Whether you’re cooking for one or for a family, it’s important to know how long Italian sausage is good for in the fridge. This way, you can make sure that everything you cook is still fresh and delicious.
Raw sausages are safe for up to two days, as long as they’re stored at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below. Fully cooked sausages will last for up to a week, but they may start to spoil sooner once they’re opened.
To prevent bacteria from developing, keep cooked sausages at room temperature for no more than two hours before refrigerating them. This will help to prevent bacterial growth and food poisoning.
To maximize the shelf life of your cooked Italian sausages for safety and quality, store them in shallow airtight containers or tightly wrap them with heavy-duty aluminum foil. Properly stored, Italian sausages should last for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Uncooked sausages don’t last very long in the refrigerator, and they can even go bad if you try to refreeze them. This is because the texture will get damaged and discoloration can occur if air is allowed to get in.
Freezing your raw and cooked sausages will help to preserve their taste and texture for up to three months, but they can start to dry out after this time. To minimize the amount of moisture and air that gets to your meats, use a vacuum sealer to freeze them.