How Long Does Pork Sausage Stay Good In The Freezer?

Pork sausage is a delicious staple in many households. It’s great for making breakfast sandwiches, soups and casseroles taste better, and a lot more. But like any fresh meat, pork sausage doesn’t last forever.

If you’ve ever found yourself with leftovers and wondered “how long does pork sausage stay good in the freezer?”, you’ve come to the right place! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about freezing pork sausage, from storage times to defrosting tips

Why Freeze Pork Sausage?

Freezing is one of the best ways to extend the shelf life of pork sausage. When frozen at 0°F or below, the bacteria that cause food spoilage are inactive. This prevents the sausage from going bad prematurely.

Some key benefits of freezing pork sausage include

• You can save money by buying sausage in bulk and freezing it. You can also stock up during sales. This can save you money compared to buying week-to-week.

• Meal planning: Having frozen pre-portioned sausage on hand makes it easy to pull out for recipes anytime.

• Less waste: Freezing leftovers prevents sausage from going bad before you can eat it.

• Frozen sausage lets you enjoy sausage that isn’t in season or that isn’t always in stock at your grocery store.

How Long Does Pork Sausage Last In The Freezer?

According to the USDA, raw pork sausage that has been frozen at 0°F or below can safely stay good in the freezer for the following timeframes:

• Raw pork sausage (links/patties): 1-2 months
• Fully cooked pork sausage: 1-2 months
• Commercially frozen raw pork sausage: 1-2 months from purchase date

The National Pork Board states that frozen pork sausage can retain quality up to 6 months, but for best flavor and texture it’s best consumed within 2-3 months.

Frozen pork sausage may still be safe beyond 6 months, but the quality declines over time. It may become drier, tougher, or lose flavor.

Proper Storage for Frozen Pork Sausage

To get the maximum shelf life out of frozen pork sausage, follow these storage tips:

• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe wrap like plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or freezer bags. Eliminate as much air as possible.

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

• Label with cut, quantity, and freeze date.

• Freeze quickly at 0°F or below. Avoid letting sausage linger at higher fridge temps before freezing.

• Store towards back of freezer, where temperature is most constant.

• Avoid thawing/refreezing. Thawing and refreezing can shorten shelf life.

• Once thawed in the fridge, use within 1-2 days. Don’t refreeze.

Following proper freezer storage guidelines helps protect frozen pork sausage from “freezer burn” and oxidation that causes it to dry out or take on a rancid flavor.

How To Tell If Frozen Pork Sausage Has Gone Bad

While frozen pork sausage can last for several months in the freezer, it will not last indefinitely. Over time, even properly frozen sausage can deteriorate in quality.

Here are some signs that frozen pork sausage has gone bad and should be discarded:

• Unusual odor: Bad sausage gives off a sour, ammonia, or “off” smell when thawed.

• Change in color: Grayish, greenish-grey or brownish discoloration indicates spoiled sausage.

• Slimy texture: Sausage surface feels excessively sticky, tacky, or slimy when thawed.

• Freezer burn: Sausage appears dried out with discolored patches on the surface.

• Mold/mildew: Signs of fuzzy mold or black/white spots indicate sausage is spoiled.

• Past expiration: Sausage is consumed past recommended freezer storage times.

If in doubt, remember the old adage “When in doubt, throw it out” applies to suspect sausage too!

How To Thaw Frozen Pork Sausage

Thawing is an important step before cooking frozen pork sausage. There are several safe ways to properly thaw sausage:

• Refrigerator: Place frozen sausage in fridge 24-48 hours before use. Safer, but slow.

• Cold Water: Seal sausage in bag and submerge in cold water. Change water every 30 mins. About 1 hour thaw time.

• Microwave: Use “Defrost” setting and follow microwave instructions for defrosting sausage. Quick but can cook outer layer.

Once thawed by one of these methods, cooked sausage within 1-2 days. Do not leave sausage to thaw on the counter, as bacteria multiply rapidly at room temperature.

Never thaw sausage on the counter or in hot water. This creates a temperature danger zone where bacteria multiply quickly.

For food safety, it’s best to cook sausage from frozen. If you must thaw first, limit time in the “danger zone” between 40-140°F.

Tips for Cooking Thawed Pork Sausage

Follow these tips for delicious pork sausage every time:

• Pat dry before cooking to prevent splattering.

• Use a meat thermometer and cook to 160°F minimum internal temperature.

• Cook thoroughly until browned. Cut into patty to confirm doneness.

• Drain fat as sausage cooks for healthier results.

• Avoid overcrowding the pan which steams versus browns.

• Add seasoning/spices to complement the sausage flavor. Think sage, thyme, garlic, pepper.

• Sear then simmer for tender, juicy sausage in soups or casseroles.

• Cook from frozen for convenience. Add a few extra minutes to cooking time.

Following safe freezer storage, thawing, and cooking methods helps ensure pork sausage stays delicious and safe to eat. With proper handling, frozen pork sausage can deliver convenience, cost savings, and delicious meals for months.