Hillshire Farms makes some of the most delicious smoked sausages around. From kielbasa to smoked bratwursts, their quality smoked sausages are a staple at backyard barbecues and tailgates across America. But what do you do when you can’t eat all those links before they go bad? Freezing is the perfect solution for preserving Hillshire Farms smoked sausage.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about properly freezing Hillshire Farms smoked sausage to keep it fresh and flavorful. You’ll learn the best freezing, storage, and thawing methods to maximize shelf life and prevent freezer burn.
Can You Freeze Hillshire Farms Smoked Sausage?
The good news is yes, Hillshire Farms smoked sausages can be frozen to extend their shelf life. Properly frozen smoked sausage will maintain quality and taste for 2-3 months in the freezer. Freezing stops bacteria growth that causes food spoilage.
It’s best to freeze sausages in their original sealed packages. But for longer freezer storage rewrap thawed sausages tightly in plastic wrap or foil before freezing. Exclude as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Raw smoked sausages freeze especially well, retaining moisture and texture better than pre-cooked varieties. Fully cooked smoked sausages can become drier after freezing.
Steps for Freezing Hillshire Farms Smoked Sausage
Follow these simple steps for freezing Hillshire Farms smoked sausage:
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Allow raw sausage to thaw if frozen before packaging. Rinse cooked sausage.
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Pat sausage dry with paper towels. Moisture leads to ice crystals.
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Tightly wrap each sausage in plastic wrap or foil, Squeeze out air
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Place individually wrapped sausages in freezer bag or airtight container.
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Remove as much excess air as possible and seal bag.
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Label package with contents and freeze-by date.
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Freeze smoked sausage immediately at 0°F or below.
Freezing Hillshire Farms smoked sausage correctly prevents freezer burn and keeps it fresh longer.
Why Freeze Hillshire Farms Smoked Sausage?
Freezing offers many benefits for preserving Hillshire Farms smoked sausage:
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Extends Shelf Life – Keeps fresh up to 2-3 months frozen
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Maintains Quality – Minimizes texture and moisture loss when frozen properly
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Avoid Waste – Preserve unused smoked sausage rather than tossing
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Save Money – Buy in bulk when on sale and freeze extras
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Pre-Portion – Freeze smoked sausage in servings for easy weeknight meals
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Stock Up – Great for holidays, parties, tailgates when you need a lot
Freezing ensures you always have your favorite Hillshire Farms smoked sausage on hand when you want it.
How to Store Frozen Hillshire Farms Smoked Sausage
Storing frozen Hillshire Farms smoked sausages properly maintains quality and prevents freezer burn:
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Place frozen sausage in freezer bags or airtight containers. Exclude as much air as possible.
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Avoid overpacking freezer. Air circulation is key to safe freezing.
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Store smoked sausage flat on a shelf rather than upright.
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Avoid areas where temperature fluctuates, like by the door. Store in coldest section of freezer.
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Once frozen, sausages can be stacked to save space. Separate layers with parchment paper.
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Label frozen packages with date and contents for easy identification.
Follow these freezer storage tips and your Hillshire Farms smoked sausage will stay fresh for months.
How to Thaw Hillshire Farms Smoked Sausage
Thaw frozen Hillshire Farms smoked sausage properly in the refrigerator:
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Place frozen sausage in fridge 1-2 days before use. Never thaw at room temperature.
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Arrange sausages in a single layer on a plate or pan. Thawing in their own juices prevents drying out.
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Once thawed, use within 3-5 days. Don’t refreeze thawed smoked sausage.
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For quicker thawing, place sealed frozen sausage under cold running water. Rotate frequently.
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You can cook frozen sausage directly from frozen. Just increase cook time 15-30 minutes.
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Always cook thawed sausage thoroughly to 165°F internal temperature.
Refrigerator thawing keeps Hillshire Farms smoked sausage safe to eat and maintains the highest quality.
Tips for Cooking Thawed Hillshire Farms Smoked Sausage
Thawed, smoked sausage requires a little special handling for the best results:
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Blot away any water or ice crystals from thawing before cooking for better browning.
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Preheat pans and grill well before cooking. Thawed sausages are more delicate.
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Use a meat thermometer. Cook to 165°F internal temperature whether pan-frying, grilling, or baking.
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Heat gently at medium-low. Avoid charring or overcooking thawed smoked sausage.
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Add sausages to soups, beans or braised dishes for extra flavor and moisture.
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If casings split, remove before cooking. Use loose sausage meat as crumbles on pizza, in pasta, etc.
With a bit of care, thawed Hillshire Farms smoked sausages cook up plump and juicy.
Can You Refreeze Thawed Hillshire Farms Smoked Sausage?
It is not recommended to refreeze previously frozen and thawed Hillshire Farms smoked sausage. Refreezing smoked sausage risks quality loss and potential food safety issues:
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Bacteria growth can occur in thawed meats if not handled properly. Freezing doesn’t kill bacteria.
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Texture and moisture content degrades with each thaw. Sausage may become mushy.
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Flavors dull after multiple freezes. Refrozen sausage tastes less fresh.
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Oxidation increases with repeated freezing. Refrozen meat can taste rancid.
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Food may not stay frozen consistently, creating temperature fluctuations that encourage spoilage.
For best quality and food safety, cook thawed smoked sausage within 3-5 days and don’t refreeze any leftovers.
Frequently Asked Freezing Questions
How long does Hillshire Farms smoked sausage last in the freezer?
Properly stored, it will maintain quality frozen for 2-3 months. Label packages with the freeze date.
Can you freeze raw smoked sausage?
Yes. Raw sausage freezes very well. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or freezer paper before freezing.
Is it better to freeze sausage links separately?
Yes. Individually wrapping links prevents them from sticking together when frozen.
Can smoked sausage be frozen uncooked?
It’s not recommended to freeze raw smoked sausage before cooking to a safe internal temperature.
Is it safe to cook Hillshire Farms smoked sausage straight from frozen?
Yes, just increase cook times. Always check internal temp with a meat thermometer for doneness.
Enjoy Delicious Frozen Hillshire Farms Smoked Sausage
With proper freezing, thawing, and cooking methods, Hillshire Farms smoked sausage can be enjoyed convenient and delicious for months after purchasing. Follow the tips in the guide for maximizing quality and shelf life. Thaw refrigerator and cook thoroughly before consuming for food safety.