Yes, you can freeze smoked sausage. Sausage freezes very well. You should not freeze it for longer than two months. Don’t forget to remove it from the freezer at least one day before you plan on using it. If you don’t want to use it immediately, you can cut off the end where it was stored in the freezer and cook some of it.
How To Freeze Smoked Sausage
Sausage is a great way to store meat for consumption throughout the entire year. Properly freezing smoked sausage doesn’t require special packaging, however. Smoked sausage should be stored properly to maintain its quality and flavor, and freezing won’t do this job.
How do you reheat frozen smoked sausage? To reheat frozen smoked sausage, thaw it first, then place it in a single layer on a baking sheet and heat it in the oven at 350°F. Flip the sausages halfway through and cook until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
Step 1: Allow To Cool Down
After smoking the sausage, let it cool down before eating it. Don’t freeze it when it’s still hot. This will cause condensation, and the moisture will damage the sausage. The heat from the sausage will also cause other foods around it (like bread) to thaw prematurely. Cooldown your sausage to room temperature within 30 mins.
How long does cooked smoked sausage last in the freezer? Cooked sausages can last up to 2-3 months when stored in the freezer, while in the refrigerator, they remain safe to eat for 3-4 days.
Step 2: Prepare An Airtight Container Or Bag
Smoked sausages should be kept in an airtight container or a freezer bag. These two things will help keep your sausages fresh.
How long will smoked sausage last in the fridge? When stored correctly, dry-cured sausage can remain fresh in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. However, cooked smoked sausage should only be kept in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Step 3: Portion The Sausage
Smoked sausages should be stored in an airtight container or frozen until needed. For small meals, cut them into small pieces before freezing. For larger meals, freeze the whole sausage or cut them into small pieces first. Make sure the container or bag you use is large enough to hold them.
How do you store fresh smoked sausage? With the exception of dry sausage, all sausages, whether uncooked or cooked, should be stored either in the refrigerator for a few days or frozen for longer preservation.
Step 4: Seal The Container Or Bag
Before sealing the container, make sure the seal on the lid is intact. A small crack in the seal may let the air out and cause a freezer burn to your meat. Replace the seal if damaged or the entire lid if necessary. Then secure the lid back onto the container. For freezer bag usage, press down firmly on the bag to remove air before sealing it.
Can I freeze hot smoked sausage? If you’re planning to save hot smoked sausages for later, consider immersing them in an ice bath briefly to halt the cooking process, which helps maintain their quality when frozen.
Can you freeze fully cooked smoked sausage? It is possible to extend the shelf life of cooked sausages by freezing them, just like any other meat product.
How long can smoked sausage be frozen? Smoked sausage can be stored in the freezer for a period of 1-2 months.