Can You Freeze Eckrich Smoked Sausage? A Complete Guide

Smoked sausage is a flavorful addition to many dishes, from breakfast scrambles to hearty soups and stews. Brands like Eckrich offer quality smoked sausage in flavors like smoked, turkey and beef. But what if you can’t use up that package of smoked sausage before it expires? Can you freeze Eckrich smoked sausage to extend its shelf life?

The good news is that yes, Eckrich smoked sausage freezes very well With proper storage methods, frozen smoked sausage will maintain optimal texture and taste for months

Read on for a complete guide to successfully freezing Eckrich smoked sausage.

Benefits of Freezing Eckrich Smoked Sausage

Here are some of the top reasons to freeze extra smoked sausage:

• Extends shelf life for 2-3 months

• Allows buying in bulk and saving money

• Provides quick protein for meals anytime

• Reduces food waste from unused portions

• Lets you divide into ready-to-use portions

• Maintains flavor and texture when frozen properly

With the freezer as your ally, you can always have delicious Eckrich smoked sausage ready when you crave it.

How to Prepare Eckrich Smoked Sausage for Freezing

To freeze smoked sausage at peak quality:

• Leave sausage in original sealed packaging or rewrap opened packages tightly in plastic wrap or foil. This prevents freezer burn.

• Portion sausage into meal-sized servings if desired. Individual portions thaw faster.

• Package portions in freezer bags or airtight containers, removing excess air. Air causes freezer burn.

• Label bags or containers with contents and freeze date for easy identification.

• Chill sausage in the refrigerator before freezing for faster freezing.

With proper prep, your smoked sausage will freeze quickly for optimal freshness and texture.

Step-by-Step Guide to Freezing Eckrich Smoked Sausage

Follow these simple steps:

1. Chill sausage thoroughly in the refrigerator.

2. If opened, rewrap sausage tightly in plastic wrap or foil.

3. Place in freezer bags or airtight containers, removing excess air.

4. Label with contents and freeze date.

5. Freeze immediately at 0°F or below.

6. Once frozen, arrange flat in single layer until solid.

7. Store frozen sausage at a consistent 0°F or below.

8. Use within 2-3 months for best quality.

Proper freezing protocol preserves the delicious taste and texture of your smoked sausage.

How Long Does Eckrich Smoked Sausage Last in the Freezer?

Stored at a constant 0°F, Eckrich smoked sausage maintains optimal quality frozen for 2-3 months.

Sausage shouldn’t be kept frozen longer than 3 months, as the high fat content can lead to rancidity over extended freezing.

For best results, use frozen smoked sausage within 2-3 months. Discard any sausage with signs of freezer burn.

Tips for Freezing Eckrich Smoked Sausage

• Double wrap opened packages in plastic and foil to prevent freezer burn.

• Portion sausage into meal-sized amounts to thaw only what you need.

• Remove as much air as possible from bags and containers before sealing.

• Use rigid freezer-safe containers for longer freezer life.

• Lay packages flat when first freezing to freeze quickly.

• Once frozen, stack bags or containers neatly in freezer.

• Label each package clearly with contents and freeze date.

• Monitor freezer temperature to maintain 0°F or below.

Follow these tips for delicious frozen smoked sausage anytime.

Thawing Eckrich Smoked Sausage

To safely thaw frozen smoked sausage:

• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, allowing about 12 hours.

• Submerge sealed sausage in a bowl of cold water, changing water every 30 minutes.

• Thaw in the microwave, heating at 30% power in short bursts.

• Cook frozen sausage immediately, increasing cooking time by 50%.

• Avoid thawing sausage at room temperature, which allows bacterial growth.

Always cook fully within 1-2 days after thawing for food safety. Refreezing thawed smoked sausage is not recommended.

How to Use Thawed Eckrich Smoked Sausage

Baked dishes

• Breakfast casseroles

• Egg bakes

• Mac and cheese

• Stuffed peppers or zucchini

Sautéed dishes

• Scrambled eggs

• Hash with potatoes or Brussels sprouts

• Sautéed cabbage

• Ramen or fried rice

Soups and chilis

• Bean and sausage soup

• Cabbage sausage soup

• Sausage chili

• Jambalaya

Sandwiches

• Sausage subs

• Sausage and egg breakfast sandwiches

The smoky flavor of Eckrich sausage shines in all types of hearty dishes. Get creative with your thawed smoked sausage!

Enjoy the Convenience of Frozen Smoked Sausage

With proper freezing and thawing, you can keep Eckrich smoked sausage tasting great for months. Follow the guidelines above to stock up on your favorite smoked sausage flavors.

Whenever a recipe calls for smoked sausage, you’ll have it at the ready in your freezer. Freezing lets you save money, reduce waste, and always have delicious Eckrich smoked sausage conveniently on hand.