Freezing Eckrich Smoked Sausage: A Complete Guide for Preserving Freshness

Eckrich makes some incredibly tasty smoked sausage varieties like kielbasa, andouille, bratwurst, and more. Their quality smoked sausages are a backyard barbecue staple. But what do you do when you’ve got leftover links? Can you freeze Eckrich smoked sausage?

The answer is yes! With proper freezing and storage, Eckrich smoked sausage can keep its delicious flavor and texture for months. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about freezing Eckrich sausage to maximize shelf life without sacrificing freshness and quality.

Can You Freeze Eckrich Smoked Sausage?

The good news is that Eckrich smoked sausages freeze very well. Correct freezing stops bacteria growth that causes food spoilage. Frozen properly Eckrich smoked sausage will maintain its taste and texture quality for 2-3 months in the freezer.

For best results, freeze sausages in their original airtight packaging. But for longer freezer storage, rewrap thawed sausages tightly in plastic wrap or foil before freezing to prevent freezer burn. Remove as much air as possible when rewrapping.

Raw Eckrich smoked sausages freeze especially well retaining more moisture and juiciness than pre-cooked varieties. Fully cooked smoked sausages can dry out faster after freezing.

Why Freeze Eckrich Smoked Sausage?

Freezing offers many benefits for preserving Eckrich smoked sausage:

• Extends Shelf Life – Keeps fresh up to 2-3 months frozen
• Maintains Quality – Minimizes texture and moisture loss when frozen properly
• Avoid Waste – Preserve unused smoked sausage rather than tossing
• Save Money – Allow stocking up when on sale
• Pre-Portion – Freeze sausage in servings for easy meals
• Always on Hand – Great for barbecues, parties, tailgates when you need extra

Freezing gives you access to delicious Eckrich smoked sausage whenever you get a hankering.

How to Freeze Eckrich Smoked Sausage

Follow these simple steps for properly freezing Eckrich smoked sausage:

• Allow raw sausages to thaw if frozen before wrapping individually
• Pat sausages dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture
• Tightly wrap each sausage in plastic wrap or foil, removing air
• Place wrapped sausages in freezer bag or airtight container
• Squeeze out excess air and seal bag/container
• Label with contents and freeze-by date
• Freeze smoked sausages immediately at 0°F or below

Wrapping Eckrich sausage correctly before freezing ensures no freezer burn or quality loss.

Tips for Freezing Eckrich Smoked Sausage

Follow these tips for best results freezing Eckrich smoked sausage:

• Freeze sausages in original packaging for short-term freezing up to 1 month
• Rewrap thawed sausage in plastic wrap or foil for longer freezing
• Portion sausages in serving sizes for easy meal prep
• Leave a little space between wrapped sausages for air circulation
• Avoid overpacking freezer bags or containers
• Use freezer bags designed for long-term freezing
• Store smoked sausage flat in single layer in coldest section of freezer

Proper freezing methods keep Eckrich smoked sausage fresh and delicious for months.

How to Store Frozen Eckrich Smoked Sausage

Storing frozen Eckrich smoked sausages correctly maintains quality and prevents freezer burn:

• Place in freezer bags or airtight containers, exclude air
• Avoid overcrowding freezer, air circulation is important
• Store smoked sausage flat on a shelf rather than upright
• Keep frozen sausages in coldest part of freezer, away from door
• Once frozen, sausages can be stacked with parchment paper between layers
• Label frozen packages clearly with contents and dates

Following these freezer storage guidelines, your Eckrich smoked sausage stays fresh for up to 2-3 months frozen.

How to Thaw Frozen Eckrich Smoked Sausage

It’s important to thaw frozen Eckrich smoked sausage properly:

• Thaw sausages in the refrigerator 1-2 days before use
• Arrange in single layer on plate or pan, thaw in juices
• Once thawed, use within 3-5 days
• Thaw in microwave on defrost setting if in hurry
• Submerge in cold water in sealed bag, change water every 30 mins
• Cook frozen sausage directly from frozen, increasing cook time

Refrigerator thawing is the safest method for thawing frozen Eckrich sausage to maintain quality.

Cooking Frozen Eckrich Smoked Sausage

Cooking frozen Eckrich smoked sausage requires a little special handling:

• If microwave thawing, pat away moisture before cooking
• Preheat pans, grill well before cooking frozen sausage
• Use a meat thermometer, cook to 165°F minimum
• Heat gently at medium-low, avoid overcooking or charring
• Add to beans, soups, braised dishes for extra moisture
• If casings split, remove before cooking and use as crumbles

With care, frozen Eckrich smoked sausages cook up plump, moist and delicious.

Can You Refreeze Thawed Eckrich Smoked Sausage?

It is not recommended to refreeze previously frozen and thawed Eckrich smoked sausage. Refreezing risks quality and safety:

• Bacteria can grow in thawed sausage if not handled properly
• Texture and moisture content degrades with each thaw
• Flavors become dull and change with multiple freezes
• Oxidation increases with repeated freezing, causing rancid tastes
• Inconsistent freezing temperatures leads to spoilage

For food safety and quality, cook thawed Eckrich sausage within 3-5 days and don’t refreeze any leftovers.

Storing Thawed Eckrich Smoked Sausage

Store thawed, refrigerated Eckrich smoked sausage properly:

• Keep thawed sausages tightly wrapped in refrigerator
• Use within 3-5 days for best quality
• Arrange in shallow container to allow air circulation
• Avoid contamination from raw meats
• Cook to 165°F internal temperature before eating

With proper storage and handling, thawed Eckrich smoked sausages stay fresh and delicious for quick weekday meals.

Enjoy Delicious Eckrich Smoked Sausage

With the right freezing, thawing and storage methods, you can enjoy quality Eckrich smoked sausages for months. Follow these guidelines for maintaining flavor and texture. Always cook thawed smoked sausage thoroughly before eating. With proper handling, Eckrich smoked sausages will be ready when you get a hankering.