Sausages are very tasty and versatile. You can grill them on the BBQ, part of a breakfast meal, or make a bowl of sausage and mash. Sausages sold at the store will usually come in a large package. If you bought a few too many or have some leftovers from a meal, would freezing be an option for storage?
Can you freeze sausages? Yes, you can freeze sausages. You can freeze both cooked and uncooked sausages. The most important thing is to store them in a freezer bag or an airtight container to ensure no air gets through. Properly stored, sausages will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Does Sausages Freeze Well?
Sausages freeze extremely well, only if you keep them away from air. The air in the freezer will dry out the sausages if there is a leak in the storage container.
You can freeze all types of sausages, no matter what meat you use. As long as you follow to prepare the sausages correctly and store them in a proper container, they will freeze well.
How To Freeze Cooked Sausages
If you want to save time preparing your meal, or you have leftovers from a meal, you can freeze cooked sausages.
Below are the steps to freezing cooked sausages:
Step 1: Allow Sausages To Cool Down
Once the sausages are cooked, allow them to cool down to room temperature. I don’t recommend placing sausages that are still hot or warm into the freezer. Doing so will cause condensation to form in the storage container. The moisture from the condensation will damage the sausages during freezing.
Step 2: Wrapping
Once the sausages are cooled down, wrap them in cling film. You can wrap them individually or in portions. This will depend on how many sausages you’re planning to use at a time.
Step 3: Place in Bag
Place the wrapped sausages into a freezer bag. If you have access to a vacuum-sealing machine, you should use it, as it will preserve the sausages in the freezer much longer.
For regular freezer bag usage, once all the sausages are in the bag, press on the bag to remove excess air and seal it tightly.
Step 4: Label and Freeze
With a marker, write down the content and date of freezing on the freezer bag. Then place it into the freezer for storage.
How To Freeze Uncooked Sausages?
If you’re planning to freeze uncooked sausages, it’s important to be careful when preparing them. When handling the sausage, especially if it uses chicken or pork, try not to touch another food item or utensils that are going to be used on other food. Doing so could cause the spread of bacteria to other food.
Below are the steps to freezing uncooked sausages:
Step 1: Portion Out
Below freezing, you’ll need to portion the sausages. If you’re planning to use a lot of sausages for a meal, place several sausages in the freezer bag.
If you’re going to use one or two sausages at a time, freeze each individually, so you don’t end up with leftovers.
Step 2: Place in Freeze Bag
Place the sausages into the freezer bag.
Once they are in the bag, press on the bag to remove any excess air before sealing it.
Step 3: Label and Freeze
Write down the date of freezing and content on the freezer bag with a marker or pen. Then place into the freezer for storage.
How To Freeze Sausage Meat?
Sausage meat is very versatile and can be used to prepare different foods. It’s perfect for pasta sauces, use in stir-fry, and to make sausage rolls.
When handling sausage meat, you’ll need to handle it carefully. This means getting all the items you need to freeze them. You will want to get a pair of scissors, freezer bags, and a roll of aluminum foil. By having all the items you need, you can avoid cross-contamination.
Once you get all the items, follow the steps below to freeze sausage meat:
Step 1: Remove From Packaging
Start by removing the sausage meat from its original packaging. The meat usually comes in large portions, which are not suitable for freezing.
Step 2: Portion the Meat
Cut the sausage meat into portions based on how much you need at a time. Use a sharp knife to portion the meat.
Step 3: Wrap in Foil
With aluminum foil, wrap each portion of sausage meat. You can double wrap the meat for extra protection.
Step 4: Place In Freezer Bag
Place each of the wrapped sausage meat into the freezer bag. This will add another layer of protection for the meat. The bag will help protect it from the air and odors from other foods.
Once the sausage meat is in the freezer bag, squeeze it to remove any excess air before sealing it.
Step 5: Label and Freeze
With a marker or pen, write the date of freezing and the content of the freezer bag. Then place it into the freezer for storage.
How Long Can You Freeze Sausages?
You can freeze sausages for around 3 months in the freezer. This includes cooked and uncooked sausages.
The actual shelf life in the freezer will depend on how well you store them. If you are able to vacuum seal the sausages, they can last for up to 6 months in the freezer.
After about 3 months, sausages will start to deteriorate in quality. However, the sausages will still be safe to eat, but they may not taste as fresh as they should.
To prevent that from happening, it’s a good idea to use the sausages within 3 months after it’s frozen.
How Do You Defrost Sausages?
When it comes to defrosting sausages, there is only one method of doing so. This is to thaw the sausages in the fridge, which will allow them to thaw slowly with little changes to the taste and texture.
Let the frozen sausages sit in the fridge overnight or for at least 6 hours.
If you are thawing uncooked sausages, make sure to keep them away from other food. If that’s not possible, keep them sealed in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Also, place a bowl or plate under the sausage to avoid the liquid from running down your fridge.
Can You Refreeze Sausages?
Sausages can be frozen again. This means once you have frozen and thaw the sausages, you can refreeze them.
After that, avoid refreezing them again once it’s thawed for the second time. Doing so will cause the texture and taste of the sausage to be altered.
Like with any meat product, make sure that it’s handled with care to avoid cross-contamination.
Other Questions about Sausages
Can you freeze Italian sausage?
Yes, Italian sausage can be frozen. This is a great way to preserve their taste and texture when it’s getting close to their expiration date. Allow them to cool down to room temperature and place them into a freezer bag or an airtight container. Seal it tightly and place it into the freezer for storage.
Can you freeze sausage casserole?
Yes, you can freeze sausage casserole. All you need to do is allow it to cool down to room temperature. Leave them on the countertop to speed up the cooling process. Then place them into an airtight container, secure the lid to the container, and place it into the freezer.