To find out how long to keep specific foods in the fridge or freezer, check out the charts below.
Turkey sausage is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. However, it’s important to store it properly to ensure that it stays fresh and safe to eat.
How Long Does Turkey Sausage Last in the Fridge?
- Uncooked turkey sausage: 1-2 days
- Cooked turkey sausage: 3-4 days
Tips for storing turkey sausage in the fridge:
- Store it in its original packaging or in an airtight container.
- Place it on a shelf in the refrigerator, not in the door.
- Do not store it near raw meat or poultry.
How Long Does Turkey Sausage Last in the Freezer?
- Uncooked turkey sausage: 1-2 months
- Cooked turkey sausage: 2-3 months
Tips for storing turkey sausage in the freezer:
- Wrap it tightly in freezer paper or aluminum foil.
- Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Label it with the date so you know how long it’s been frozen.
How to Tell if Turkey Sausage is Bad
Here are some signs that turkey sausage has gone bad:
- It has a sour or off odor.
- It is slimy or sticky.
- It has changed color.
- It has mold.
If you see any of these signs, it’s best to discard the turkey sausage.
Tips for Thawing Turkey Sausage
- Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
- Thaw it under cold running water.
- Do not thaw it at room temperature.
Additional Resources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Refrigerator and Freezer Storage Chart
- FoodSafety.gov: FoodKeeper
Turkey sausage is a great option for a quick and easy meal. However, it’s important to store it properly to ensure that it stays fresh and safe to eat. By following the tips above, you can enjoy your turkey sausage for days or even months to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I freeze cooked turkey sausage?
Yes, you can freeze cooked turkey sausage. It will last for 2-3 months in the freezer.
- How do I thaw turkey sausage?
You can thaw turkey sausage in the refrigerator overnight, under cold running water, or in the microwave.
- How do I know if turkey sausage is bad?
Turkey sausage is bad if it has a sour or off odor, is slimy or sticky, has changed color, or has mold.
- What are some tips for storing turkey sausage?
Store turkey sausage in its original packaging or in an airtight container. Place it on a shelf in the refrigerator, not in the door. Do not store it near raw meat or poultry.
- How long does turkey sausage last in the refrigerator?
Uncooked turkey sausage lasts 1-2 days in the refrigerator. Cooked turkey sausage lasts 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
- How long does turkey sausage last in the freezer?
Uncooked turkey sausage lasts 1-2 months in the freezer. Cooked turkey sausage lasts 2-3 months in the freezer.
Poultry – cooked, leftovers
| Product | Refrigerator (40 F) | Freezer (0 F) |
|---|---|---|
| Fried chicken | 3-4 days | 4 months |
| Cooked poultry dishes | 3-4 days | 4-6 months |
| Pieces | 3-4 days | 4 months |
| Pieces covered with broth, gravy | 3-4 days | 6 months |
| Chicken nuggets, patties | 3-4 days | 1-3 months |
| Product | Refrigerator (40 F) | Freezer (0 F) |
|---|---|---|
| Vegetable or meat-added | 3-4 days | 2-3 months |
Deli and vacuum-packed products
| Product | Refrigerator (40 F) | Freezer (0 F) |
|---|---|---|
| Store-made or homemade egg, chicken, tuna, ham, macaroni salads | 3-4 days | Dont freeze well |
| Pre-stuffed pork & lamb chops, chicken breasts stuffed with dressing | 1-2 days | 9 months |
| Stuffed pork chops | 1-2 days | 9 months |
| Chicken breasts | 1-2 days | 9 months |
| Store-cooked convenience meals | 1-2 days | Dont freeze well |
| Commercial brand vacuum-packed dinners with USDA seal | Unopened: 2 weeks | Dont freeze well |
| Product | Refrigerator (40 F) | Freezer (0 F) |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh eggs in shell | 3-5 weeks | Dont freeze |
| Eggs, raw yolks or white | 2-4 days | 1 year |
| Hardcooked eggs | 1 week | Dont freeze well |
| Liquid pasteurized eggs or egg substitute | Opened: 3 days. Unopened: 6 weeks | Dont freeze |
| Cooked egg dishes | 3-4 days | 2-3 months |
| Product | Refrigerator (40 F) | Freezer (0 F) |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh fish and shellfish | 1-2 days | 3-6 months |
| Cooked fish | 3-4 days | 4-6 months |
| Smoked fish | 14 days | 2 months |
| Product | Refrigerator (40 F) | Freezer (0 F) |
|---|---|---|
| Corned beef – in pouch with pickling juices | 5-7 days | Drained, wrapped: 1 month |
| Ham, canned – labeled “keep refrigerated” | Opened: 3-5 days. Unopened: 6-9 months | Dont freeze |
| Ham, fully cooked – whole | 7 days | 1-2 months |
| Ham, fully cooked – half | 7 days | 1-2 months |
| Ham, fully cooked – slices | 3-4 days | 1-2 months |