How Long Is Italian Sausage Good For In The Fridge? Tips for Freshness

Italian sausage is a treat! Whether you like it spicy, sweet, or mild, it always hits the spot. Even if Italian cuisine isn’t your go-to, the distinct appeal of fennel-stuffed sausage is hard to ignore. It’s the kind of ingredient that can elevate a simple pasta dish, turn a pizza into a masterpiece, or make your breakfast scramble unforgettable. But here’s the catch: to enjoy it at its best, you need to know how to store it properly.

So, how long is Italian sausage good for in the fridge, and what’s the best way to keep it fresh? Whether you’ve got a pack of raw links or some cooked leftover sausages, these are questions worth answering. After all, no one wants to bite into a sausage only to realize it’s past its prime.

This article will cover all you need to know about storing Italian sausage. We’ll discuss fridge shelf life and freezer tips. By the end, you’ll have the confidence to enjoy this delicious ingredient without a second thought. Let’s dive in and make sure your sausage stays as flavorful as the day you bought it!

How Long Does Italian Sausage Last in the Fridge?

Raw Italian sausage is best consumed within 1-2 days and could last up to 4 days in the fridge.

Italian sausages are typically made with ground pork and are highly perishable when raw, so if you want to store them longer, it is better to freeze them.

However, pre-cooked or dry Italian sausages can be kept in the fridge indefinitely and for up to a few weeks in the pantry.

Read: How Long Do Brats Last In The Fridge?

Factors To Consider

Raw

Raw fresh Italian sausages can be stored in the fridge for 1-2 days after purchase. You can keep it in its original packaging to help prolong its storage period.

Please put it in the fridge right after you get home. It may spoil if you leave it at room temperature for too long.

Refrigerator Storage Time for Raw Fresh Italian Sausage

• 1-2 Days: The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) recommends storing raw fresh sausage, including Italian sausage, in the refrigerator for no more than 1-2 days after purchase to ensure safety and quality.
• Source: USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service

Read: Is Pork Sausage the Same As Ground Pork?

Cooked

Cooked Italian sausage can last up to 3-4 days in the fridge. After cooking, place it in an airtight container and store it in the coldest section of your fridge within 2 hours.

Make sure to cool it off completely first before placing it in the fridge to avoid moisture build-up that could hasten its spoilage.

Properly Stored

Properly stored Italian sausages can still be edible even past their printed date. Keep raw Italian sausage in its original packaging. Transfer cooked sausages to an airtight container.

Sell-By-Date

The “sell-by-date”‘ in the packaging does not necessarily means that it is unsafe. It only suggests that the product is of its best quality within that time.

“Love and sausage are alike. Can never have enough of either.”

-Dean Koontz, Famous American Author

But for quality purposes, always check the sell-by date before purchasing, make sure it’s not past the printed date, and store it properly.

Check out: What Is Uncured Pancetta?

How To Tell If Italian Sausage Has Gone Bad

Texture

You can tell if your Italian sausage has gone bad even by looking at it. If it has a slimy texture on the coating and grayish discoloration with no noticeable spots, it is likely gone bad.

Smell

The smell of an Italian sausage that has gone bad is noticeably strong compared to a fresh one that has a mild aroma of herbs and spices. If it smells sour, pungent, or off-putting, then discard it immediately.

Taste

It’s not recommended to taste if you already saw some signs of spoilage, but if you’re still unsure and want to try it, you can have a pinch of it for tasting. 

If it has an off-putting, bitter, or unfamiliar taste, then it’s the final sign that it has already gone bad and should be discarded. But is it okay to eat Vienna sausage from the can?

How To Properly Store Italian Sausage?

Raw Italian sausages should be kept in the fridge after purchase. Keep it in the coldest part of the fridge. The temperature should stay below 40 °F. [1] Leave it in its original packaging and only open it when you’re ready to cook.

For cooked Italian sausages, cool them first. Then, transfer them to an airtight container within two hours and refrigerate them.

But why is Italian food overpriced?

Can You Freeze Italian Sausage?

Freezing your Italian sausages is a good way to extend their shelf life. Both raw and cooked Italian sausage can be frozen for up to 1-2 months and beyond. 

It can be safe indefinitely if constantly frozen and stored properly, but it’s still best to consume it within two months for the best quality.

Tips & Tricks When Storing Italian Sausage in the Fridge

• Do not remove or open the original packaging on raw sausages when storing them in the fridge.
• Be sure to cook it properly and ensure that the internal temperature reaches 145ºF or above.
• Boiling sausages first in water helps ensure that they are cooked properly when roasting or grilling.
• Freeze your Italian sausage to extend its storage period.

Related: How Long Are Johnsonville Brats Good For In The Fridge?

FAQs on Storing Italian Sausage In The Fridge

Final Thoughts 

Italian sausage doesn’t last that long in the fridge, so if you want to stock up or store it for longer, it is better frozen.

It is important that you keep it refrigerated below 40 °F as it could easily spoil if left outside for too long. If stored properly, it will remain safe even past the printed date.

Lastly, before cooking or eating, look for any signs of spoilage, as it could be dangerous to eat spoiled sausages. Eat safe and be healthy.

References:

1. https://ask.usda.gov/s/article/What-are-storage-times-for-sausages 
2. https://food.unl.edu/article/it-safe-refreeze-raw-meat-and-poultry-has-thawed