How long does uncooked smoked sausage last in the refrigerator?
Unopened, follow the use-by date on the package. Once it’s opened, cook it within 1 to 2 days, which is the USDA guideline for uncooked sausage.
Monroe sausage is smoked but not fully cooked, so it falls under the USDA’s uncooked sausage guidelines, not the longer times for fully cooked hot dogs and sausages.
Can you freeze smoked sausage?
Yes. Freeze it in its original sealed package or wrapped airtight, and use it within 1 to 2 months for the best quality.
Frozen food stays safe indefinitely at 0°F, but flavor and texture are best within that window. Write the date on the package before it goes in.
How do you thaw frozen sausage or bacon safely?
Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. For faster thawing, seal it in a bag and submerge it in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes, or use the microwave, then cook it right away.
Never thaw meat on the counter. You can also cook sausage straight from frozen; it just takes longer, and it still needs to reach 160°F.
Can you refreeze sausage after it thaws?
Yes, if it was thawed in the refrigerator and hasn’t been left out. Sausage thawed in cold water or the microwave should be cooked before you freeze it again.
How long does cooked sausage last in the refrigerator?
Cooked sausage and dishes made with it, like gumbo or red beans, keep 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator, or 2 to 3 months in the freezer.
How long does bacon last in the refrigerator?
Uncooked bacon keeps about 7 days in the refrigerator, or until the use-by date on an unopened package. Once opened, use it within a week.
Can you freeze bacon?
Yes. Uncooked bacon is best used within 1 month of freezing. Wrap it tightly, or freeze slices flat on a sheet pan and then bag them so you can pull out just what you need.
How long does cooked bacon last?
Refrigerate cooked bacon within 2 hours and use it within 3 to 4 days, like other cooked leftovers.
How long can cooked sausage or bacon sit out?
No more than 2 hours at room temperature, or 1 hour when it’s above 90°F, like at a summer cookout or tailgate. After that, throw it out.
At a cookout, keep hot food at 140°F or warmer (on the cool side of the grill or in a warm slow cooker) and get leftovers into a cooler with ice quickly.