Sausage lasts 1-2 months if raw or cooked, and up to 6 months if dry or cured when stored in the freezer.
How Long Is Sausage Good For In The Freezer
Sausages – such a quick, delicious, and versatile meal option! But when you get those big packs, it’s tough to eat them up before they go bad. The freezer is your saving grace, but how long does that tasty sausage actually stay good when frozen?
Types of Sausage and Freezing
The kind of sausage you have makes a big difference in how long it’ll be safe and tasty when frozen:
- Raw sausage: Sausage made with ground meat and spices (like Italian or breakfast sausage) will last for 1-2 months in the freezer.
- Cooked sausage: Already-cooked sausages like hot dogs, kielbasa, or andouille will be good for about 1-2 months too.
- Dry and cured sausage: Harder sausages like summer sausage or salami are a bit different. They’ll actually keep for way longer – up to 6 months in the freezer.
Tips for Freezing Sausage
Freezing sausage right will make the biggest difference in its quality once thawed:
- Original packaging is fine: If the sausage is in its original package, you’re usually good to chuck it straight in the freezer.
- Air is the enemy: If you’re opening the package, squeeze out as much air as possible before tightly resealing it. A vacuum sealer is even better!
- Portion it out: Consider wrapping individual sausages or freezing portions in smaller bags. Once a package is thawed, you’ll want to eat it up fairly quickly.
- Label and date: A reminder of just how long that yummy sausage has been in there is super helpful!
How to Tell if Frozen Sausage is Bad
Okay, you dug a mystery pack of sausage out from the back of your freezer. Is it still okay to eat? Here’s how to know:
- Freezer burn: This shows up as whitish or grayish patches on the sausage. It’s safe, but the texture and taste probably won’t be great.
- Funky smell: If the sausage smells strange or “off,” toss it. Don’t take any chances with food safety!
- Texture change: Before cooking, if the frozen sausage feels slimy or too mushy, it’s likely gone bad.
Table 1: Sausage Freezing Guide
| Sausage Type | Freezer Storage Time |
| Raw Sausage (ground meat) | 1-2 months |
| Cooked Sausage | 1-2 months |
| Dry or Cured Sausage | Up to 6 months |
Thawing Frozen Sausage
The best way to thaw frozen sausage is to take it out and put it in the fridge overnight. If you’re in a hurry, there are a couple of other options:
- Cold water bath: Put the sealed package of sausage in a bowl of cold water. Change out the water every 30 minutes until it’s thawed.
- Microwave on defrost: This should be a last resort, as it can start partially cooking the sausage. Only thaw for short bursts at a time, and cook it immediately after.
Important Note: Regardless of the method you pick, cook thawed sausages thoroughly before eating to kill any bacteria that might have grown.
Cooking Frozen Sausage
One awesome thing about sausages is that you can usually cook them directly from frozen! But here are some things to keep in mind:
- Adjust Cooking Time: It’ll take a little longer to cook sausage straight from the freezer, so be sure to give it a few extra minutes.
- Safe Internal Temp is Key: Always double-check that the sausage reaches a safe internal temperature – 160°F for pork sausage and 165°F for poultry sausage. A meat thermometer is the best way to be sure.
- Methods that work well: Oven baking, pan-frying, and grilling are all perfect for frozen sausages. Avoid boiling frozen sausages – they can get mushy and lose flavor.
Freezing Cooked Sausages?
Absolutely! Sausage is just as great as leftovers once it’s cooked. Here’s how to freeze it:
- Cool first: Let cooked sausages cool completely before freezing them.
- Portion Them Out: Consider freezing individual sausages or meal-sized portions.
- Tightly Seal: Wrap them well in plastic wrap or use freezer bags, squeezing out as much air as you can before sealing.
Table 2: How to Cook Frozen Sausage
| Cooking Method | Tips |
| Oven | Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake for 20-25 minutes (or longer if needed), flipping halfway. |
| Pan-frying | Heat a bit of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook sausages for 10-15 minutes (or longer if needed), turning frequently. |
| Grilling | Preheat grill to medium heat. Grill sausages for 10-15 minutes (or longer if needed), turning often. |
Recipes with Frozen Sausages
Don’t think you’re stuck with boring meals just because your sausages are frozen! Here are a few ideas:
- One-pan sausage and veggies: Toss frozen sausages with your favorite vegetables, some oil, and seasonings. Roast it all on a sheet pan for an easy and delicious dinner.
- Sausage soup: Frozen sausages are perfect for hearty, flavorful soups. Brown them first for extra flavor!
- Pasta sauce: Crumble cooked frozen sausages into your favorite pasta sauce for a protein boost.
Additional Tips for Freezing Sausage
- Freeze on a baking sheet: If you’re freezing individual sausages, lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze first. This will keep them from sticking together when you transfer them to a bag.
- Use within recommended time: Even when frozen properly, sausage won’t stay good forever. Try to eat it within the suggested freezer time for the best taste and texture.
- Don’t refreeze: For safety reasons, avoid refreezing thawed sausage. It’s better to use it up or cook larger amounts and freeze the cooked leftovers.
Conclusion- How Long Is Sausage Good For In The Freezer?
Freezing is a fantastic way to extend the shelf life of your sausage and prevent food waste. By following proper freezing techniques, you can enjoy delicious sausages for months to come. And remember, whether you’re dealing with raw, cooked, or even dry sausage, freezing can help you enjoy your favorite food for longer. So next time you stock up on sausage, don’t worry – just consider the type you’ve got and freeze away! Knowing how long sausage is good for in the freezer ensures your meals are delicious and safe.