This Is The Best Way To Store Sausage, According To Jimmy Dean
Key Takeaways
- The best way to store opened sausage is in a sealed bag or container.
- If you’re planning to use leftover sausage, consider forming it into balls or patties, then wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing in a resealable bag or container for future use.
- An opened package of sausage will last about three days in the refrigerator.
There’s something special about Southern country sausage. Whether you’re slicing into sausage patties for a tasty breakfast biscuit or sizzling it into crumbles for a creamy gravy, its subtle heat and sage notes always hit the spot. But those cylindrical packages can be tricky to store in the fridge, especially if they’ve been opened and you want to keep the leftovers for later.
We asked the pros at Jimmy Dean—an iconic breakfast sausage brand, to be sure—for their tips and tricks on storing so the meat stays as fresh as it can possibly be. Here’s what you need to know next time you crack open a package.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
The Best Way To Store Sausage
The best way to store sausage is in a sealed bag or container. “Both methods help keep the sausage fresh by minimizing exposure to air,” says Nathan Miles, the product manager for prepared foods at Jimmy Dean. Miles also recommends doubling up on wrapping, whether you keep most of the sausage in its original package or not, to keep air exposure to a minimum.
“If you’re looking to reuse leftover sausage,” says Miles, “consider forming it into patties or meatballs, then wrapping them in plastic wrap before storing in a sealed container. This ensures they stay fresh and easy to grab for future meals.”
- Nathan Miles, Senior Product Manager for Prepared Foods at Jimmy Dean.
Best Practices For Storing Extra Sausage
No matter how you seal your leftover sausage‚ whether it’s in wrapped plastic, a bag, or a container, it’s best to keep it separate from prepared foods, per USDA guidelines for meat storage. This minimizes the chance that any residual juices may contaminate other foods.
“In the refrigerator, an opened package of country sausage will typically last for about 3 days,” says Miles, who recommends either cooking and consuming or transferring leftover sausage to the freezer for another day.
How To Freeze Sausage For Longer Storage
To freeze sausage for longer storage, transfer the opened package to a freezer-safe plastic bag or container, but take extra care to seal it tightly. Once removed from its original package, it’s more susceptible to freezer burn, says Miles, “which can degrade quality over time.”
Freezing is a great option for storing leftover sausage safely, but it’s wise not to go overboard with thawing and refreezing, at least as far as flavor is concerned. “This can affect the sausage’s flavor and texture,” he says.
