How Long Does Hillshire Farms Smoked Sausage Last?

Hillshire Farms is one of the most popular brands of smoked sausage. With its signature smoky flavor, Hillshire Farms smoked sausage is a delicious option for breakfast, lunch, dinner or snacking. But like any perishable food, it’s important to pay attention to storage times to ensure safety and quality.

So how long does an unopened package of Hillshire Farms smoked sausage last? And what’s the shelf life after opening? This guide covers everything you need to know about the shelf life and proper storage of Hillshire Farms smoked sausages.

Overview of Hillshire Farms Smoked Sausage

Hillshire Farms makes a variety of smoked sausage products including polska kielbasa, smoked bratwurst, smoked andouille sausage, smoked cheddarwurst and more. Their sausages contain pork, beef and poultry seasoned with spices like garlic, paprika and onions.

The smoking process gives the sausages their characteristic smoky flavor and pinkish-red interior color. Smoking helps preserve and extend the shelf life of sausages by drying them out. Hillshire Farms sausages are fully cooked so they just need to be heated before serving.

How Long Does Unopened Smoked Sausage Last?

An unopened package of Hillshire Farms smoked sausage will typically last 2-3 weeks beyond the sell by date printed on the package when stored properly in the refrigerator.

For maximum freshness and quality, smoked sausages should be kept sealed in their original package. Once opened, the shelf life decreases due to exposure to air and bacteria.

Unopened smoked sausage can be kept frozen for significantly longer storage. Properly frozen, it will maintain best quality for about 1-2 months For even longer freezer storage, up to 2-3 months, vacuum seal the original package first before freezing

Does Smoked Sausage Require Refrigeration?

Most smoked sausages require refrigeration to maintain quality and food safety. However, some shelf-stable, ready-to-eat varieties can be stored in the pantry.

To determine if refrigeration is required, check the product label. If it states “keep refrigerated” or includes safe handling instructions, it must be refrigerated.

If the packaging says the product is shelf-stable it doesn’t need refrigeration. These types of smoked sausage contain preservatives and lower moisture to prevent bacterial growth.

Vacuum sealed smoked sausages that are unopened also don’t require refrigeration But it’s still best to refrigerate them for maximum freshness until you’re ready to use them

Signs that Smoked Sausage Has Gone Bad

Here are some signs that your Hillshire Farms smoked sausage has spoiled and should be discarded:

• Unpleasant odors, sliminess, stickiness
• Mold growth
• Discoloration or dull, faded appearance
• Dry, stiff, cracked texture
• Weird taste that is sour or bitter

Trust your senses – if smoked sausage smells or looks questionable, it’s safest to throw it out. Don’t taste meat that shows any odd characteristics.

Shelf Life of Opened Smoked Sausage

Once opened, the shelf life of smoked sausages is greatly reduced. This is because exposure to oxygen allows bacteria and molds to flourish.

For food safety, opened smoked sausage should be discarded after 7 days in the refrigerator. For maximum freshness, use within 3-5 days after opening.

Make sure to rewrap or seal leftover smoked sausage tightly in plastic wrap or airtight containers. This prevents drying out.

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

Storing Smoked Sausage Properly

Follow these guidelines for proper storage and handling of Hillshire Farms smoked sausage:

• Keep unopened packages refrigerated at 40°F or below until ready to use
• Place opened sausage in airtight containers or rewrap tightly in plastic wrap
• Use opened refrigerated sausage within 3-5 days for best quality
• Label any freezer bags or containers with date smoked sausage was opened
• Don’t allow sausage to sit out for more than 2 hours; discard if left out too long
• Always check for signs of spoilage before eating
• Cook to safe internal temperature of 160°F

Thawing Smoked Sausage Safely

To safely thaw frozen smoked sausage:

• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight
• Submerge sealed package in cold water, changing water every 30 minutes
• Microwave on the defrost setting if using immediately
• Avoid leaving sausage at room temperature or thawing in hot water

Cook thawed smoked sausage right away. Don’t refreeze raw smoked sausage once it’s been thawed.

Creative Ways to Use Smoked Sausage

Hillshire Farms smoked sausage is very versatile. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy it:

• Chop up and add to omelets, breakfast tacos or egg casserole
• Combine with veggies and pasta for a quick dinner
• Slice and serve with cheese, crackers and mustard for an appetizer
• Add to baked beans, soups or stews for extra flavor
• Grill or pan fry and serve in buns for fast sandwiches
• Stir into macaroni and cheese along with other veggies
• Top pizza with slices instead of pepperoni or sausage crumbles

With proper freezing and refrigeration, you can keep Hillshire Farms smoked sausage on hand for whenever a flavor boost is needed. Follow the storage times closely and your sausage will stay fresh and tasty. A quick heating is all that’s needed to enjoy the signature smoky flavor of Hillshire Farms sausages.