I come bearing all the good news.
Yes. You can, in fact, freeze raw sausages. And not just raw sausages, but also, cooked ones. You can freeze whatever type of sausages you have from the cheapest store-bought type, up to the fanciest and meat-est ones from any local butcher. As long as they are within their use-by date.
Now I know how essential sausages are, especially when cooked for weeknight dinners. Nothing is easier or more fulfilling than some spicy sausage casserole. I get that the idea of having any leftover sausages might sound ridiculous.
Let’s not kid ourselves. It is too delicious not to finish the whole plate at once. However, since it is almost a regular English dish, you might prefer to buy sausages in bulk and freeze them for later.
Can you freeze uncooked sausage balls?
Yes. You certainly can. I recommend following the flash freezing method when it comes to sausage balls. I am going to share with you the easy step-by-step guide you are going to follow.
Should You Freeze Raw Sausages?
Freezing raw sausages is perfectly safe and an effective way to store them for longer periods of time. Raw sausages freeze well for 2–3 months with minimal impacts on texture or flavor.
Freezing gives you the flexibility to buy sausage in bulk when the price is right or make a big batch for future meals.
Some key benefits of freezing raw sausages include:
- Longer shelf life: properly frozen, raw sausages can last 2–3 months in the freezer. This gives you plenty of time to use them.
- Inventory management: buying in bulk and freezing allows you to always have sausages ready when you need them.
- Budget-friendly: Take advantage of sale prices and buy more when sausage is cheap.
- Meal planning: Have ready-to-cook sausage for planned recipes and meals in the future.
- Preserve freshness: Freezing locks in flavor and texture at the sausage’s peak freshness.
As long as raw sausages are frozen properly, there should be no loss of quality or change in taste after thawing.
How to freeze raw sausages:
Before you follow the following steps, know that you can either freeze the bought sausages as they are or you can remove them from their packaging and flash freeze them, so that it’s easier to later on defrost them.
- Start by lining a baking tray with parchment paper. Align sausages on the lined tray with a few inches between each sausage. Once you are done with adjusting the baking tray containing the sausages, wash your hand well. This is an important step after handling raw sausages.
- Transfer the tray with the sausages to the freezer to freeze. Leave it in the freezer for 2 – 3 hours.
- Once the sausages have had enough time to freeze. Transfer them from the tray to a freezer bag or a freezer-friendly container to store them in the freezer.
- Label the container or the bag containing the sausages with the date of freezing, as well as the use-by date, and the contents so that it is easier to later distinguish it from all the other food in the freezer.
You are free to immediately freeze the sausages once bought without first flash freezing them. However, I do prefer this method more as it allows the sausages to freeze and defrost more easily rather than taking longer time while being frozen in a big lump form.
How long do raw sausages last in the freezer?
To guarantee the highest quality, I would give sausages from one month to two. Bear in mind, though, they can last for more than two or three months and still be safe to eat. However, they won’t retain the same texture and flavor as freshly bought ones.
Frozen sausages at 0°F can last a lifetime without being spoilt.
How to defrost frozen sausages
Just transfer the sausages from the freezer to the fridge and leave them slowly defrost overnight on the top shelf. This might seem like a lengthy process, but it really isn’t if you already flash-froze the sausages. Also, know that it really depends on how you are planning to cook the sausages. You might not need to defrost them at all.
A much quicker alternative is to thaw the sausages inside the microwave after adjusting the settings to “Defrost” which shouldn’t take that long.
How to cook sausages from frozen
If you chose to allow them to thaw prior to cooking them, then you can cook them however you would prefer. But, if you want to skip the defrosting step, then I would recommend using the Air fryer or deep frying them.
It is essential for the frozen sausages to reach a safe temperature before serving and enjoying them. In this case the temperature should be over 75°c for at least 30 seconds or 80°c for at least 6 seconds. A digital thermometer should help you in measuring the temperature of the cooked sausages.
FAQ about Freezing Raw Sausage
How long can raw sausage stay in the freezer?
Properly frozen, raw sausage keeps its best quality for 2–3 months in a 0°F freezer. Sausage is still safe to eat after this time, but texture and flavor may decline.
Can you refreeze raw sausage after thawing?
It is not recommended to refreeze thawed raw sausage. Refreezing can negatively impact texture. Cook the sausage after thawing, and then refreeze the cooked sausage if desired.
Do you have to wrap the sausage before freezing?
Yes, raw sausage should always be wrapped in airtight packaging or sealed containers before freezing. This prevents freezer burn.
Can you freeze sausage patties or meatballs?
Yes, shaped sausages like patties and meatballs can be frozen successfully. Lay them in a single layer when first freezing to prevent them from sticking together.
What happens if you freeze raw sausage for too long?
Sausage frozen for more than 3–4 months is likely to suffer some moisture loss and deterioration in texture. The flavor may start to go rancid. The sausage is still safe to eat, but the quality diminishes.
Should raw sausage be completely thawed before cooking?
Completely thawing sausage before cooking is best, but you can cook sausage straight from frozen. Just allow 50% more time during cooking if the sausage is partly or fully frozen.
Can you freeze raw sausage crumbles or loose meat?
Yes, sausage meat or crumbles can be frozen on a baking sheet and then transferred to bags or containers. Avoid freezing large clumps. Portion into usable amounts before freezing.
Hi, I’m Julie, the passionate foodie and founder of Juliesfamilykitchen.com. I created this blog out of a drive to prove someone wrong, and then I realized how much I truly enjoy cooking and trying new recipes. In my free time, when I’m not running around after my kids or spending quality time with my partner, you can usually find me in the kitchen experimenting with new dishes.