Can You Freeze Cooked Sausage?

Yes, you can freeze cooked ( or raw) sausage for 2 to 3 months without any loss of taste or texture. Simply cook your sausage, cool it, wrap it in plastic wrap, place in a freezer bag, write the date on the bag and then put it in the freezer.

How to Freeze Cooked Sausage

There are actually many different types of sausages. They all have a couple of things in common such as they are made from ground meat, They have added spices and they are typically formed into a cylindrical shape.

Sausages can be spicy or savory. They can be cooked and eaten on their own or added into dishes such as casseroles.

Unfortunately, once you have cooked your sausage up The only last for around 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator. So, if you've whipped up a large batch and won't be able to finish them in that time frame you may be looking to figure out how to extend their shelf life.

Fortunately, this is really easy to do simply by freezing them. The process is quite similar to freezing hot dogs, freezing bologna and freezing salami. You can easily freeze your cooked sausages in about 5 minutes or less. Simply follow the below steps.

Cook and cool

To get started, you want to fully cook your sausages. Then, set the massage and let them cool completely.

If you start wrapping in packaging them before they have cooled, condensation will build up and they can become soggy. Additionally, putting something that is still warm in the freezer can change the overall temperature in the freezer in effect some of the already frozen foods.

Portion and Wrap

Next, decide how much you will need each time you saw it. And set aside those sized portions. This way you can thaw just the amount you need each time.

Once you have portioned your sausages, take some plastic wrap and thoroughly rapid in a layer around each portion. This will help to keep air out and make the sausages have the best possible texture when defrosted.

Package

Once you have wrapped each portion, go ahead and toss them into either a freezer bag or an airtight container.

Seal

If you've chosen a freezer bag, zip it partially shut and then press any air in the bag out and zip it the rest of the way closed.

If you've chosen an airtight container, simply press the lid onto the top of the container.

Label and freeze

Grab a marker or a pen and write the date on your container or bag. Then, place it into the freezer.

Top tips for freezing

In addition to following the above steps, make sure to follow these top tips in order to maintain the highest quality once you thaw your sausages.

• Cool thoroughly. Make sure that your sausages are no longer warm when you start to package them otherwise condensation will build up and they can become soggy.
• Wrap well. The better wrapped your sausages are the more protection from freezer burn they'll have and the longer they can stay in the freezer without having any degradation in quality.
• Know your portion. Make sure you decide on what portion size is you'll need when defrosted, that way you can portion them before freezing and only take out the amount you need at a time.

Supplies/Equipment Needed:

• Ziploc Bags
• Plastic Wrap
• Aluminum Foil
• Marker or Pen
• Airtight Freezer Container

How to Defrost Cooked Sausage

When it's time to defrost your cooked sausages, there are a couple of options: in the fridge, in cool water or in the microwave. Though all of these defrosting methods are considered safe, some are preferred over others due to helping to maintain a higher quality and texture once the sausages are thawed.

in the fridge

Defrosting in the fridge is the best way to defrost your cooked sausages. The slow change and temperature helps to maintain the highest quality. However, this method does take the longest time.

To defrost your cooked sausages in the refrigerator, simply remove them from the freezer and place them in the fridge overnight. Once they have thoroughly defrosted you can then heat them in the microwave, oven or on the stove top.

In the microwave

Defrosting your sausages in the microwave is the fastest way to defrost them, but you have to be careful not to overheat or they can become rubbery or dry.

To use this method, remove them from the freezer and unwrap them. Then, place them on a microwave safe plate or dish.

Set your microwave to the defrost setting or 50% power. And then heat them at 30 to 60 minute increments flipping after a minute or two until they are warm.

Freezing Cooked Sausage FAQ

How long does cooked sausage last in the freezer?

Cooked sausage lasts for 2 to 3 months in the freezer. You can keep it frozen for longer and it will still be safe to eat, but as time passes the quality and texture were slowly degrade due to freezer burn.

Is it better to freeze sausage cooked or raw?

Cooked and raw sausage both freeze equally well. Which way is better really depends on if you want to have to cook the sausage after you thaw it or if you prefer to cook it before.

How long does cooked sausage last in the fridge?

Cooked sausage only lasts for 3 to 5 days when kept at optimal conditions in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can you freeze sausage casserole?

Yes, you can freeze sausage casserole as well as other dishes with cooked sausage in it. The main key is to let it cool, wrap the top with plastic wrap and then put it in an airtight container with the date on it.