How Long Can Sausage Gravy Sit Out? The Ultimate Guide

As a Southern food lover, one of my favorite breakfast dishes is biscuits and sausage gravy. There’s nothing better than that savory, creamy gravy smothered over fluffy, warm biscuits! However, being a busy mom, I don’t always finish up leftovers right away. This got me wondering – how long can sausage gravy safely sit out before it goes bad?

In this ultimate guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about sausage gravy shelf life and food safety. I’ll share storage tips, signs of spoilage, freezing guidelines, and more so you can enjoy your gravy without worries! Let’s dive in.

How Long Can Sausage Gravy be Left Out?

According to the USDA, cooked foods like gravy should not be left out at room temperature for more than TWO hours. If the temperature is above 90°F, the limit is ONLY ONE hour.

This TWO hour rule applies to the time foods sit out during meal service as well, So your gravy should be refrigerated or frozen within this time frame Leaving it out too long allows bacteria to multiply quickly and can make you sick,

What is Sausage Gravy?

For those unfamiliar with this Southern staple, sausage gravy starts with browning pork breakfast sausage in a pan. The cooked sausage is removed and a roux is made by cooking flour in the drippings. Milk and seasonings are whisked in to form a creamy, moderately thick gravy. Finally, the sausage is mixed back in and the gravy is ready to serve!

There are even spicy varieties made with hot sausage or spices like cayenne. It’s typically served over buttery biscuits but also goes great with eggs grits, potatoes, and more!

Factors that Affect Sausage Gravy Shelf Life

There are a few key factors that determine how long sausage gravy stays fresh:

• Ingredient Freshness Using expired or older ingredients shortens shelf life

• Storage Method: Air-tight containers in the fridge keep gravy fresher longer.

• Storage Temperature: Sausage gravy lasts longer when stored below 40°F. Higher temps allow bacteria growth.

• Total Storage Time: Gravy keeps 1-2 days in the fridge or 2-3 months in the freezer.

Monitoring these factors allows you to maximize gravy freshness and minimize food waste.

Signs Your Sausage Gravy Has Spoiled

It’s important to watch for the following signs that your gravy has gone bad:

• Change in Texture: Thin, slimy, or moldy texture indicates spoilage.

• Change in Color: Unnatural colors like yellow, blue, or green mean don’t eat!

• Sour Smell: Rancid or off odors mean gravy should be discarded.

When in doubt, throw it out! Consuming spoiled foods can cause nasty illnesses. Don’t risk it.

Storing Sausage Gravy Properly

To safely store leftover sausage gravy:

• Refrigerate in a sealed container up to 5 days.

• Let cool before storing; don’t leave out over TWO hours.

• Freeze in an airtight container up to 3 months.

• Always use clean utensils to dish out gravy.

Proper storage keeps your gravy fresh and free of dangerous bacteria. Make sure to label containers with dates too!

Freezing Sausage Gravy

Freezing is a great way to save your leftover sausage gravy. Here are some freezing tips:

• Let gravy cool completely before freezing.

• Use freezer-safe containers, allowing headspace for expansion.

• Seal containers tightly, removing excess air.

• Label with date and contents. Store frozen for 2-3 months max.

• Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.

With proper freezing methods, you can enjoy delicious sausage gravy for months to come!

Tips for Reheating Sausage Gravy

When it’s time to enjoy your frozen or refrigerated sausage gravy, follow these reheating tips:

• Thaw completely if frozen before reheating.

• Use the stove or microwave; reheat fully to 165°F.

• Stir frequently to prevent scorching on the bottom.

• Add milk or cream if gravy seems too thick.

• Discard if moldy or smells bad after reheating.

Properly reheated gravy tastes just as delicious as the freshly made version. Now you can safely save and reheat leftovers!

Enjoy Your Sausage Gravy Without Worry

Armed with these sausage gravy storage and food safety tips, you can confidently save and reheat those leftovers without worry! Remember, gravy lasts just TWO hours out on the counter, 5 days maximum in the fridge, or 2-3 months in the freezer.