Can You Freeze Hillshire Farms Summer Sausage? The Complete Guide

Summer sausage is a tasty cured meat that can be enjoyed year-round. Its smoky, spicy flavor makes it a popular choice for everything from charcuterie boards to pizza topping. Hillshire Farms is one of the most well-known brands of summer sausage. But if you’ve stocked up and want to make your stash last longer, you may be wondering – can you freeze Hillshire Farms summer sausage?

The short answer is yes, you can freeze Hillshire Farms summer sausage to extend its shelf life When frozen properly, it can maintain its flavor and texture for up to 10 months in the freezer.

This complete guide has everything you need to know about freezing Hillshire Farms summer sausage, including storage tips and what to do after it’s thawed.

An Overview of Hillshire Farms Summer Sausage

Hillshire Farms offers several varieties of summer sausage including Original Hot & Spicy, and Double Smoke. Summer sausage is a type of cured, fermented sausage that has been seasoned, smoked, and fully cooked.

It differs from fresh sausage in that it can be kept without refrigeration due to the curing process. Summer sausage has a shelf life around 2-3 months when properly stored in a cool, dry place.

Freezing stops the aging process to extend shelf life. Also, when it’s on sale, you can stock up and fill the freezer.

Can You Freeze Hillshire Farms Summer Sausage?

Yes, it’s possible to freeze Hillshire Farms summer sausage to make it last longer. Cured sausages like summer sausage don’t contain much water, so they freeze well.

When frozen correctly, Hillshire Farms summer sausage can keep in the freezer for up to 10 months before quality starts to decline. For best taste and texture, it’s best to eat it within a year.

How to Freeze Hillshire Farms Summer Sausage

Follow these simple steps for freezing Hillshire Farms summer sausage:

• If the sausage isn’t sealed, rewrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place in a freezer bag, removing air. This prevents freezer burn.

• Wrap the sausage log in a layer of freezer paper or foil. Make sure it’s completely sealed with no air pockets.

• Secure the paper with freezer tape and label with the type and date. Tracking the date helps monitor freezer time.

• Put the wrapped sausage in a freezer bag or airtight container for added protection.

• Store in the coldest part of the freezer, at 0°F or below. Avoid repeated thawing and refreezing.

How Long Does Summer Sausage Last in the Freezer?

Properly frozen, summer sausage stays fresh in the freezer for 10 – 12 months. Hillshire Farms summer sausage maintains best quality and flavor for up to a year when stored at a constant 0°F.

For optimal texture, it’s best to eat frozen summer sausage within a year. Although safe beyond that, taste and texture will slowly degrade over longer freezer storage. Make sure your freezer maintains 0°F. Also check for freezer burn.

Tips for Freezing Hillshire Farms Summer Sausage

Follow these handy tips for the best results freezing summer sausage:

• Double wrap in plastic and foil/paper to prevent freezer burn.

• Wrap tightly with no air pockets that can cause freezer burn.

• Label packages with the type and date to identify contents and freezer time.

• Avoid opening the freezer often to limit warm air.

• Once thawed, use within 3-5 days and don’t refreeze.

• Leave space between packages for air circulation when freezing multiple packages.

Can You Refreeze Thawed Summer Sausage?

It’s not recommended to refreeze thawed summer sausage. Refreezing can lead to flavor and texture changes. The sausage may become dry or mushy.

For best quality, thaw frozen summer sausage overnight in the fridge. Use within 3-5 days and discard any leftovers. You can refreeze cooked sausage for short term storage.

If refrigerated sausage isn’t used, you can safely re-freeze it within 1-2 days. But quality will likely suffer. Sausage thawed more than 2 days should not be refrozen.

How to Thaw Frozen Hillshire Farms Summer Sausage

Never thaw sausage at room temperature, as bacteria can multiply rapidly. Use these safe thawing methods:

• Refrigerator – Thaw in the fridge 1 day before needed. Slow thawing takes 24 hours.

• Cold Water – Seal sausage in a plastic bag then submerge in cold water, changing water every 30 mins. Takes 2-3 hours.

• Microwave – Defrost on microwave’s defrost setting in short bursts, flipping occasionally. Check often for uneven thawing.

Once thawed, cook or eat the Hillshire Farms summer sausage within 3-5 days. Discard any dried out or discolored portions after thawing.

How to Use Thawed Hillshire Farms Summer Sausage

Enjoy thawed Hillshire Farms summer sausage in these tasty ways:

• Slice thin and enjoy on a charcuterie platter with cheese, crackers, nuts and olives.

• Dice and add to omelets, scrambled eggs or breakfast tacos.

• Chop and add to pizza, pasta, salads, soups or casseroles.

• Grill or pan fry slices and serve with eggs and hash browns.

• Spread cream cheese over slices for an easy appetizer.

• Layer between crackers with mustard or relish for a satisfying snack.

Always handle and store thawed sausage properly. Cook to recommended safe temperatures before eating.

Can You Freeze Unopened Summer Sausage?

Yes, unopened packages of summer sausage can also be frozen to extend the shelf life. Follow the same freezing guidelines, wrapping the sealed package well before freezing. An unopened package will last longer frozen compared to one that’s been opened.

The Bottom Line

Freezing Hillshire Farms summer sausage can significantly prolong its shelf life while maintaining quality. Use proper techniques for maximum freezer storage time. Thaw using the safest method and enjoy within 3-5 days.

With proper freezing and thawing, you can enjoy delicious Hillshire Farms summer sausage for up to a year after buying it. Keep your freezer stocked so you can savor it anytime!