How Long is Garlic Sausage Good For in the Fridge?

Garlic sausage is a delicious type of sausage that is packed with flavor from the garlic. It can be used in many dishes like pasta, pizza, sandwiches, breakfast tacos, and more. But like most sausages, garlic sausage is perishable and needs to be stored properly in the refrigerator or freezer to maximize its shelf life. So how long does garlic sausage last in the fridge?

Overview of Garlic Sausage Shelf Life

The shelf life of garlic sausage depends on a few factors:

• Raw or cooked – Raw garlic sausage will last 1-2 days in the fridge while cooked garlic sausage lasts 3-4 days.

• Opened or unopened – Once opened, garlic sausage will last 3-5 days Unopened, it can last 1-2 weeks

• Store-bought or homemade – Homemade garlic sausage has a shorter fridge life of just 3-4 days. Store-bought can last 5-7 days.

• Best by date – This is the recommended timeframe for best quality Garlic sausage can last 1-2 weeks past this date if stored properly,

So in general, an opened package of store-bought garlic sausage should last 5-7 days in the refrigerator. Be sure to check for signs of spoilage after that time. Homemade or raw garlic sausage has a shorter fridge life of just 1-4 days.

How to Tell if Garlic Sausage Has Gone Bad

Garlic sausage, like any perishable food, can go bad if left in the fridge for too long. Here are some signs that your garlic sausage has spoiled and should be discarded:

• Slimy texture – Good garlic sausage should feel firm. If it feels overly soft, wet, or slimy, it has spoiled.

• Mold growth – Any fuzzy white or green mold is a sign of spoilage. Discard the sausage immediately.

• Discoloration – The sausage may turn grayish or brown. This indicates it is oxidizing and no longer fresh.

• Sour smell – Garlic sausage that smells unpleasantly sour or ammonia-like should not be eaten.

• Slimy package – If liquid has accumulated in the packaging, that’s a red flag for spoilage. Don’t risk it.

When inspecting garlic sausage, always rely on multiple signs of spoilage rather than just one. Use your eyes, nose, and fingers to determine if the sausage is still good or needs to be discarded. If you’re in doubt at all, play it safe and throw it out.

Tips to Extend Fridge Life of Garlic Sausage

To get the most mileage out of garlic sausage and keep it fresh as long as possible:

• Store unopened packages in the back of the fridge where temperatures are coldest.

• Keep the sausage tightly wrapped or sealed in its original packaging.

• Don’t open the package until ready to use. Limiting air exposure prevents premature spoilage.

• Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in a sealed container.

• Use opened sausage within 3 days for optimal quality and safety. Discard any leftovers after 5-7 days.

• Don’t freeze previously frozen garlic sausage as the texture will degrade. Only freeze fresh sausage once.

Following proper storage methods can add several days to the refrigerator life of garlic sausage. But remember—when in doubt, throw it out. Don’t take risks with spoiled food.

Can Garlic Sausage Be Frozen?

Freezing is a great way to significantly extend the shelf life of garlic sausage. Here are some freezing tips:

• Freeze fresh sausage within 1-2 days of purchase for best quality.

• Portion the sausage into meal-sized pouches before freezing. Avoid large blocks.

• Use airtight freezer bags or containers. Squeeze out excess air to prevent freezer burn.

• Label bags with the date and contents. Track freezer time.

• Freeze at 0°F or below. Colder freezing preserves texture better.

• Expect frozen garlic sausage to last 2-3 months. Beyond this, quality declines.

• Thaw in the refrigerator, not room temperature. Avoid foodborne illnesses.

• Cook thawed sausage within 24 hours and don’t re-freeze.

With proper freezer storage, garlic sausage can keep for several months. Always thaw safely in the fridge and cook thawed sausage promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can you tell if frozen garlic sausage is still good?

Check for ice crystals, freezer burn, and foul odors. If the frozen sausage maintains its shape and shows no discoloration, dryness, or strange smells, it should be fine to cook.

What happens if you eat spoiled garlic sausage?

Consuming spoiled sausage puts you at risk for food poisoning. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, and chills. Seek medical treatment if food poisoning is suspected.

Can you substitute garlic powder for fresh garlic sausage?

Yes, though the flavor won’t be quite as nuanced. Use 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder per one garlic sausage clove. Add it to the dish near the end to retain potency.

How long can cooked garlic sausage last in the fridge?

Cooked garlic sausage will keep for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. Store it in a covered container and make sure it maintains a temperature of 40°F or below. Discard after 4 days for safety.

Is it safe to eat de-fatted garlic sausage?

Yes, de-fatted garlic sausage is safe thanks to water-soluble preservatives. Store defatted sausage in the fridge just like regular garlic sausage and discard when it shows signs of spoilage.

The Bottom Line

Garlic sausage has a limited fridge life. Follow these guidelines for storage:

• Raw sausage lasts just 1-2 days.

• Cooked links keep for 3-4 days.

• Opened packages are good for 3-5 days.

• Unopened, store-bought can last 1-2 weeks.

Monitor garlic sausage closely and discard promptly if you see any mold, foul odors, or sliminess. Freezing extends shelf life significantly. With proper refrigeration and handling, garlic sausage can retain optimal freshness and flavor.