How Long Does Bob Evans Sausage Last in the Fridge?

Bob Evans sausage is a popular breakfast staple in many households. But with any refrigerated food product, it’s important to pay attention to storage times to ensure safety and quality. So how long does Bob Evans sausage last in the fridge after opening?

Overview of Bob Evans Sausage Types

Bob Evans offers several varieties of pre-cooked breakfast sausage

• Original Pork Sausage
• Turkey Sausage
• Chicken Apple Sausage
• Maple Flavored Pork Sausage

All of these sausages are fully cooked but require refrigeration to maintain freshness. They come in roll or patty forms for convenience.

Shelf Life of Sealed Bob Evans Sausage

Unopened packages of Bob Evans breakfast sausages can be stored in the pantry. They should keep at peak quality for around 1-2 months past the printed expiration date on the package when stored properly.

Always check your sausage for signs of spoilage before consuming, even if sealed and not expired. Signs include mold, unpleasant odors, and sliminess.

For maximum shelf life, store sealed sausages in a cool, dry place away from direct light and high temperatures. Refrigeration can extend the shelf life further.

Refrigerator Life of Opened Bob Evans Sausage

Once opened, the shelf life of Bob Evans sausage is shortened. This is because exposure to air and handling introduces contaminants that can spoil food.

Here are some general guidelines for how long Bob Evans sausage keeps refrigerated after opening:

• Uncooked sausage: 1-2 days
• Cooked sausage patties or links: 3-4 days

These timelines assume proper refrigeration at 40°F or below. Make sure to wrap sausages tightly or seal in airtight containers. This prevents drying out and freezer burn.

Sausage may develop off-colors, odors, or sliminess when spoiled. If you notice these signs, toss the sausage even if not expired. Don’t taste questionable sausage, as illness can result.

Freezing Bob Evans Sausage

For extended storage, Bob Evans sausage can safely be frozen either pre-cooked or uncooked. Here are some freezing guidelines:

• Uncooked sausage can be frozen 6-8 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.

• Pre-cooked sausage links/patties can keep 4-6 months frozen. Reheat gently in the oven or skillet to prevent gumminess.

• For best texture, wrap individual sausage pieces in foil or plastic wrap rather than freezing in a large bloc.

• Label frozen sausage with date and type before freezing. Use oldest first when ready to eat.

Proper freezing keeps Bob Evans sausage fresh for several months. Thaw and reheat gently before serving frozen sausage.

Signs Your Bob Evans Sausage Has Spoiled

Always inspect Bob Evans sausage for signs of spoilage before eating. Look for:

• Sliminess or stickiness
• Discoloration or dull, faded look
• Mold growth – discard sausage immediately if moldy
• Sour or unpleasant odors
• Weird textures like very soft or dried out

If you notice any of these warning signs, err on the side of caution and throw the sausage out. Consuming spoiled foods can cause serious illness.

Following proper storage guidelines optimizes the shelf life of Bob Evans sausage. But when in doubt, remember it’s better to waste a little food than risk getting sick from spoiled sausage.

Safety Tips for Handling Bob Evans Sausage

To safely handle Bob Evans sausage:

• Refrigerate sausage within 2 hours of cooking/opening package. Do not leave unrefrigerated.

• Always wash hands, cooking tools, dishes after contact with raw sausage. This prevents cross-contamination.

• Cook sausage patties and links to 160°F internal temperature. Use a food thermometer to verify doneness.

• Don’t let raw sausage touch cooked foods to prevent bacterial spread. Keep them separate.

• When reheating cooked sausage, reheat fully to 165°F. Bring sausages to a boil or sizzle in the skillet.

Following basic food safety guidelines keeps your Bob Evans sausage free of harmful bacteria. Handled properly, it will stay fresh and delicious right up until its use by date.

Storing Bob Evans Sausage for Maximum Freshness

To get the most shelf life out of your Bob Evans sausage:

• Refrigerate sealed packages once opened, using within 1-4 days.

• Ensure refrigerator is kept cold, at 40°F or below.

• Wrap sausages tightly in plastic wrap or foil for air-tight storage.

• Use oldest sausages first and check for spoilage before cooking/eating.

• Freeze sausages if you won’t use within a few days.

• When reheating frozen sausage, thaw completely first and reheat gently.

With proper refrigeration and freezing methods, Bob Evans sausage will stay fresh and flavorful as long as possible. Follow these storage tips for delicious sausage anytime!