There is nothing like the taste of sausage.
If you love sausage like me, it’s important to know the answer to the question how long does sausage last in the fridge?
Especially if you cook a little more than you can chew.
The time frame can be as little as a 1-2 days for raw sausage to an indefinite amount of time if it is a hard or dry type.
Sausage has always been a staple my this house. And we have a lot of experience in storing it correctly.
In this article, we provide you with all the information you need to make sure your sausage is safe to eat at all times.
So, keep reading to find out more.
Contents
What Is the Shelf Life of Sausage
Sausage is a type of meat product that is made from ground meat, fat, salt, and other seasonings. The shelf life depends on several factors, including the type of sausage, how it is stored, and whether it is cooked or not.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides guidelines on sausage shelf life.
Unopened hard or dry sausage like pepperoni and Genoa salami can be stored the refrigerator infinitely. Or you can store it in your pantry for up to six weeks.
After opening, dry sausage should be refrigerated and consumed within three weeks.
For fully cooked, prepackaged sausage like hot dogs the refrigerator self life is 2 weeks. But once opened the time drops to 7 days.
A good practice is to always check the use-by or sell-by date on the package before eating the sausage.
How Long Does Raw Sausage Last in the Fridge
If you keep raw sausage in your fridge, it’s important to know how long it will last before it goes bad. It is a perishable food item that can spoil quickly if not stored properly.
Raw sausage can be stored in the refrigerator for one to two days before going bad.
How to Store Raw Sausage in the Fridge
Store raw sausage at a temperature of 40°F or below. It’s best to store it in the original packaging or in an airtight container. If you don’t have either of those, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Make sure to place it on a plate or in a container to catch any juices that may leak out.
How to Freeze Raw Sausage
If you’re not going to use the raw sausage within a few days, it’s best to freeze it.
Make sure it is wrapped properly to prevent freezer burn – original packaging, airtight container or plastic wrap.
Label it with the date so you know how long it’s been frozen. Raw sausage can be frozen for up to 2 months.
How Long Does Cooked Sausage Last in the Fridge
Cooked sausage will last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator when properly stored.
But the the length of time really depends on a few factors, such as the type of sausage, how it’s been stored, and whether it’s been opened or not.
Here’s what you need to know.
How to Store Cooked Sausage
To keep cooked sausage safe to eat in the fridge, it’s important to store it properly.
Store cooked sausage in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Make sure the sausage is completely cooled before placing it in the fridge.
If you will not eat it within three to four days, you can freeze it for later.
When storing multiple sausages, try to keep them separated so they don’t stick together.
How to Reheat Cooked Sausage
When you’re ready to eat your leftover sausage, you’ll need to reheat it.
If frozen, thaw cooked sausage in the fridge first before reheating.
You can reheat it in the microwave, oven, or on the stove.
Make sure the sausage reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before eating it.
Signs Your Sausage Has Gone Bad
Even if you’ve stored your sausage properly, it can still go bad. Here are some signs to look out for:
- Slimy texture
- Discoloration
- Unpleasant smell
- Mold growth
If you notice any of these signs, throw the sausage away. Don’t take any chances with spoiled food.
What Happens if You Eat Spoiled Sausage
When sausages are left out at room temperature for too long, bacteria can multiply quickly and cause the sausages to spoil.
Eating spoiled sausage can lead to food poisoning. Spoiled sausages contain harmful bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
These symptoms can last for several days and can be severe in some cases.
Always check for signs of spoilage before consuming sausages to avoid getting sick.
USDA Sausage Guidelines
The USDA’s sausage storage recommendations are summarized below.
| Type of Sausage | Fridge Not opened | Fridge After opened | Freezer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh Sausage Uncooked | 1 to 2 days | 1 to 2 days | 1 to 2 months |
| Fresh Sausage, After Cooking | NA | 3 to 4 days | 2 to 3 months |
| Hard/Dry Sausage | Whole 6 weeks (pantry); indefinite (fridge) | 3 weeks | 1 to 2 months |
| Hot Dogs & Other Cooked Sausage | 2 weeks | 7 days | 1 to 2 months |
| Luncheon Meats | 2 weeks | 3 to 5 days | 1 to 2 months |
| Summer Sausage (Semi-dry) | 3 months | 3 weeks | 1 to 2 months |
Wrapping It Up
How long does this sausage last in the fridge?
In this post, we have answered that question for you. We included USDA recommendations and hands on experience to provide the best information possible.
Always check for signs of spoilage to prevent foodborne illness. It is always best to toss sausage in the trash if you are not sure if it is safe to eat.
To get more helpful tips please check out our BBQ guides.
FAQ for How Long Does Sausage Last in the Fridge
How long is uncooked breakfast sausage good for in the fridge?
Uncooked breakfast sausage can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. After that, it should be cooked or frozen to ensure its freshness.
How long is frozen sausage good for after use by date?
If the sausage has been stored properly in the freezer, it can last for up to 2 months after the use-by date. However, it’s always better to use it before the use-by date to ensure its freshness and best quality.
