Freezing Hickory Farms Beef Summer Sausage – The Complete Guide

It’s possible to enjoy Hickory Farms’ beef summer sausage at any time of the year. It tastes smoky and salty, so it’s great for snacking, charcuterie boards, or putting on pizza. You bought more than one package and want to freeze the extras. Is it possible to freeze Hickory Farms beef summer sausage?

The good news is that yes you can successfully freeze Hickory Farms summer sausage to extend its shelf life. When stored properly in the freezer, it will maintain quality and taste for up to 6 months.

Here is a complete guide to freezing Hickory Farms beef summer sausage including how to freeze it how long it lasts, and tips for preserving flavor and texture.

An Overview of Hickory Farms Beef Summer Sausage

Hickory Farms offers premium beef summer sausage in original, hot and spicy, and double smoke varieties. It is a type of cured, fermented dry sausage that has been seasoned, smoked, and fully cooked.

The curing and smoking process allows summer sausage to be shelf-stable without refrigeration. It can be kept for up to three months if it is kept in a cool, dry place. Freezing stops the aging process to prolong shelf life.

Can You Freeze Hickory Farms Summer Sausage?

Yes, Hickory Farms beef summer sausage can be frozen safely to make it last longer after the “best-by” date on the package. If frozen at the right temperature, 0°F, it will stay fresh and tasty for 4 to 6 months.

Freezing is a great way to buy multiple packages when summer sausage goes on sale and stock up your freezer. Just be sure to consume within a year for best flavor.

How to Freeze Hickory Farms Beef Summer Sausage

Follow these simple steps for properly freezing Hickory Farms summer sausage:

• If the sausage isn’t sealed, rewrap tightly in plastic wrap or freezer bags, removing excess air. This prevents freezer burn.

• Wrap the sausage log in a layer of freezer paper or foil, fully sealing the paper overlap. This protects from air exposure.

• Secure the wrapping with freezer tape and label the package with variety and freeze date. Tracking freezer time is helpful.

• Place the wrapped sausage in a freezer bag or airtight container for extra protection.

• Store flat in coldest section of freezer at 0°F or below. Avoid thawing/refreezing repeatedly.

How Long Does Summer Sausage Last in the Freezer?

When stored continuously at 0°F, Hickory Farms summer sausage will maintain optimal quality and taste for 4 to 6 months in the freezer.

For best flavor and texture, it’s recommended to consume frozen summer sausage within 1 year. Although safe beyond that, the taste and texture will slowly degrade over longer freezer storage times.

Be sure to monitor your freezer temperature to keep a consistent 0°F. Temperature fluctuations can shorten shelf life. Check for signs of freezer burn over time.

Tips for Freezing Hickory Farms Summer Sausage

Follow these tips for best results when freezing Hickory Farms beef summer sausage:

• Double wrap in plastic and foil/paper to prevent freezer burn.

• Remove air pockets when wrapping to prevent ice crystals forming.

• Label variety name and freeze date to track freezer time.

• Avoid opening freezer frequently to limit temperature changes.

• Once thawed, use within 3-5 days and don’t refreeze.

• Leave space between packages for airflow if freezing large quantities.

Can You Refreeze Thawed Hickory Farms Summer Sausage?

It is not recommended to refreeze thawed Hickory Farms summer sausage. Refreezing thawed meats can negatively affect texture and flavor. The sausage may become dry or mushy.

For best quality, thaw frozen sausage in the fridge overnight. Use within 3-5 days and discard any uneaten portions. You can refreeze cooked sausage for shorter term storage.

If thawed sausage was left in the fridge but you decide not to use it, you can safely re-freeze within 1-2 days. But quality loss may occur. Only re-freeze if thawed for 2 days or less.

How to Thaw Hickory Farms Frozen Summer Sausage

Never thaw sausages at room temp, as bacteria can grow rapidly. Use these safe thawing methods:

• Refrigerator Thawing: Place frozen sausage in the fridge 1 day before needed. Let it slowly thaw over 24 hours.

• Cold Water Thawing: Seal sausage in a bag then submerge in cold water, changing water every 30 mins. Takes 2-3 hours.

• Microwave Thawing: Use the defrost setting in 30 second bursts, flipping occasionally. Check often to prevent overheating.

Once thawed, cook or eat the Hickory Farms summer sausage within 3-5 days and don’t refreeze. Discard any discolored or dried out portions after thawing.

How to Use Thawed Hickory Farms Summer Sausage

Enjoy Hickory Farms thawed beef summer sausage in these tasty ways:

• Slice thin and add to charcuterie boards with cheese, nuts, jams, and crackers.

• Chop and mix into scrambled eggs, omelets, or breakfast burritos.

• Dice and add to homemade pizza, pasta, or casseroles for a savory kick.

• Slice and enjoy as a high protein snack paired with mustard or your favorite dip.

• Layer summer sausage slices between crackers with cream cheese or relish for a quick appetizer.

Be sure to handle thawed meat properly and cook to safe internal temperatures before eating.

The Bottom Line

Freezing Hickory Farms beef summer sausage allows you to store it safely for 4-6 months while maintaining quality. Follow proper freezing, thawing, and food safety practices.

With the right techniques, you can keep your freezer stocked with delicious Hickory Farms summer sausage to enjoy long after purchase. The flavor and convenience are worth the small amount of planning ahead.