How Long Does Eckrich Sausage Last?

Eckrich is a popular brand of sausage known for its quality meat and bold flavors. But with any type of perishable food, it’s important to pay attention to storage times to ensure you safely enjoy the sausage before it spoils.

So how long does an unopened package of Eckrich sausage last? And what is the shelf life after opening? This guide will cover proper storage times, signs of spoilage, freezing guidance and more to help you get the most out of your Eckrich sausages

Overview of Eckrich Sausage

The Eckrich brand offers a variety of sausage products including smoked sausage, kielbasa, chorizo, bratwurst, and breakfast links and patties. Most Eckrich sausages contain a blend of pork and beef, seasoned boldly with ingredients like garlic, paprika, parsley and pepper.

As a cooked smoked sausage an unopened pack of Eckrich sausage can be stored in the pantry before opening. But for best quality, it’s still recommended to refrigerate until you’re ready to use it. Once opened, it requires refrigeration.

How Long Does Unopened Eckrich Sausage Last?

An unopened package of Eckrich sausage will typically stay fresh for the following timeframes:

• Pantry: 2-3 months past the sell by date
• Refrigerator: 6-8 weeks past the sell by date
• Freezer: 4-6 months for best quality

The sell by date indicates when the sausage is at peak freshness and quality, not necessarily when it expires. Storing unopened packages in the refrigerator gives you a few more weeks of shelf life after this date.

For longer term storage, unopened Eckrich sausage can be frozen within 1-2 weeks of purchasing. It will maintain best quality frozen for about 4-6 months.

Does Eckrich Sausage Require Refrigeration?

Most Eckrich sausage products need to be refrigerated for food safety and to maximize shelf life. However, some shelf-stable varieties may not require refrigeration before opening.

To determine if refrigeration is needed, check the product packaging. If it states “refrigerate after opening” or provides safe handling instructions, it must be kept cold.

Hard salami and other fermented dry sausages may be shelf-stable. But for optimal freshness, it’s still a good idea to refrigerate unopened packages until ready to eat.

Once opened, Eckrich sausages should always be refrigerated. The exposed product is vulnerable to bacteria without the cold temperature. Refrigerate any leftovers within 2 hours of cooking as well.

Signs that Eckrich Sausage Has Spoiled

Check your Eckrich sausage carefully for any of the following signs that indicate it has spoiled and should be thrown out:

• Mold growth
• Slimy or sticky texture
• Unpleasant sour or off smells
• Discoloration or grey tones
• Dry, stiff, or cracked appearance
• Weird taste that is bitter or sour

If your sausage shows any unusual characteristics, it’s best to play it safe and not risk eating spoiled meat. Always go by the expiry date and don’t consume sausage past its prime.

Shelf Life of Eckrich Sausage After Opening

Once exposed to air, Eckrich sausage has a shortened shelf life. For food safety, opened packaged sausage should be eaten within 5-7 days.

For best quality, use refrigerated sausage within 3-5 days after opening. Be sure to rewrap or seal leftovers in airtight containers or plastic wrap. This prevents drying out.

The freezer time for opened packages is also reduced compared to unopened sausage. Frozen and properly stored, opened Eckrich sausage will last 1-2 months in the freezer.

Don’t freeze any sausage that shows signs of spoilage. It will not improve the product’s safety or quality.

Storing Eckrich Sausage Correctly

Here are some tips for maximizing the shelf life of your Eckrich sausage:

• Keep refrigerated below 40°F at all times, both unopened and opened packages.
• Freeze unopened packages if not using within 1-2 weeks of purchasing.
• When freezing, wrap the package tightly in plastic wrap or place in a freezer bag.
• Thaw frozen sausage safely in the refrigerator, cold water, or microwave.
• Cook thawed sausage right away, don’t refreeze raw sausage once thawed.
• Discard opened packages after 3-5 days in the fridge.
• Don’t leave sausage at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Creative Ways to Enjoy Eckrich Sausage

There are so many delicious ways to enjoy Eckrich sausages beyond just breakfast. Here are some fun recipe ideas:

• Add bite-size pieces to macaroni and cheese or nachos
• Cook crumbles into rice, pasta or potato dishes
• Grill or pan fry slices to top sandwiches, burgers or pizza
• Simmer chopped sausage in red sauce for pasta or pizza topping
• Bake into stuffed peppers, cabbage rolls or polenta
• Fry up with veggies and eggs for breakfast tacos or burrito filling
• Layer sliced sausage between crackers and cheese for an appetizer

With proper refrigeration and freezing, you can keep Eckrich sausage handy to add bold, smoky flavor to all kinds of dishes. Follow the recommended storage times, and your sausage will stay safe to enjoy before it expires. The versatile flavors of Eckrich sausage pair well with many meals from breakfast through dinner.