Can You Freeze Hillshire Farms Summer Sausage? A Complete Guide

Summer sausage is a tasty cured meat that can be enjoyed year-round Hillshire Farms makes a popular brand of summer sausage in varieties like Beef Summer Sausage and Cajun Style Summer Sausage, Fans of this ready-to-eat sausage may wonder – can you freeze Hillshire Farms Summer Sausage to extend its shelf life?

The short answer is yes! With proper freezing and storage methods, Hillshire Farms Summer Sausage can last in the freezer for up to 10 months. Read on for a complete guide to successfully freezing this flavorful sausage to enjoy whenever you crave it.

For those not familiar with this convenient meat, here’s a quick look at Hillshire Farms Summer Sausage

• Made from a blend of pork and beef for robust flavor

• Comes in Original, Cajun Style, Beef and other flavors

• Thicker and drier than other sausages with signature tang

• Packaged ready-to-eat without refrigeration required

• Smoked and cured so it can be stored at room temp when unopened

• Shelf-stable for weeks unopened, or 7 days after opening

• Perfect sliced on sandwiches, with cheese or as a snack

With its smoky taste and grab-and-go portability, it’s no wonder Hillshire Farms Summer Sausage is a popular item. Freezing extends its shelf life so you can always have it on hand!

Can You Freeze Hillshire Farms Summer Sausage?

The good news for summer sausage fans is that yes, Hillshire Farms Summer Sausage can be frozen successfully at home with proper storage methods.

Some key advantages to freezing this sausage include:

• Extends shelf life up to 10 months for enjoying year-round
• Allows stocking up when on sale without worry of waste
• Lets you break bulk packages into portioned quantities as needed
• Maintains signature tangy flavor and meaty texture when thawed
• Provides an always-ready protein and snack option for your freezer

Freezing requires a few special steps which we’ll cover next. But the bottom line is Hillshire Farms Summer Sausage holds up well for long-term frozen storage.

How to Freeze Hillshire Farms Summer Sausage

To freeze Hillshire Farms Summer Sausage while maintaining quality and freshness, follow these steps:

• Wrap each sausage tightly in plastic wrap or foil to prevent freezer burn.

• Place wrapped sausages in freezer bags or airtight containers, removing excess air.

• Label bags or containers with contents and freeze-by date (10 months from freeze date).

• Spread packages out in freezer so sausages freeze quickly and thoroughly.

• Place in coldest part of freezer, like bottom shelf or back, not the door.

• Once frozen solid, packages can be stacked closer together for storage.

• For quicker thawing and use, portion bulk packages into smaller servings before freezing.

Following proper freezer wrapping protocol is key to preventing ice crystals and textural changes during freezing.

How Long Can Frozen Hillshire Farms Summer Sausage Last?

When frozen using the steps above, Hillshire Farms Summer Sausage can safely stay frozen for up to 10 months while retaining its flavor and texture integrity.

For best quality, plan to cook frozen sausage within 6-8 months. After 10 months, it’s still safe to eat but the taste and texture may start to decline.

Be sure to check for signs of freezer burn prior to use if freezing for extended periods. Grayish-brown dry spots indicate freezer damage, meaning the sausage should be used immediately.

Bottom line – freeze Hillshire Farms Summer Sausage for up to 10 months for optimal freshness and usability. Just make sure to properly store in airtight packaging to maximize shelf life.

Thawing Hillshire Farms Summer Sausage

To safely thaw frozen Hillshire Farms Summer Sausage, there are a few good options:

• Place sausage in fridge 24-48 hours ahead to thaw gradually.

• For quicker thawing, leave sealed package under cool running water for 30-60 minutes.

• Thaw in microwave on defrost setting if cooking sausage immediately after.

• Cook frozen sausage directly in recipes without thawing first.

• Avoid leaving at room temperature over 2 hours while thawing.

Proper thawing ensures summer sausage retains moisture and flavor. Never thaw on counter for extended time as bacteria can start growing.

Enjoying Thawed Hillshire Farms Summer Sausage

Once thawed, Hillshire Farms Summer Sausage retains its signature smoky flavor and firm texture. Enjoy it in these delicious ways:

• Slice thinly and eat as is for an easy protein snack

• Add to sandwiches, wraps or paninis

• Chop and mix into pasta salad, egg salad or potatoes

• Stuff into mushrooms or jalapeños for an appetizer

• Fry up slices with scrambled eggs for breakfast

• Pair with crackers and cheese as a charcuterie bite

• Mix into baked beans, soups or casseroles to boost flavor

You can also cook thawed sausage by grilling, sautéing or baking briefly to warmth through. Then slice and serve alongside your favorite meals!

Freezing Unopened Packages of Hillshire Farms Summer Sausage

If you bought multiple packages of Hillshire Farms Summer Sausage but only need one at a time, can you freeze the extras while still sealed?

The answer is yes! Unopened, sealed packages can go straight into the freezer for long-term storage. Allow a couple hours for packages to freeze solid before stacking to prevent crushing.

Then just grab and thaw packages as desired up to the 10 month recommended frozen storage time. Letting them freeze in the original packaging eliminates the need to rewrap each sausage.

Storing Thawed Hillshire Farms Summer Sausage

Once thawed, Hillshire Farms Summer Sausage should be refrigerated and used within 5-7 days for food safety, just like fresh sausage. It lasts up to 2 weeks refrigerated before opening.

Don’t refreeze thawed summer sausage, as the texture will degrade.

Uncooked, thawed sausage or opened packages should be tightly wrapped in fridge to prevent drying out. Use thawed sausage as soon as possible for the best flavor, color and moisture.

Tips for Buying Hillshire Farms Summer Sausage to Freeze

If stocking up on Hillshire Farms Summer Sausage to freeze, keep these purchasing tips in mind:

• Check “best by” or “use by” dates and select the furthest out.

• Look for any tears, holes or damage to packaging.

• Avoid sausages with discoloration or dry, cracked exteriors.

• Select well within freshness timeframes so it doesn’t expire before you use.

• Buy in bulk or multi-packs when on sale for cost savings.

• Ensure your freezer has room to hold all packages you plan to freeze.

The Verdict on Freezing Hillshire Farms Summer Sausage

The verdict is clear – freezing is an excellent way to extend the shelf life of Hillshire Farms Summer Sausage while retaining its signature zesty flavor. Utilize proper freezer wrapping, thawing and food safety practices, and this handy sausage can last up to 10 months frozen. Portion for your household size and freeze away for grabbing whenever a smoked meat craving strikes!