Jimmy Dean is one of the most popular brands of sausage in America. Known for their delicious breakfast sausages, Jimmy Dean offers a wide variety of sausage products from original pork sausage to turkey sausage and fully cooked links.
With the convenience of Jimmy Dean sausage, it’s easy to stock up when you find a good sale at the grocery store. But after opening a package, how long can you freeze the leftover Jimmy Dean sausages to maintain optimal freshness and flavor?
In this comprehensive guide we’ll cover everything you need to know about freezing Jimmy Dean sausage. including
- How long different types of Jimmy Dean sausage can be frozen
- Proper storage methods for frozen sausage
- Safe ways to thaw frozen Jimmy Dean sausage
- Tips for maintaining quality when cooking frozen sausage
- Answers to frequently asked questions about freezing sausage
Let’s get cooking!
How Long Can You Freeze Different Types of Jimmy Dean Sausage?
The shelf life of frozen Jimmy Dean sausage depends on a few factors, including the variety and whether it’s raw or cooked. Here are general guidelines for how long you can freeze different types of Jimmy Dean sausage:
- Raw pork breakfast sausage – 1 to 2 months
- Raw turkey sausage – 1 to 2 months
- Fully cooked breakfast links – Up to 2 years
- Fully cooked sausage and deli meats – Up to 3 years
For optimal flavor and texture, it’s best to freeze Jimmy Dean sausage within the use-by date printed on the packaging. Portioning the sausage into meal-sized amounts before freezing will allow you to thaw only what you need at a time.
Proper Storage Methods for Frozen Sausage
To maximize the shelf life of frozen Jimmy Dean sausage, proper storage is essential. Here are some tips:
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Place sausage in airtight freezer bags or containers, squeezing out excess air. Allow 2 inches of headspace for expansion.
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Separate raw and cooked sausage to prevent cross-contamination.
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Label bags with contents and freeze-by date.
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Freeze sausage as soon as possible after purchasing for best quality.
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Maintain consistent freezer temperature at 0°F or below.
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Avoid overcrowding freezer to allow cold air circulation.
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Use oldest frozen sausage first to rotate stock.
Following these guidelines will help your Jimmy Dean sausage last for the full recommended freezer time.
Safe Ways to Thaw Frozen Jimmy Dean Sausage
Never thaw frozen sausage on the counter or in hot water, as this promotes bacterial growth. Here are safe methods:
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Refrigerator: Place sealed sausage on a plate to catch drips. Thaw 24-48 hours before use.
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Cold water: Submerge sealed sausage in cold water, changing water every 30 minutes. Thaw up to 2 hours before cooking.
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Microwave: Use the defrost setting at 50% power in 30 second increments. Cook immediately after thawing.
For food safety, sausage that is thawed in the refrigerator can be refrozen without cooking, although texture may suffer. Microwaved or cold water thawed sausage should be cooked before refreezing.
Maintaining Quality When Cooking Frozen Sausage
Cooking frozen Jimmy Dean sausage properly will help it maintain delicious flavor and juice. Follow these tips:
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Cook frozen sausage immediately after thawing, without refrigerating again.
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Preheat oven or pan before cooking to prevent temperature drops.
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Cook sausage thoroughly to an internal temperature of 160°F. Check with a meat thermometer.
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Avoid overcooking, which can lead to dry, rubbery sausage.
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For patties or links, pan fry on medium heat, turning occasionally until browned.
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For casseroles or pizza, thaw sausage completely and drain fat before mixing in.
Following safe thawing and cooking methods will deliver the taste and texture you expect from Jimmy Dean!
Frequently Asked Freezer Questions
How can you tell if frozen sausage has gone bad?
Check for an off smell, changed texture, excessive ice crystals, or freezer burn before use. Sausage more than 1-2 months old may suffer quality loss but is generally still safe when frozen continuously at 0°F.
Is it safe to cook sausage still frozen in the middle?
Yes, you can cook frozen sausage from frozen state. Just increase cook times about 50% and check internal temp with a meat thermometer to confirm doneness. The sausage will finish thawing during the cooking process.
What happens if sausage is accidentally thawed then refrozen?
One refreeze cycle won’t make pre-cooked sausage unsafe, but it may impact texture and flavor. For raw sausage, it’s best not to refreeze after thawing. Cook raw sausage before refreezing for safety.
How long does cooked frozen sausage last after thawing?
Cooked sausage should be eaten within 3-4 days of thawing in the fridge. Do not leave thawed cooked sausage in the fridge for over 7 days. Reheat fully to 165°F before eating.
Can you freeze sausage after cooking it?
Yes, it’s safe to freeze cooked sausage. Let it cool completely first, then portion into freezer bags or airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Use cooked frozen sausage within 2-3 months for best quality.
Enjoy the Convenience of Frozen Jimmy Dean Sausage
With the proper freezing, thawing, and cooking methods, you can enjoy delicious Jimmy Dean sausage for up to 3 years frozen. Refer to this guide for storage times of different varieties and types.
Always make sure to practice food safety by keeping meat at safe temperatures and cooking thoroughly before eating. With these handy tips, Jimmy Dean sausage can be a quick and easy breakfast staple when you need it!