Sausages are delicious and a rich source of protein the whole family can enjoy. You can make a hearty meal with them quickly when you don’t have much time, and you can eat them for breakfast, in soups, or on a plain hot dog bun. It’s not a surprise that sausage sales are going up since there are so many thing that can be done.
Buying good sausages and storing them the right way until it’s time to cook will keep your family healthy. Because you want your sausages to be fresh before you serve them, you need to know how long they can be kept. That way, you can be sure that the sausages you serve are always the healthiest and tastiest, just the way they should be, no matter who you’re cooking for. Here are some general guidelines regarding the shelf life of sausages.
Italian sausage is a treasured staple in many households. From a quick breakfast scramble to hearty pasta dinners, this flavorful meat can elevate all kinds of dishes. However, like any perishable food, proper storage is crucial for safety and quality. This guide will explore exactly how long Italian sausage stays fresh in the refrigerator.
Overview of Italian Sausage Types
There are a few key varieties of Italian sausage to consider
-
Raw – Fresh, uncooked sausage. Requires thorough cooking before eating.
-
Cooked – Fully cooked and ready to eat or heat up Convenient but has shorter fridge life,
-
Fresh – Typically raw, not cured or smoked. Must be kept refrigerated.
-
Cured – Dry-cured products like salami. Last longer unrefrigerated.
For this guide, we’ll focus specifically on fresh raw Italian sausage links and proper refrigerator storage.
Raw Italian Sausage Refrigerator Lifespan
How long should you keep raw Italian sausage links in the fridge?
- 1 to 2 days maximum is recommended for raw fresh sausage links after purchasing.
The key factors are maintaining consistent cold fridge temperature and minimizing air exposure.
Why Refrigeration is Crucial
Refrigerating raw meats like Italian sausage is vital for:
-
Slowing bacteria growth that causes spoilage and foodborne illness.
-
Preventing loss of moisture and texture.
-
Preserving signature seasoning and flavors.
-
Avoiding discoloration and sliminess from oxidative reactions.
At 40°F or below, bacterial activity is significantly inhibited, keeping Italian sausage in safe top condition.
Tips for Maximizing Fridge Life
Follow these tips for keeping raw Italian sausage fresh longer:
-
Store sausage in original packaging until ready to use.
-
Place sausages on a plate to catch any leaks versus directly on shelves.
-
Keep Italian sausage at the back of the bottom shelf, the coldest area of the fridge.
-
Re-wrap opened packages tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
-
Use freezer bags or airtight containers for chopped/loose sausage.
-
Separate raw sausage from cooked foods to avoid cross-contamination.
Proper cold storage stops bacterial overgrowth and deterioration in its tracks.
Knowing When it’s Time to Toss
Be alert for the following signs that Italian sausage has gone bad:
- Mold growth
- Slimy texture
- Greyish brown or green discoloration
- Noticeably duller appearance
- Off or sour smell
Trust your senses. If Italian sausage seems spoiled in any way, play it safe and throw it out.
Freezer Storage for Long-Term Use
For storage beyond 1-2 days, the freezer is your friend. Frozen properly, raw Italian sausage links will last:
-
1-2 months at peak quality.
-
6 months while still reasonably good.
-
Indefinitely safe, though quality declines over time.
Double wrap sausage in plastic and foil to prevent freezer burn. For later convenience, form packs with single servings.
Thawing Safely for Cooking
Always thaw frozen sausage:
-
In the refrigerator overnight.
-
In cold water changed every 30 mins.
-
In the microwave using “defrost” setting.
-
While cooking from frozen, at a lower temperature.
Avoid leaving at room temperature or re-freezing after thawing.
Cooked Italian Sausage Shelf Life
Once cooked, Italian sausage has a shorter fridge life than raw. Expect cooked links to last:
-
3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.
-
4 months in the freezer.
Discard cooked sausage that smells, looks or feels iffy. Reheating until steaming hot can extend the shelf life slightly.
Creative Ways to Use Up Leftovers
With some creativity, you can enjoy Italian sausage to the last bit:
-
Toss chopped sausage into soups, chilis, omelets or pasta dishes.
-
Top pizza, flatbreads and baked potatoes.
-
Mix into risotto, polenta or potato hash.
-
Add to sandwiches, wraps or tacos.
-
Make sausage gravy over biscuits.
-
Grill or pan-fry slices to reheat and crisp up.
Don’t let good sausage go to waste! The possibilities are endless.
Key Takeaways on Maximizing Freshness
To recap, be diligent about refrigerating Italian sausage at 40°F or below. Use diced or loose sausage within 1-2 days, and links within 2-3 days for optimal freshness and food safety. Freeze extra sausage for storing longer term.
With proper storage and handling, you can fully enjoy the convenience, flavor and versatility of Italian sausage when cooking fabulous weeknight meals. Just remember to keep it chilled at all times for a long and happy fridge life!
k
How to Tell if Your Sausages Have Gone Bad
If you’ve forgotten the time, the power went out, or you’re not sure if the sausage is still good to eat, look for these signs:
- Strong or unpleasant smell: If your sausage smells strong or unpleasant, it’s already gone bad. If the smell of your sausage is fishy, sour, or acidic, you should probably throw it away. When sausage is bad, it often smells like rotten eggs, so throw it away even if you bought it already cooked.
- As the sausages age, their color may change. If you see a gray or greenish tint, this is usually a sign. You should throw away cooked sausage that turns brown.
- Shape and feel changes: If your sausage gets slimy and loses its color and firmness, it’s probably no longer safe to eat.
- Mold: If your sausages have mold or any other sign of bacterial growth, you should throw them away.
- Loss of moisture: When cooked sausage starts to crack or dry out, it means it’s losing its water. You should throw it away because it’s not fresh enough to eat anymore.
Hard or Dry Sausage
When unopened, you can indefinitely store sausages like salami and pepperoni in the fridge. You can keep them for six weeks at room temperature, such as in your pantry. Once opened, they will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.
How Long Does Italian Sausage Last in the Fridge? | Alice Kitchen
FAQ
How long is uncooked sausage good for in the fridge?
|
Product
|
Refrigerator (40 F)
|
Freezer (0 F)
|
|
Sausage, raw – from pork, beef, turkey
|
1-2 days
|
1-2 months
|
|
Smoked breakfast links, patties
|
7 days
|
1-2 months
|
|
Hard sausage
|
Opened: 3 weeks. Unopened: indefinitely
|
1-2 months
|
|
Summer sausage labeled “keep refrigerated”
|
Opened: 3 weeks. Unopened: 3 months
|
1-2 months
|
How can you tell if Italian sausage has gone bad?
How long is Johnsonville Italian sausage good for in the fridge?
How long is sausage good for in the fridge after the sell-by date?
|
Types Of Sausage
|
Refrigerator
|
|
Fresh Sausage, uncooked
|
1 to 2 Days
|
|
Fresh Sausage, after cooking by the consumer
|
(Not Applicable)
|
|
Hard/Dry Sausage
|
Indefinitely in Refrigerator; 6 Weeks in Pantry
|
|
Hot Dogs and Other Cooked Sausage
|
2 Weeks but No Longer than 1 Week After the “Sell-by” Date
|
How long can cooked Italian sausage stay in the fridge?
Yes, leftover cooked Italian sausage can be stored in the fridge for 3 to 4 days, provided it is properly stored in an airtight container. How to make steak picado?
What is the purpose of using fennel in Italian sausage?
The fennel in the sausage is just for flavor. But Fennel is widely used to combat gastrointestinal problems, helps digestion, fights flatulence and diarrhea, can help fight anxiety, stress and insomnia, helps release excess fluid in the body, can reduce menstrual pain, prevents bad breath and heartburn, in addition to other benefits.
Can raw Italian sausage be refrigerated?
Unopened raw Italian sausages may be kept in its original store packaging when refrigerating; to maximize the shelf life of Italian sausages, do not open the package until ready to use. How long can raw Italian sausages be left at room temperature?
How long do cooked Italian sausages last after thawed?
How long do cooked Italian sausages last after being frozen and thawed? Cooked Italian sausages that has been thawed in the fridge can be kept for an additional 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator before cooking; Italian sausages that were thawed in the microwave or in cold water should be eaten immediately.