Neese’s sausage holds a special place in the hearts and stomachs of many folks across North Carolina. This quintessential Southern sausage has been crafting their pork delicacies for over 100 years, using family recipes passed down through generations. With such devoted fans, one common question is – can you freeze Neese’s sausage to stock up on this local favorite? Let’s explore the ins and outs of freezing this iconic sausage brand.
For those not familiar with this NC tradition, here’s a quick background on Neese’s sausage:
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Family-owned and operated for over 100 years in Greensboro, NC
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Uses pork from local NC farms never imported or chemically altered
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Offers a variety of sausage styles like breakfast links, smoked Links, liver pudding and more
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Sold fresh never frozen and free of preservatives or artificial ingredients
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Available across NC and parts of SC, VA, TN, GA and FL
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Beloved for generations as a taste of true Southern cooking
With such a devoted following across the Southeast, it’s no wonder many fans want to stock up and freeze this local sausage. So how feasible is that?
Is Freezing Neese’s Sausage Possible?
The good news is – yes, absolutely! Neese’s sausage can be successfully frozen at home to enjoy this Southern staple all year long.
Sausage is generally very freezer-friendly, as the salt, spices and smoke used in processing help inhibit bacteria growth. The high fat content in pork sausage also makes it suitable for freezing.
As Neese’s sausage contains no preservatives, some texture changes may occur after freezing. But the signature flavors will remain intact once thawed and cooked. With proper freezing and reheating, you can capture that just-made taste of this NC favorite.
Tips for Freezing Neese’s Sausage
To freeze Neese’s sausage while maintaining maximum freshness and quality, follow these best practices:
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Freeze sausages in original packaging for minimal handling. Or repackage in airtight freezer bags or containers.
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Exclude as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Use a straw to suck out excess air.
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Portion sausages into quantities needed for future meals to avoid thawing more than required.
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Place parchment paper between sausages so they don’t freeze together in a block.
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Label bags with contents and freeze-by date (3-4 months for optimal flavor).
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Freeze immediately after purchasing for freshest taste and texture.
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Place sausages in coldest part of freezer, like the back rather than the door.
Following these preparation tips will help you successfully freeze Neese’s sausage for maximum freshness and convenience.
Thawing and Reheating Neese’s Sausage
The right thawing and reheating methods are also key to enjoying properly frozen sausage. Here are some tips:
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Thaw sausages gradually in the fridge overnight vs. on the counter or in water.
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Cook frozen sausages straight from freezer – no need to pre-thaw. Just increase cooking time.
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Reheat thawed or cooked frozen sausage to 165°F internal temperature.
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Fry, grill or bake thawed sausage to recrisp exterior rather than microwave.
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Add thawed sausage to soups, casseroles or pasta dishes to rehydrate.
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If reheating in microwave, use 50% power in 30 second increments to avoid toughness.
Following safe thawing, cooking and reheating methods will help frozen Neese’s sausage retain that signature mouthwatering flavor and texture.
Enjoying Neese’s Sausage Straight From the Freezer
If you don’t want to bother thawing and reheating previously frozen sausage, here are some tasty ways to use frozen Neese’s sausage right out of the freezer:
- Breakfast sandwiches with frozen sausage patties
- Frittatas, quiches or stratas with crumbled frozen sausage
- Pasta bakes with Italian frozen sausage chunks
- Soups and stews simmered with frozen sausage
- Pizza with frozen sausage crumbles or sliced rounds
- Chili, jambalaya or gumbo with frozen smoked sausage
With a bit of experimentation, you can create delicious meals featuring frozen Neese’s sausage without pre-thawing. The long, slow cooking will gradually defrost and reheat the sausage to perfection.
The Verdict on Freezing Neese’s Sausage
While Neese’s sausage is crafted for peak freshness when bought from the store, freezing at home is absolutely an option for fans wanting to always have this Carolina classic on hand. With proper freezing, thawing and cooking, you can capture the signature flavors of Neese’s sausage even when buying and storing bulk packages. Just use best practices to prevent freezer burn or texture changes. Frozen or fresh, Neese’s sausage is a cherished Southern tradition to savor.