How Long Can Pork Sausage Stay In The Freezer? The Complete Guide

You can use pork sausage in many different dishes, such as pasta, soups, breakfast scrambles, and more. It tastes and feels great, which is why many kitchens keep it on hand. But, like any raw meat, pork sausage has a short shelf life and needs to be stored correctly to stay fresh and not go bad.

Freezing is one of the best methods for preserving pork sausage and extending its shelf life. But exactly how long can raw pork sausage last in the freezer? This complete guide will provide tips on freezing pork sausage, how long it keeps in the freezer, how to thaw it safely and signs that it has spoiled.

Overview of Freezing Pork Sausage

Freezing is an effective way to store raw pork sausage for several months while maintaining its quality and taste Here are some key advantages to freezing pork sausage

• Increases Shelf Life—When properly frozen, pork sausage can stay in the freezer for one to two months, while it will only last four to seven days in the fridge. Freezing dramatically slows down bacteria growth and enzymatic activity that causes spoilage.

• Maintains Freshness – Frozen pork sausage retains its flavor, texture and juiciness better than refrigerated sausage. It doesn’t lose moisture content quickly like refrigerated sausage.

• Easy Long-Term Storage – Freezing allows you to buy pork sausage in bulk when on sale and store it for later use. It’s convenient for meal prepping recipes in advance.

• Avoids Wastage – Freezing smaller portions prevents having to throw away sausage that goes bad before use. You can thaw only what you need for each recipe.

How Long Does Raw Pork Sausage Last in the Freezer?

The shelf life of pork sausage in the freezer depends on a few factors like type of meat, packaging method, and freezer temperature Here are some general guidelines on how long different types of raw pork sausage will last frozen

• Fresh pork sausage (not pre-cooked) – 1 to 2 months
• Fully cooked pork sausage – 2 to 3 months
• Smoked pork sausage – 2 to 3 months
• Pork sausage crumbles – 1 to 2 months

According to the USDA FoodKeeper app, raw pork sausage maintains top quality for about 1-2 months in a freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or below. It remains safe beyond that time but may suffer some loss of quality.

For best flavor and texture, use frozen pork sausage within 1 month. Properly stored frozen sausage lasts safe for home consumption up to the recommended times above.

Tips for Freezing Pork Sausage

Follow these tips to freeze pork sausage correctly so it retains optimum freshness and quality for longer frozen storage:

• Check Date – Freeze sausage before the sell-by date expires for maximum freshness. Don’t freeze sausage past its use by date.

• Freeze in Portions – Divide sausage into meal-size portions to avoid defrosting more than needed. Use freezer bags, containers.

• Exclude Air – Remove air from packaging to prevent freezer burn. Use a vacuum sealer or press out air.

• Use Proper Packaging – Use moisture-proof and airtight packaging like freezer bags, plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

• Label Packages – Label each package with name and freeze date so you know what it is and when it expires.

• Rapid Freeze – Freeze sausage as fast as possible, preferably within 24 hours of purchase for best texture.

• Organize Packages – Arrange packets flat in single layers in freezer to prevent crushing or punctures.

• Maintain Temperature – Store at 0°F or below. Consistent temperature preserves quality and prevents thawing.

How to Thaw Frozen Pork Sausage

Thaw frozen pork sausage properly in the refrigerator or under cold running water to prevent bacterial growth. Don’t thaw at room temperature.

Here are safe methods to thaw pork sausage:

• Refrigerator – Thaw overnight in the fridge for slow, safe thawing. Place on a plate to catch drips.

• Cold Water – Submerge sealed sausage bag in cold water, changing water every 30 mins. Takes about 2 hours for 2 lbs sausage.

• Microwave – Microwave defrost setting or lowest power for 2-5 mins for a pound of sausage. Cook immediately after thawing.

Signs Pork Sausage Has Gone Bad in Freezer

Check your frozen pork sausage periodically for these signs of spoilage:

• Unpleasant odor, sour smell
• Change in color – gray, green, brown
• Dry, white freezer burn patches
• Ice crystals or dried, shriveled appearance
• Mold growth – fuzzy spots
• Weird, mushy or slimy texture

Discard pork sausage immediately if it shows any signs of spoilage after thawing and cooking. Don’t taste bad sausage.

How to Use Thawed Pork Sausage

Use thawed pork sausage within 1-2 days. Refrigerate thawed sausage in the meantime if not using immediately. Here are some ways to use fresh pork sausage:

• Cook sausage patties – Pan fry breakfast sausage patties 7-10 minutes until browned and 160°F internal temperature.

• Sausage crumbles – Cook crumbled sausage for tacos, pasta, soups. Cook till no longer pink.

• Sausage links – Grill or pan fry. Turn frequently till browned. Cook to 160°F internal temperature.

• Sausage meatballs – Use thawed sausage to make flavorful meatballs. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes till 160°F.

• Sausage fillings – Use as filling for ravioli, pierogi, empanadas, cabbage rolls.

Can You Refreeze Thawed Pork Sausage?

It is not recommended to refreeze raw pork sausage after it has thawed completely. Refreezing increases risk of bacterial growth. For best quality and food safety, cook thawed pork sausage within 1-2 days and eat immediately.

If thawed sausage cannot be used in time, you can refreeze it only once after cooking it thoroughly to a safe internal temperature.

Storing Cooked Pork Sausage

Cooked pork sausage has a shorter shelf life than raw frozen sausage. Here are some guidelines:

• Store cooked sausage for 3-4 days in the fridge.

• Freeze cooked sausage for 2-3 months for best quality.

• Refrigerate vacuum sealed cooked sausage for 1 week.

• Freeze cooked sausage casseroles or dishes for 3-4 months.

Reheat cooked pork sausage thoroughly to 165°F. Don’t leave it out over 2 hours.

Freezing Cooked Pork Sausage

To freeze cooked pork sausage:

• Cool it completely first before freezing.

• Portion it into freezer bags or airtight containers in serving sizes.

• Remove air from bags.

• Label with name and freeze date.

• Freeze for up to 3 months at 0°F.

Thaw frozen cooked sausage overnight in the fridge or under cold water. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave just till heated through.

Safely Store Pork Sausage With Ease

Storing pork sausage in the freezer is a convenient way to keep it on hand for future recipes while maintaining its freshness and flavor. Follow the freezing, thawing and food safety tips provided to safely freeze pork sausage for 1-2 months and use it later with delicious results!