If you like smoked sausage, you know that a little can go a long way and that it can be bitter. Don’t throw away extra sausage that you know won’t be eaten all.
Smoked sausage varieties like kielbasa, andouille, and bratwurst from Eckrich are always a hit at backyard barbecues and tailgates. But left with leftovers, many wonder – can you freeze Eckrich smoked sausage to save some for later?
The good news is yes, you absolutely can freeze Eckrich smoked sausage! With proper freezing and storage methods, you can keep Eckrich smoked sausage fresh and delicious for 2-3 months in the freezer
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about successfully freezing Eckrich sausage to maximize shelf life without sacrificing texture and taste.
Overview of Freezing Eckrich Smoked Sausage
Freezing stops bacteria growth that causes food spoilage, allowing Eckrich smoked sausage to maintain its flavorful quality when frozen properly. Here are some freezing guidelines:
- Freeze sausages in original airtight packaging for short term storage under 1 month
- For longer freezing, rewrap thawed sausages tightly in plastic wrap or foil before returning to the freezer
- Remove as much air as possible when rewrapping to prevent freezer burn
- Portion into meal-sized servings for easy weeknight dinners
- Store frozen smoked sausage flat in single layers for maximum freezer life
With the right freezing and storage, Eckrich smoked sausage will taste freshly-made for months!
Why Freeze Eckrich Smoked Sausage?
Freezing Eckrich smoked sausage offers many advantages
- Extends shelf life for up to 2-3 months frozen
- Maintains texture and moisture content when frozen correctly
- Avoids waste of unused smoked sausage links
- Allows stocking up when found on sale
- Always have your favorites on hand for barbecues and parties
- Pre-portion into servings for easy meal prep
Freezing gives you access to tasty Eckrich smoked sausage anytime.
Proper Handling for Freezing
Follow these steps for properly freezing Eckrich smoked sausage:
- Allow raw sausage links to thaw if frozen
- Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture
- Wrap each link tightly in plastic wrap or foil, removing air
- Place wrapped sausages in freezer bag or airtight container
- Squeeze out air and seal bag/container
- Label package clearly with contents and freeze-by date
- Freeze smoked sausage immediately at 0°F or below
Proper wrapping prevents freezer burn which can degrade texture and cause rancid flavors over time.
Tips for Freezing Success
Follow these tips when freezing Eckrich smoked sausage:
- Freeze in original packaging for short term freezing under 1 month
- Rewrap thawed sausages in plastic wrap or foil before returning to freezer for longer freezing
- Portion into meal-size servings for easy weeknight dinners
- Allow a bit of space between wrapped sausages for air circulation
- Avoid overpacking freezer bags or containers
- Use high-quality freezer bags designed to prevent freezer burn
- Store flat in a single layer in coldest section of freezer
With proper freezing methods, Eckrich smoked sausage stays fresher longer.
Storing Frozen Smoked Sausage
Be sure to store frozen Eckrich smoked sausages correctly:
- Place in freezer bags or airtight containers, removing air
- Avoid overcrowding freezer to allow air circulation
- Store flat on shelves rather than standing upright
- Keep frozen smoked sausage in coldest part of freezer
- Once frozen, sausages can be stacked with parchment sheets between layers
- Clearly label packages with contents and freeze date
Proper frozen storage keeps Eckrich smoked sausage quality locked in.
Thawing Frozen Smoked Sausages
It’s important to thaw frozen Eckrich smoked sausage properly:
- Thaw sausages in the refrigerator 1-2 days before planned use
- Arrange in single layer on plate or pan, thaw in juices
- Once thawed, use within 3-5 days for best quality
- Thaw in microwave on defrost setting if in a hurry
- Place in cold water in a sealed bag, changing water every 30 minutes
- Cook frozen sausage directly from frozen, increasing cook time
Slow thawing in the fridge is best for food safety and maintaining texture.
Cooking Frozen Eckrich Sausage
Cooking frozen Eckrich smoked sausage requires some special handling:
- Pat away any moisture if microwave thawing before cooking
- Preheat pans, grill well before cooking frozen sausage
- Use a meat thermometer and cook to 165°F minimum
- Gently heat frozen sausage at medium-low, avoid overcooking
- Add to beans, soups, and braised dishes to prevent drying out
- If casings split during freezing, remove before cooking and use as crumbles
With care, frozen Eckrich smoked sausages cook up just as plump, juicy, and flavorful.
Avoid Refreezing Thawed Sausage
It’s not recommended to refreeze previously frozen and thawed Eckrich smoked sausage. Refreezing risks quality and safety:
- Bacteria can grow in thawed sausage if not handled properly
- Texture and moisture content degrade with multiple freezes
- Flavors become dull and rancid with repeated freezing
- Inconsistent freezing temperatures lead to faster spoilage
- Oxidation increases with each thaw, causing off-flavors
For food safety and quality, cook thawed sausage within 3-5 days and don’t refreeze any leftovers.
Storing Thawed Smoked Sausage
To store thawed, refrigerated Eckrich smoked sausage:
- Keep thawed sausages tightly wrapped in refrigerator
- Use within 3-5 days for best quality
- Arrange in a shallow container to allow air circulation
- Avoid cross-contamination from raw meats
- Cook to 165°F internal temperature before eating
With proper storage and handling, thawed Eckrich smoked sausage stays fresh and delicious for quick weekday meals.
Enjoy Delicious Smoked Sausage
When frozen, thawed, and stored correctly, you can enjoy quality Eckrich smoked sausage for months. Follow these guidelines for maintaining ideal texture and signature flavors. Always cook thawed smoked sausage thoroughly and enjoy Eckrich sausage when a savory craving strikes!
How to Freeze Smoked Sausage
If you’ve frozen meat before, freezing smoked sausage should be easy. Here are the steps you need to take to be sure:
- It’s smart to divide up the sausage into portions since you can’t freeze the meat again after it’s been thawed. To keep food from going to waste, freeze portions and only thaw what you need.
- Wrap: Place a piece of baking paper over the smoked sausage and scrunch the ends together to make a rough seal. This material is porous, so it will let water escape from the sausage in the freezer.
- Wrap Again: Put a layer of cling film right on top of the baking paper layer you just made and wrap the package again. Press your fingers across the cling film and smooth it into place to make a tight seal.
- When you freeze the sausage, putting it in the middle of the freezer keeps it away from the frost fronts on the sides of the freezer. This keeps it from getting freezer burn for as long as possible.
Can You Freeze Smoked Sausage?
Yes, you can freeze smoked sausage for up to 3 months. First, put a thin layer of baking paper around the sausage. Then, press a layer of cling film against the baking paper to make a good seal. Finally, freeze the package.
Does Smoked Sausage Freeze Well? Yes
Can You Refreeze Smoked Sausage? No
The Secret to Winning Game Days Is Eckrich Smoked Sausage
FAQ
How long can you freeze Eckrich sausage?
Does smoked sausage freeze well?
How long can you keep Eckrich sausage in the fridge?
Can you freeze sausage in original packaging?
Is it necessary to cook Eckrich smoked sausage?
Yes, it is necessary to cook Eckrich smoked sausage because the casing does not release its flavor until it is cooked. Without cooking the sausage, it will be bland and have a very tough texture. There is a common belief that you don’t have to cook eckrich smoked 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 you freeze smoked sausage?
Leave unopened smoked sausage wrapped and sealed in its original packaging. Place sausage from an opened package into a rigid, freezer-safe plastic container. Press a lid onto the container to create an airtight seal, which will keep the sausage from drying out or getting freezer burned.
Can You refreeze smoked sausage after it is thawed?
It’s generally not recommended to refreeze smoked sausage after it has been thawed. Freezing and thawing can affect the texture and flavor of the sausage. It’s best to only thaw the amount of smoked sausage you intend to use at a time to avoid waste. What dishes can I make with frozen smoked sausage?