From your mother’s famous Italian sausages with pasta sauce to breakfast links, sausages are a deliciously versatile food.
Sausages can be grilled, baked, and broiled. It only makes sense to stock up on a food that can be eaten in so many different ways. The best way to stock the kitchen is by stocking the freezer, allowing yourself to preserve your foods for as long as possible.
Can you refreeze sausages? Yes, it is okay to refreeze sausages after they have been thawed. It is even okay to thaw sausages, cook them and then freeze the cooked sausages. This is an easy way to prepare a future meal that you can easily make later on. If stored properly, frozen sausages could stay safe in the freezer for a long time but it is important to look out for any signs of spoilage.
Freezing Sausage
By freezing your sausages you are saving yourself time by planning ahead for you and your family. Freezing sausages also gives you the ability to buy more at once and potentially save money. Freezing meats is the best way to store large amounts and buy them in bulk, so freezing your sausage is a practical way to save money.
You can freeze sausages that are uncooked or cooked. If you want to freeze uncooked sausages then you’ll just have to thaw it out prior to cooking when you are ready to use it. You also have the option to cook sausages then freeze them cooked. If you are choosing to freeze cooked sausages, it is important to let the sausage cool first prior to putting it in the freezer.
One key to freezing your sausage is keeping air out. So make sure that you store your frozen sausages in air tight bags or containers. One tip for keeping sausage fresh is to double up on the packaging. You could wrap the sausages up in foil and then add them to a ziplock bag to keep them stored extra tight.
After sausage has been thawed out, it is in fact okay to put it back in the freezer if necessary. It is just important to follow a few steps to avoid food contamination. It is safe to thaw out raw sausages, cook them and then freeze the cooked sausages.
As long as the sausage was thawed properly and not left out on the counter or in the refrigerator for too long, it can be refrozen. It is also important to make sure to let the cooked sausage cool entirely before placing it in the freezer.
How to Properly Thaw and Reheat Sausage
The safest way to thaw frozen sausage is to put it in the refrigerator and let it thaw slowly. Once fully thawed, it is safe to cook the meat. Never thaw sausage on the counter or at room temperature. Thawing sausage at room temperature could cause bacteria or airborne pathogens to grow, due to the fact that the outer parts will thaw much faster than the center. If left out for longer than two hours at room temperature, sausages should be thrown away.
Sausages can be reheated using a microwave, in a pan on the stovetop, or by baking them in the oven. The most important step when reheating sausages is ensuring that it is properly heated all the way through.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure you have properly heated your sausage before eating them. Sausage should be heated to a minimum internal temperature of 145 degrees fahrenheit. Here are some step by step tips for reheating sausages:
Reheating Sausages in the Microwave
- Start by thawing the frozen sausage in the refrigerator overnight.
- Microwave on high for about 3 minutes.
- Ensure that the sausage is thoroughly heated throughout before eating.
- If you don’t eat all of the sausage and would like to refreeze it, let it cool.
- Place in an airtight bag and store in the freezer or refrigerator.
Reheating Sausages on the Stove
- Thaw sausage overnight in the fridge.
- Place in a skillet over medium heat.
- Heat sausage for about 10 minutes or until the sausage reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees fahrenheit.
- Once cooled, sausage can be refrozen in an airtight container.
Reheating Sausages in the Oven
- Once the sausage has thawed overnight, preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Place the sausages in a rimmed baking sheet in a single layer.
- Cook in the oven, uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until sausage reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees.
- Cool completely before refreezing.
How to Know if Sausage Should be Thrown Out
There are some obvious signs to look out for when determining if sausages have gone bad or not. If your sausage has a slimy texture or a strange smell, it is no longer safe to eat. Some sausage will start to have a greyish appearance if left in the refrigerator for too long. Basically, trust your senses! If it doesn’t look right, don’t eat it.
Different types of sausages have different shelf lives. Fresh sausages are only good for a day or two in the refrigerator, so it is best to eat them as soon as possible. Cooked sausages stay safe to eat in the fridge for up to a week.
It is also a good idea to mark your sausages with dates so you remember when it was placed in the freezer. Properly stored sausages can be kept in the freezer for up to six months. If left out at room temperature for longer than 2 hours, sausages should be discarded.
Frozen sausages might not be safe to eat anymore if they have dry spots, areas of discoloration, or freezer burn. Keeping the sausages stored in an airtight container is the key to proper freezer storage.
Final Thoughts
Sausages are a versatile food that can accompany a number of different types of meals. They can also be cooked many different ways too, from microwave to stove top to oven. Sausages are easy to store and can last for a long time if stored properly.