Keeping Bob Evans Sausage Fresh: A Guide to Maximizing Shelf Life

Bob Evans sausage is a beloved breakfast staple in many households. The savory, seasoned pork sausage links have a delicious smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with eggs, pancakes, and more. However, like any fresh meat product, Bob Evans sausage has a limited shelf life.

Knowing how to properly store and handle Bob Evans sausage is key to keeping it fresh and preventing waste. Read on for a complete guide to maximizing the shelf life and freshness of your Bob Evans sausage.

Overview of Bob Evans Sausage Types

Bob Evans offers several varieties of fresh pork sausage:

Original Sausage Links – The classic smoked sausage flavor Bob Evans is known for.
Maple Flavored Sausage Links – Original sausage with sweet maple flavor.
Spicy Sausage Links – Packs some heat with addition of red and black pepper.
Turkey Sausage Links – Lower fat alternative with turkey meat.
Sausage Patties – Available in original, maple, and spicy flavors.
Roll Sausage – Sold in chubs to slice yourself.

All Bob Evans sausage varieties are fully cooked but require thorough heating before eating.

How to Determine Freshness

Always inspect Bob Evans sausage packages before purchasing and consuming. Look for:

Sell-by date – Located on top or side of packaging. Do not purchase if expired.
Color – Should be light pink/tan. Grayish hue indicates spoilage.
Texture – Links should be firm and plump. Wrinkled or slimy is a bad sign.
Smell – Should smell mildly smoky. Rancid or sour odors mean sausage is spoiled.

Follow nose and common sense – if sausage seems off, do not eat it.

Proper Storage for Maximum Freshness

Storing Bob Evans sausage properly is key to maintaining freshness and safety.

Unopened – Store in original packaging in refrigerator at 40°F or below. Place on shelf rather than door to prevent temperature fluctuations.
Opened – Transfer leftover links to airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Use within 3-4 days.
Freezer – For long term storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze. Keeps for 2-3 months in freezer set at 0°F.
Thawing – Thaw frozen sausage in refrigerator overnight before cooking. Do not thaw at room temperature.
Prevent cross-contamination – Store sausage away from raw meats. Clean surfaces and hands after handling raw sausage.

Follow safe refrigeration guidelines and sausage stays fresh longer.

How Long Does Bob Evans Sausage Last?

When properly stored, here is how long Bob Evans sausage will last:

Unopened – Up to 14 days past sell-by date in refrigerator.
Opened – 3-4 days in refrigerator.
Cooked links – 5-7 days in refrigerator.
Frozen – 2-3 months in freezer set at 0°F.

Trust your senses – if sausage has an off smell, texture, or appearance, toss it.

Signs Bob Evans Sausage Has Spoiled

Watch for these red flags that indicate your Bob Evans sausage has spoiled:

Change in color – Unnatural gray, brown, or greenish tint.
Slimy texture – Links feel overly soft, sticky, or tacky.
Mold – Presence of fuzzy spots or coating.
Unpleasant sour odor – Smells rancid instead of smoky.
Rotten egg sulfur smell – Produced by harmful bacteria growth.

When in doubt, throw it out. Consuming spoiled sausage can cause food poisoning.

Tips for Using Leftover Bob Evans Sausage

Leftover Bob Evans sausage stays good for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Here are tips for using it up:

Make breakfast sandwiches with eggs and cheese on english muffins.
Fry up with potatoes and onions for tasty hash.
Add to pasta, soups, pizza, and casseroles for a protein and flavor boost.
Wrap in crescent roll dough with cheese for easy sausage rolls.
Mix into rice dishes like jambalaya or dirty rice.
Stuff into peppers or hollowed out potatoes along with veggies.

With a little creativity, no leftover sausage goes to waste!

Can You Freeze Bob Evans Sausage?

Freezing is an excellent way to extend the shelf life of Bob Evans sausage. To freeze properly:

Wrap uncooked sausage tightly in plastic wrap or foil. This prevents freezer burn.
Place wrapped sausage in freezer bags or airtight containers. Proper packaging protects flavor.
Remove as much air as possible and seal tightly.
Label package with date and contents.
Freeze at 0°F or below.
Once thawed, use within 3-4 days. Do not refreeze.

Frozen correctly, Bob Evans sausage keeps 2-3 months in the freezer.

Bob Evans Sausage Storage Chart

Use this handy storage guide for maximizing Bob Evans sausage shelf life:

Sausage Type	Fridge Time	Freezer Time
Fresh/unopened	14 days past sell-by date	2-3 months at 0°F
Cooked links	3-4 days	Do not freeze
Opened raw links	3-4 days	2-3 months at 0°F
Leftover cooked sausage	3-5 days	2-3 months at 0°F

Key Takeaways

Follow sell-by date for freshest Bob Evans sausage
Refrigerate opened packages within 3-4 days
Cook or freeze ground sausage within 1-2 days
Freeze unopened packages for 2-3 months
Don’t consume sausage that smells or looks spoiled

Storing Bob Evans sausage properly ensures you get the most out of every package – keeping your breakfasts tasty and wallet happy.

Bob Evans Sausage Biscuit Review

FAQ

How long is sausage good in the fridge?

Food	Type	Refrigerator [40°F (4°C) or below]
Bacon and sausage	Bacon	1 week
	Sausage, raw, from chicken, turkey, pork, or beef	1 to 2 days
	Sausage, fully cooked, from chicken, turkey, pork, or beef	1 week
	Sausage, purchased frozen	After cooking, 3-4 days

Can you eat sausages 7 days out of date?

Yes, it is probably safe. For most foods, the “expiration date” is the date when the taste of the food begins to deteriorate, not the safety. Look at the sausage, and if it isn’t moldy, it’s safe to eat. Just be sure to cook it to an internal temperature of 165° F or 74° C and you’re good to go.

How long is uncooked sausage good for after use-by date?

Types Of Sausage	Refrigerator
Fresh Sausage, uncooked	1 to 2 Days
Fresh Sausage, after cooking by the consumer	(Not Applicable)
Hard/Dry Sausage	Indefinitely in Refrigerator; 6 Weeks in Pantry
Hot Dogs and Other Cooked Sausage	2 Weeks but No Longer than 1 Week After the “Sell-by” Date

How long does fully cooked packaged sausage last in the fridge?

How long does cooked sausage last in the fridge? According to USDA, pre-cooked sausages last up to two weeks in the fridge if unopened and one week after opening. When stored in a freezer, pre-cooked sausage can last one to two months. Look out for a use-by date on the packaging too.

How long does sausage last after expiration date?

Typically, sausage is safe to consume after the sell-by date as long as it is stored in the fridge the right way. Sausage will last for 3-4 days after the sell-by date expires when stored in the refrigerator.3 days ago Is sausage good 10 days after expiration date?

How long does vacuum-packed pre-cooked sausage last in the fridge?

How long does vacuum-packed, pre-cooked sausage last in the fridge when you take it out of the freezer? In a normal refrigerator you should not keep meats or other items, pre-cooked or not, that spoil quickly refrigerated for more than four days. Cut off the amount you’ll eat in two days, re-wrap and keep the rest frozen.

What is Bob Evans sausage?

Bob Evans Sausage is what started it all. Our sausage is made with premium cuts of pork and our very own seasoning recipe. Bob Evans Original Roll Sausage is made with premium cuts of pork! It’s still the same farm-fresh goodness developed by Bob Evans himself!

How long do Jimmy Dean sausages last?

Let’s get straight into it! The duration your Jimmy Dean Sausages last depends on whether they are cooked or raw. When uncooked, sausages are safe for consumption for up to two weeks, but they can only keep for one week when cooked. For the best flavor, sausages are best consumed within two days of refrigeration.