille have the longest shelf life. Here’s how long they last:
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2-3 weeks in the fridge: Keep refrigerated after opening. Properly stored, smoked pork sausage will last 2-3 weeks in the fridge.
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4-6 months in the freezer: Freeze for long-term storage. Smoked pork sausage keeps for 4-6 months in a 0°F freezer before quality deteriorates.
Cured, smoked sausages can be stored in the pantry for several weeks unopened. Refrigerate or freeze for best quality and food safety once opened.
Storing Pork Sausage Properly
To safely maximize pork sausage shelf life, follow these storage tips:
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Refrigerate below 40°F as soon as possible after purchasing. Use within recommended timelines.
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Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or foil to prevent freezer burn. Portion into usable amounts before freezing.
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Cook frozen sausage without thawing for best texture. Thaw in the fridge if cooking thawed.
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Do not refreeze raw pork sausage after thawing. Cook within 1-2 days. Refreeze pre-cooked sausage once.
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Discard pork sausage that is past its use by date or has an off smell or appearance. Do not taste questionable sausage.
Signs Pork Sausage Has Gone Bad
Monitor your pork sausage for the following signs of spoilage:
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Unpleasant sour or ammonia odor
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Slime or stickiness on the surface
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Discoloration, like green, grey, or brown spots
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Mold growing on cooked sausage
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Weird textures like very slimy or rigid feel
Sausage that displays any of the above properties should be discarded. Do not taste meat that you suspect may be spoiled.
How to Use Up Leftover Pork Sausage
To avoid waste and get the most out of your pork sausage, use up leftovers with these ideas:
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Make mini sausage quiches or breakfast sandwiches for quick meals.
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Mix crumbled sausage into macaroni and cheese or pasta bakes for added flavor.
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Stuff sausage meat into peppers or tomatoes and bake for stuffed veggies.
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Incorporate chopped or loose sausage into soups, chilis, or casseroles.
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Sauté leftover sausage with vegetables and rice for a fast sausage fried rice.
With proper storage and preparation, pork sausage can safely keep for 1-2 weeks in the fridge. Follow the storage times for different types of sausage. Freezing sausage extends shelf life dramatically. Discard spoiled sausage that smells or looks off. With planning, you can maximize the shelf life of pork sausage.
Tips on Safe Storage for Smoked Sausages
So that the smoke sausage lasts as long as possible, storing it correctly can make a huge difference. Here are some tips to get a longer window to enjoy your sausage:
- Containers that don’t let air in: You can also use heavy-duty freezer bags, but the goal is to keep food from going bad or getting freezer burn.
- Label and Date: This helps you keep track of how long the sausages have been stored and makes sure that the oldest items are used first.
- Correct Wrapping: Once more, tight wrapping will help keep oxygen from breaking down your sausage. To keep the quality and avoid freezer burn, double-wrap the sausages before putting them in the freezer.
- Controlling Temperature: Keep the fridge at or below 40°F (4°C) and the freezer at or below 0°F (-18°C). This prevents bacterial growth and maintains the sausages quality.
- Avoid Cross-Contamination: Put smoked sausages on a plate or in a container so their juices don’t get on other foods and make them sick. This is especially important if the sausages have been opened.
Follow these tips and you’ll be able to extend the longevity of your sausages as much as possible. Even so, the sausages will go bad eventually, so you need to know how to tell when they’re past their best.
How Long Are Smoked Sausages Good For in the Freezer?
Maybe you’re stocking up and want to freeze some of your sausages to prepare at a later date. If so, how long are smoked sausages good for in the freezer?.
When properly stored, these frozen sausages can last up to 2 months or sometimes longer. But after this time, the quality will start to get worse, mostly in terms of taste and texture. They may still be safe to eat, albeit less enjoyable.
You can put unopened packages in the freezer, but to make them last longer and store better, we suggest putting them in a heavy-duty freezer bag, aluminum foil, or plastic wrap on top of the original packaging.
If you have already opened the package, wrap each sausage in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and then put them in a bag or container that can go in the freezer.
When the time comes to pull them out and prepare them, adhere to the proper thawing guidelines. Putting them in the fridge overnight will help them thaw more slowly, which will bring out the best taste and texture.
You can also use the defrost setting on your microwave if you’re in a hurry, but make sure to cook the sausages right away to keep them safe. Speaking of food safety, let’s offer some tips on how to store your sausages for the best results.
Ask the Test Kitchen: How Long Will Meat Last in the Fridge?
FAQ
How long does raw pork sausage last in the fridge?
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Product
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Refrigerator (40 F)
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Freezer (0 F)
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Sausage, raw – from pork, beef, turkey
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1-2 days
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1-2 months
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Smoked breakfast links, patties
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7 days
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1-2 months
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Hard sausage
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Opened: 3 weeks. Unopened: indefinitely
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1-2 months
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Summer sausage labeled “keep refrigerated”
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Opened: 3 weeks. Unopened: 3 months
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1-2 months
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How long is packaged sausage good for in the fridge?
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Type of Sausage
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Refrigerator – Unopened
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Refrigerator – After Opening
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Hard/Dry Sausage
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Whole, 6 weeks in pantry; indefinitely in refrigerator
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3 weeks
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Hot Dogs and Other Cooked Sausage
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2 weeks
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7 days
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Luncheon Meats
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2 weeks
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3 to 5 days
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Summer Sausage (Semi-dry)
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3 months
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3 weeks
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How long is uncooked pork good in the fridge?
How long can uncooked meat stay in the fridge?
How long does pork sausage last in the fridge?
**Pork sausage can last in the fridge for about three to four days.** When properly stored, refrigeration can help preserve the freshness and quality of pork sausage for a moderate period. However, it is essential to remember that these are general guidelines, and various factors can affect the shelf life of pork sausage.
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.
Can spoiled pork sausage be refrigerated?
You can increase the shelf life of pork sausage by promptly refrigerating it, ensuring proper storage conditions, and consuming it within the recommended time frame. If you won’t consume it in that period, consider freezing it instead. 7. What is the danger of consuming spoiled pork sausage?
How long can uncooked sausage be refrigerated?
Uncooked fresh sausage can be stored in the refrigerator one to two days; after cooking, keep for three to four days refrigerated (40 °F or less).” Here’s how to store sausage in the fridge: Store uncooked sausages in the original package — If you don’t have to, don’t open the package of fresh sausages.