How Long Is Italian Sausage Good For In The Fridge? Solved

Last Updated on September 13, 2024 by Shari Mason

Like bold, sweet, or mild tastes? No need to be crazy about Italian dishes to **savor** the special flavor of ‘fennel-stuffed’ sausage.

But how long is Italian sausage good for in the fridge, and how should you store it? Read on so you can enjoy this delicious sausage with no worries.

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 it longer, it is better to freeze it.

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:

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• How Long Are Johnsonville Brats Good For 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.

Make sure to place it in the fridge immediately as soon as you get home after purchasing, as it may spoil faster if you let it sit for too long at room temperature.

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. Raw Italian sausage should be kept in its original packaging, while cooked ones should be transferred 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.

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. Store it in the coldest section of the fridge and make sure the temperature is below 40 °F. [1] Store it in its original packaging, and do not open it until ready to cook.

For cooked Italian sausages, make sure to cool them off first and transfer them to an airtight container within two hours after cooking and refrigerate immediately.

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 145 ºF or above.
• Boiling sausages first in water helps ensure that it is cooked properly when roasting or grilling.
• Freeze your Italian sausage to extend its storage period.

FAQs 

Final Thoughts 

Italian sausage doesn’t last that long in the fridge, so if you want to stack 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