How Long Can You Keep Frozen Pork Sausage?

Pork sausage is a delicious staple in many households. This meat is very flexible and can be used in many different recipes, from making tasty breakfast patties to adding flavor to pizza. People often buy a lot of pork sausage when it’s on sale and freeze the extra to have on hand. However, how long does frozen pork sausage last? Read on to find out how to store this freezer favorite safely.

Overview of Pork Sausage Types

There are a few main varieties of pork sausage

• Fresh pork sausage: This is pork sausage that hasn’t been cooked or smoked. It typically comes in bulk tubes or patties. Fresh pork sausage only lasts 1-2 days in the fridge.

• Cooked pork sausage – This type of sausage has already been fully cooked when you purchase it. Examples are kielbasa and bratwurst. It will last opened for 3-4 days in the fridge.

• Sausage that has been smoked—Sausages like kielbasa and andouille have been cooked and smoked at the same time. They last up to 2 weeks opened in the fridge.

No matter the variety properly frozen pork sausage will retain quality much longer than refrigerated.

How to Freeze Pork Sausage

Freezing pork sausage is simple:

• If freezing raw pork sausage, divide bulk packages into usable portions. Form into patties or logs and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

• Cooked or smoked sausages can be frozen as is.

• Freeze sausages until solid, then transfer to freezer bags or airtight containers. Remove as much air as possible.

• Label bags with contents and freeze-by date (3 months from freeze date).

Proper freezing preserves texture and locks in flavor. For best quality, use frozen pork sausage within 4 months.

How Long Does Frozen Pork Sausage Last?

Frozen pork sausage can safely keep for the following timeframes:

• Fresh raw pork sausage – 3 to 4 months

• Cooked pork sausage links/patties – 1 to 2 months

• Smoked pork sausage – 2 to 3 months

These timelines are for sausages stored continuously at 0°F. Freezer burn can affect taste and texture after these recommended times.

Three key factors impact frozen pork sausage shelf life:

1. Freezer temperature – Colder is better. Keep your freezer at 0°F or below.

2. Packaging – Use moisture-proof materials like plastic freezer bags, plastic wrap, or airtight containers. Minimize air exposure.

3. Freezer burn – This causes dryness and rancidity. Avoid by using proper packaging.

As long as frozen pork sausage looks and smells normal, it is safe to cook. Quality simply declines after the suggested storage times.

Signs of Spoiled Frozen Pork Sausage

Watch for these red flags with frozen pork sausage:

• Unpleasant odor

• Grayish, dull coloration

• Dry, spongy texture

• Ice crystals inside package

• Signs of freezer burn like dried out spots

• Mold spores on surface

If you see any of these, it’s best to discard the sausage. Always inspect frozen meats thoroughly before cooking.

Thawing Frozen Pork Sausage

Frozen pork sausage must be thawed properly before cooking. There are a few safe thawing methods:

• Refrigerator – For a slow thaw, leave sausages sealed in their package and place in the fridge overnight or up to 2 days.

• Cold water – Submerge sealed sausage package in cold tap water, changing water every 30 minutes. Takes about 2 hours for patties or links.

• Microwave – Use the defrost setting in short increments to gradually thaw sausage patties or links, flipping occasionally. This is fastest.

Avoid thawing sausages on the counter. Partial thawing then refreezing also reduces quality. Cook pork sausage within 1-2 days of thawing.

Cooking Thawed Pork Sausage

Thawed pork sausage can be cooked in all the same ways as fresh sausage. Frying, grilling, and baking are all great options.

Here are some safe handling tips:

• Cook to an internal temperature of 160°F, verified with a food thermometer. This kills any bacteria.

• Don’t eat raw or undercooked pork sausage. Always cook frozen sausage thoroughly after thawing.

• Discard any sausage that looks or smells questionable after cooking. When in doubt, throw it out.

Sausage that smells bad during cooking or has an off color should also be discarded.

Storing Cooked Pork Sausage

Cooked pork sausage has a relatively short shelf life. Observe the following storage guidelines:

• Keep refrigerated up to 4 days.

• For longer storage, freeze cooked sausage within 1-2 days. Thaw before reheating.

• Divide into portions before freezing if you won’t use it all at once.

• Refrigerate or freeze any leftover cooked sausage mixtures like sausage gravy.

With proper freezing, storage, thawing, and cooking, pork sausage can be safely enjoyed for up to 4 months after purchase. Following these guidelines takes the guesswork out of using up freezer-stored sausage. Just remember—when in doubt, throw it out!