Summer sausage is a tasty cured meat that can be enjoyed year-round Its smoky, spicy flavor makes it a popular choice for everything from charcuterie boards to pizza topping. Hillshire Farms is one of the most well-known brands of summer sausage But if you’ve stocked up and want to make your stash last, you may be wondering – can you freeze Hillshire Farms summer sausage?
The short answer is yes you can freeze Hillshire Farms summer sausage to extend its shelf life. When frozen properly it can maintain its flavor and texture for up to 10 months in the freezer.
This page has everything you need to know about freezing Hillshire Farms summer sausage, including how to store it and what to do with it after it’s thawed.
An Overview of Hillshire Farms Summer Sausage
Hillshire Farms offers several varieties of summer sausage, including Original, Hot & Spicy, and Double Smoke. It is a type of cured, fermented sausage that has been seasoned, smoked, and fully cooked.
Summer sausage differs from fresh sausage in that it can be kept without refrigeration due to the curing process. It has a shelf life of 2-3 months when stored properly in a cool, dry place.
Freezing summer sausage stops the aging process to extend its shelf life. Also, when it’s on sale, you can buy more than one package and fill up the freezer.
Can You Freeze Hillshire Farms Summer Sausage?
It is possible to freeze Hillshire Farms summer sausage to make it last longer. Because cured sausages, like summer sausage, don’t have much water in them, they can be frozen.
When frozen properly, Hillshire Farms summer sausage can last in the freezer for up to 10 months before quality begins to decline. It’s best to eat within a year for optimal freshness and flavor.
How to Freeze Hillshire Farms Summer Sausage
Follow these simple steps for freezing Hillshire Farms summer sausage:
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If the sausage isn’t already sealed in an airtight package, rewrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place inside a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. This prevents freezer burn.
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Wrap the sausage log in a layer of freezer paper or aluminum foil. Make sure the paper overlaps generously so the sausage is completely sealed.
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Secure the paper with freezer tape and label the package with the type and date. The date helps track freezer time.
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Place the wrapped sausage in a freezer bag or airtight container. This gives added protection.
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Put the sausage in the coldest part of the freezer, at 0°F or below. Avoid repeated thawing and refreezing.
How Long Does Summer Sausage Last in the Freezer?
Properly frozen, the shelf life of summer sausage is extended to 10 – 12 months. Hillshire Farms summer sausage will maintain best quality and taste for up to a year when stored continuously at 0°F.
For optimal freshness and texture, it’s best to eat frozen summer sausage within a year. Although it remains safe beyond that, the taste and texture will slowly degrade over longer freezer times.
Make sure to check your freezer is maintaining a consistent 0°F temperature. Fluctuations can shorten shelf life. Monitor your packages for signs of freezer burn.
Tips for Freezing Hillshire Farms Summer Sausage
Follow these handy tips for best results when freezing summer sausage:
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Double wrap in plastic and foil/freezer paper to prevent freezer burn.
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Wrap tightly with no air pockets, which can cause freezer burn.
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Label packages with type and date so you know what’s inside and how long it’s been frozen.
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Avoid opening the freezer frequently, which introduces warm air.
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Once thawed, use within 3-5 days and don’t refreeze.
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When freezing multiple packages, leave space between them to allow air flow.
Can You Refreeze Thawed Summer Sausage?
It’s not recommended to refreeze thawed summer sausage. Refreezing thawed meats can lead to loss of flavor and compromised texture. The sausage may become dry or develop a mushy consistency.
For best quality, thaw frozen summer sausage in the fridge overnight. Use within 3 to 5 days of thawing and discard any remaining portions. You can freeze leftover cooked summer sausage for shorter term storage.
If the thawed sausage remains refrigerated but you decide not to use it, you can safely re-freeze it within 1-2 days. But the quality will likely be poorer. Sausage thawed longer than 2 days should not be refrozen.
How to Thaw Frozen Hillshire Farms Summer Sausage
Never thaw sausages at room temperature, as bacteria can grow rapidly. Here are safe ways to thaw frozen summer sausage:
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Refrigerator Thawing: This is the preferred method. Place frozen sausage in the fridge 1 day before needed. Let it thaw slowly over 24 hours.
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Cold Water Thawing: Seal the frozen sausage in a bag then submerge in cold water. Change the water every 30 mins to keep it cold. Takes 2-3 hours.
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Microwave Thawing: Microwave on the defrost setting in short bursts, flipping occasionally. This can cause uneven thawing so check regularly.
Once thawed, cook or consume the Hillshire Farms summer sausage within 3-5 days and don’t refreeze. Discard any discolored or dried out portions after thawing.
How to Use Thawed Hillshire Farms Summer Sausage
There are many tasty ways to eat thawed Hillshire Farms summer sausage:
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Slice it thin and enjoy as part of a charcuterie platter with cheese, crackers, nuts and olives.
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Dice and add to omelets, scrambled eggs or breakfast tacos for a protein boost.
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Chop and add to pizza, pasta, salads, soups or casseroles for a smoky, savory kick.
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Grill or pan fry slices and serve with eggs and hashbrowns for breakfast.
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Spread cream cheese over slices and enjoy as an easy appetizer.
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Layer summer sausage between crackers with mustard or relish for a satisfying snack.
Be sure to handle and store any thawed sausage properly. Cook to safe internal temperatures before eating.
The Bottom Line
Freezing can significantly extend the shelf life of Hillshire Farms summer sausage while maintaining quality. Follow the proper techniques for maximizing freezer storage time. Thaw using the safest method and enjoy the thawed sausage within 3-5 days.
With proper freezing and thawing, you can enjoy delicious Hillshire Farms summer sausage for up to a year after purchase. Keep your freezer stocked so you can savor it anytime a craving strikes!
4th of July FAQ
Do your Fourth of July gifts that contain beer ship everywhere? Our Fourth of July food gifts that contain beer have some limitations due to State regulations. To find out if your gift with beer will ship to your state, select the gift you want and use the Ship To drop down menu.
Can I add a personalized message to Fourth of July baskets? Yes! Add your custom message to any order during checkout. We’ll print your message on the shipping label that goes on the outside of the box. We also suggest letting your recipient know that a delicious Fourth of July gift is on its way.
Can I make changes to my Fourth of July gift basket? Our website doesn’t have a “create your own” gift box option right now, but we make it easy to shop for baskets and boxes that have unique touches and flavors for your July 4th celebrations.
What is the most popular gift for the Fourth of July? At this time of year, people usually buy a lot of party food for house parties and cookouts. So it’s no surprise that the Hearty Party Gift Box is a popular choice for summer celebrations. It’s an easy meat and cheese charcuterie box that goes great with beers and fireworks.
Where is the best place to buy pre-filled Halloween gift baskets and boxes? Check out our selection of Halloween gift boxes filled with Halloween sweets and treats like pumpkin candies and spooky cookies, plus favorite Halloween charcuterie snacks like summer sausage and cheese, and wine for a wickedly fun party experience.
What kinds of Halloween basket items do people want the most? Every fall, we have a collection of scary and fun Halloween-themed baskets and boxes. The Happy Halloween Gift Basket is a popular choice because it has our most popular meat and cheese charcuterie along with fun Halloween-themed cookies and candies for kids and adults alike.
Are Halloween baskets customizable? Currently, we don’t offer a “create your own” Halloween box option, but we make it easy to shop for Halloween gifts with playful, spirited boxes filled with flavor combinations all your monsters will enjoy. You can also add a custom Halloween greeting at checkout to give your delivery a personal touch.
For sure, your Thanksgiving gift basket will get there on time. We’ll do everything we can to make that happen. It’s helpful to get your orders in as soon as possible. Orders received before Nov. 17 at 3pm EST are guaranteed to arrive on time when you select standard shipping. Here are more helpful Thanksgiving shipping dates to know:
- Standard 11/17 @ 3pm EST
- Expedited 11/21 @ 1pm EST
- Express 11/22 @ 1pm EST
Can Thanksgiving baskets have a personalized message? Yes! You can add a personal message at checkout to any Thanksgiving gift. We’ll print your message on the shipping label that goes on the outside of the box, so they won’t miss it. But it’s also a good idea to let your recipient know who sent the gourmet gift.
Can I ship Thanksgiving gifts nationwide? You can ship our Thanksgiving gift baskets anywhere in the U.S. If you want to send a Thanksgiving wine basket, select the specific gift and use the Ship To drop down menu to see if your state is eligible.
Which payment methods do you offer? At this time, we offer payment by Paypal, Visa, American Express, Mastercard, and Discover.
When will my card be charged? All payments are processed at the time your order is placed.
What will be on my banks billing statement? Your billing statement will vary based on the financial institution you use, but your purchase will read “HICKORY FARMS WEBSITE” if purchased on the web or “HICKORY FARMS CATALOG” if purchased over the phone/mail-in.
How do I sign up for promotions and special offers? To sign up for promotions and special offers, simply enter your email address in the Email Sign Up box in the footer of our site.
Wheres my sign-up promo code? Some first-time customer promo codes can only be activated by clicking through your welcome email. Please allow up to 15 minutes for your welcome email to arrive in your inbox.
How do I apply a promo code? Promo codes must be added on the View Cart page directly below the checkout button. Promo codes can not be stacked or combined with other offers on the site.
St. Patrick’s Day FAQ
What will my gift look like? With our newly redesigned packaging, your giftees are sure to be delighted the moment they see your gift on their doorstep.
Do you offer gift wrapping? Gift wrapping is not available at this time. However, you can add a complimentary gift message for each of your recipients at checkout.
How do I add a gift message? Near the bottom of the shipping page, select the checkbox for “include complimentary gift message,” and enter your desired greeting.
Where will the complimentary gift message be placed? Your complimentary gift message will be printed onto the shipping label that is placed on the outside of the box. Make sure you let each recipient know who sent them their scrumptious gift!
How much room do I have for my gift message? The gift message that appears on the shipping label is limited to 110 characters or about 20 words.
Will prices be included on the packing slip Prices will not be included on the packing slip or inside of the package. Receipts will be sent to the email you entered during checkout.
How will they know it’s from me? We will make sure to place “From: First Name Last Name” on the gift message if you forget to add it during checkout, but we recommend you make your recipient feel extra special by personalizing a short gift message during checkout. Example: “Happy Birthday! From Dad”
I’m sending my gift as a surprise. Are you going to tell them it’s coming? We will only send tracking notifications to the email you provide to us during checkout.
What customizations or personalization options are available? We offer complimentary gift messages for every order. This can be added on the shipping page during checkout. You may also purchase one of our Signature Ribbons for many occasions on select gifts throughout the website.
Can I build my own box? We do not offer the ability to “create your own” gift box on our website at this time.
What can I do to make sure my holiday gift gets here on time? We’ll do everything we can to get your gifts to you on time. It’s helpful to get your orders in as soon as possible. Orders received before Dec. 17 at 3pm EST are guaranteed to arrive on time when you select standard shipping. Here are more helpful holiday shipping dates to know:
- Christmas: Standard 12/19 @ 3pm EST
- Expedited 12/21 @ 1pm EST
- Express 12/22 @ 1pm EST
Can I customize any of my holiday baskets? Create a complimentary gift message for any order during checkout. We’ll print your message on the shipping label that goes on the outside of the box. It’s a good idea to let each recipient know who sent the delicious gift. Our website doesn’t offer a “create your own” gift box option. But many seasonal retail locations offer a build-your-own box for custom holiday gifts.
Can I send holiday gifts to multiple people? Yes. Select “Ship to Multiple Addresses” and assign your items to multiple recipients at the “Shipping” step during checkout, or you can add addresses to the same gift by clicking “Ship this item to additional addresses” under the address box next to each product.
How does Hickory Farms ensure holiday gifts arrive in good condition? We carefully package gifts, so they arrive for the holidays in excellent condition. We expertly choose shipping materials based on the food type and weather conditions, using insulated packaging and ice packs when necessary. Our Freshness Guarantee promises that your gourmet holiday gifts will arrive fresh and ready to eat, or we’ll make it right.
If my holiday gift includes wine, can it ship everywhere? Our signature wine gifts ship to several states, and our specialty wines ship to select states. When you choose your specific wine gift, use the Ship To tool to see if your state is eligible.
How does Hickory Farms ensure Hanukkah gift baskets arrive in good condition? We make sure your Hanukkah gift arrives looking great in its box, basket, or crate–or we’ll make it right. We carefully package all Hanukkah gifts in expertly chosen shipping materials based on the food type and weather conditions, using insulated packaging and ice packs when necessary.
Can the Hanukkah gift baskets have a personal touch added? You can type up a complimentary gift message for any order during checkout. It’ll be printed on the shipping label and placed on the outside box.
Can Hickory Farms ensure Hanukkah gifts will arrive on time? We recommend adding some buffer time and ordering in advance, especially during the busy holiday season, so gifts arrive when you want. We ship items using standard shipping on or before your deliver-by date. Still, we can’t promise a specific delivery date. Most Hanukkah gifts will arrive on time if you use our 1- or 2-day delivery options.
Can I send Christmas gifts to several people? It’s simple to send a Christmas gift to multiple people. Choose “Ship to Multiple Addresses” and assign your items to multiple recipients at the “Shipping” step during checkout. Or add addresses to the same gift by selecting “Ship this item to additional addresses” under the address box next to each product.
How can I add a personal touch to a Christmas gift? During checkout, you can type a complimentary Christmas greeting or message to your recipient for any order. We’ll print it on the shipping label on the outside box.
How does Hickory Farms ensure cupcakes in the Christmas gifts arrive in good condition? We guarantee that your Christmas gifts will arrive fresh and ready to enjoy, or we’ll make it right. We carefully package all gifts in expertly chosen shipping materials based on the kind of food and weather conditions. We always use insulated packaging and ice packs when necessary.
How can I ensure my Christmas gift basket will arrive on time? We ship Christmas gifts using standard shipping on or before your deliver-by date, but we can’t promise a specific delivery date. However, most Christmas gifts will arrive on time if you use our 1- or 2-day delivery options. It’s always a good idea to order as early as possible for some buffer time during the busy holiday season to ensure your gifts arrive on time.
Is it still popular to send gift baskets for Christmas? Gift baskets are still popular gift options during the busy holiday season. Who doesn’t love unwrapping a box full of gourmet goodies? Plus, you ship them with a personal note right to their door. Christmas gift baskets work well for the person on your list who has everything and make impressive host gifts for your favorite holiday parties. They also make great group gifts for the office or a family gift with something delicious for everyone.
How can I ensure my New Year’s gift basket will arrive on time? We recommend ordering as early as possible during the busy holiday season to ensure your New Year’s gifts arrive for the festivities. We use standard shipping on or before your deliver-by date, but we can’t promise a specific delivery date. However, most New Year gifts will arrive on time if you use our 1- or 2-day delivery options.
Can I customize my New Year’s basket? You can add a complimentary New Year’s greeting or message at checkout to any order. We’ll print your message on the shipping label on the outside box. It’s also good to let your recipient know who sent the delicious gift.
Do your New Year’s gifts that contain alcoholic beverages ship everywhere? Our New Year’s wine gifts ship to several states, and our specialty wines ship to select states. Use the Ship To drop-down tool and select the state to determine eligibility.
Do Valentine’s Day wine gift baskets ship nationwide? To find out if the state you want to send to is eligible for wine delivery, simply select the Valentine’s Day win gift basket you want to purchase. Then use the Ship To drop down menu to see if your state is eligible.
Is there a Valentine’s Day gift basket for every budget? Yes, our Valentine’s Day gifts cater to all of your loved ones, no matter what your budget is. Find a simple snack box of meat and cheese charcuterie or a cupcake treat for under $30. Find gifts of cupcakes and wine under $60. Or go more decadent with sweets, charcuterie, and wine baskets under $100. And to really sweep that special person off their feet, send showstoppers like these abundant gift baskets.
Can Valentine’s Day gifts have a special touch added? Our Valentine gifts come with beautiful baskets and boxes for the seasons, red satin ribbons, and sweet hangtag with messages to make your gift feel extra special. For that personal touch, you can add a complimentary Valentine’s note to your special someone at check out. It’s also a good idea to let your sweetie know that a special gift is on its way!
40 Foods That Freeze Well!!! Freezing Tips To Save Time & Money
FAQ
Can I freeze store-bought summer sausage?
How long is Hillshire Farms summer sausage good for?
Is sausage still good after 2 years in the freezer?
Can you refreeze summer sausage?
Should I remove the casing from Hillshire Farm® kielbasa?
Should I remove the casing from Hillshire Farm® kielbasa? You do not need to remove the casing from Hillshire Farm ® kielbasa, the product is fully cooked and ready to use according to package directions. But if you really want to peel it off anyway, go for it.
Who is Hillshire Farm ®?
Hillshire Farm ® brand is part of the Tyson Foods family of brands. Tyson Foods works with a wide range of professionals, academic institutions, and industry groups to advance animal agricultural research and best practices for animal welfare throughout the supply chain.
Is Hillshire Farm owned by Tyson Foods?
Founded in 1934, the Hillshire Farm ® brand is now owned by Tyson Foods. Read more about our history and commitment to quality. Where can I learn more about your sustainability and animal welfare practices? Thank you for your interest in our company. Hillshire Farm ® brand is part of the Tyson Foods family of brands.
Where can I find Hillshire Farm® products?
You can look for your favorite Hillshire Farm ® products at your local grocery store or online retailer. Please note that availability may be limited. Can’t find what you want? Simply ask your local grocer to stock the item. How can I get a coupon for Hillshire Farm® products?