Hillshire Farm’s smoked sausages are a delicious, convenient option for hearty meals. But what if you can’t eat them all right away? Can you freeze the leftovers?
The short answer is yes, you can freeze Hillshire Farms smoked sausage. Freezing allows you to store the sausages for future use while preserving taste and texture
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about freezing Hillshire Farms smoked sausages, including
- Why freeze Hillshire Farms smoked sausage
- How to freeze Hillshire Farms smoked sausage
- Thawing and cooking frozen Hillshire Farms smoked sausage
- How long frozen Hillshire Farms smoked sausage lasts
- Troubleshooting freezer burnt or dry smoked sausage
Plus we’ll answer some frequently asked questions about freezing this tasty smoked meat. Let’s dive in!
Why Freeze Hillshire Farms Smoked Sausage?
Freezing smoked sausage like Hillshire Farms offers several advantages:
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Prevents waste: Frozen sausage stays fresh longer so you can enjoy it over the course of weeks or months instead of having to toss extras.
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Saves money: Freezing allows you to take advantage of deals and bulk packages without worrying about waste.
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Adds convenience: Frozen pre-cooked sausage is easy to thaw and heat for quick meals or recipes.
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Locks in freshness: Properly frozen sausage maintains quality and flavor better than refrigerating for long periods.
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Allows advance prep: Stock up while sausage is in season or on sale so it’s ready when you need it.
How to Freeze Hillshire Farms Smoked Sausage
Freezing Hillshire Farms smoked sausage is simple but there are some tips for doing it right:
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Portion pieces: Cut smoked links or rolls into smaller portions if possible so you can thaw only what you need.
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Use air tight packaging: Wrap each portion very tightly in plastic wrap, foil or place in a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. This prevents freezer burn.
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Freeze flat: Arrange portions in a single layer on a sheet pan or plate. They’ll freeze faster and stack better this way.
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Go low and slow: Set freezer to 0°F or below and freeze sausages slowly for best texture. Avoid high-speed freezing.
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Label and date: Mark each package with contents and freeze date so you know how long it’s been stored.
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Use within 2-3 months: For best quality and flavor, use frozen Hillshire Farm sausage within 2-3 months.
Following these simple steps will keep your Hillshire Farms smoked sausage fresh and flavorful in the freezer for weeks at a time.
Thawing and Cooking Frozen Smoked Sausage
Thaw and cook frozen Hillshire Farms smoked sausage properly to enjoy it at its best:
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Thaw in the refrigerator: Transfer frozen sausage from the freezer to the fridge. Allow 12-24 hours to thaw fully for best texture.
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Cook from thawed: For safety and quality, always cook thawed smoked sausage instead of cooking frozen.
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Use suggested cooking methods: Refer to Hillshire Farms package guidelines for cooking times and temperatures.
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Cook thoroughly: Heat smoked sausage to 165°F internal temperature, until hot and steaming throughout.
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Avoid under or overcooking: Follow directions so sausage reaches safe temperature without drying out.
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Use thawed sausage within 7 days: Once thawed, Hillshire Farms sausage should be cooked and consumed within one week for food safety.
Thawing slowly and cooking thoroughly ensures you safely enjoy the signature flavor and juiciness of Hillshire Farms smoked sausage, even when frozen.
How Long Does Frozen Hillshire Farms Smoked Sausage Last?
When stored continuously at 0°F, unopened packages of frozen Hillshire Farms smoked sausage typically last:
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2-3 months for best quality
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4-6 months for good quality
Once opened, frozen sausage lasts safely for:
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2-3 months maximum at 0°F to maintain quality
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1 week after thawing in fridge
The sodium and preservatives in cured smoked sausage help inhibit bacteria growth during freezing. But for peak freshness and flavor, use frozen Hillshire Farms sausage within a few months.
Avoiding Freezer Burn on Frozen Smoked Sausage
To prevent freezer burn on frozen Hillshire Farms smoked sausage:
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Wrap tightly: Exclude air in airtight packaging before freezing.
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Freeze flat: Even contact with freezing surfaces prevents ice crystals.
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Use freezer bags: Plastic wrap can tear but bags protect against air exposure.
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Avoid temperature fluctuations: Store consistently at 0°F. Variations degrade quality over time.
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Limit freezer time: Use within recommended 2-3 months for optimal quality.
Freezer burn appears as grayish-brown leathery spots and can make frozen sausage taste dry, salty or rancid. Properly wrapping and promptly using frozen smoked sausage reduces chances of freezer damage.
Frequently Asked Freezing Questions
Still have questions about successfully freezing Hillshire Farms smoked sausage? Below are answers to some frequently asked queries:
Should you rinse sausage before freezing? No. Pre-cooked smoked sausage can be frozen immediately without rinsing or thawing first.
Can you freeze sausage in original package? For best results, rewrap in airtight plastic wrap, foil or bags instead of original store packaging.
Is it safe to refreeze thawed smoked sausage? For food safety, thawed sausage should be cooked fully then consumed without refreezing.
Can you freeze raw smoked sausage? Raw sausage requires cooking first for safety before freezing. Fully cooked sausage is preferred.
How do you maintain texture? Freeze sausage slowly at 0°F, wrapped tightly to prevent ice crystals forming that can damage texture.
What if sausage smells bad after freezing? Discard sausage with off or rancid odors, which indicate spoilage from improper freezing.
Enjoy Delicious Frozen Smoked Sausage
Follow this complete guide to properly freeze and store Hillshire Farms smoked sausage for maximum freshness and flavor. With the right techniques, you can keep a stash in the freezer to enjoy smoked sausage anytime.
Remember to portion smoked links or rolls, seal airtight, freeze flat at 0°F or below and use within 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking thoroughly.
Freezing lets you get the most out of your Hillshire Farms smoked sausage purchase while preserving the signature taste and quality.
