Can You Freeze Raw Sausages?
Sausages are a staple in many British households. They are cheap, easy to cook and make a quick weeknight dinner, whether you’re making toad in the hole, sausage and mash or a comforting sausage casserole.
But what happens if you’ve bought too many sausages and won’t use them before the use-by date?
The good news is that you can freeze raw sausages, and it’s one of the easiest ways to prevent them from going to waste.
Can You Freeze Raw Sausages?
Yes, you can freeze raw sausages as long as they are still within their use-by date.
You can freeze all different types of sausages, including:
- supermarket sausages
- butcher’s sausages
- chipolatas
- thick sausages
- flavoured sausages
You can freeze them in their original packaging, or you can separate them into portions first so you can take out exactly what you need later.
Can You Freeze Uncooked Sausages?
Yes, uncooked sausages can be frozen.
In fact, most people freeze sausages while they are still raw. Freezing them before cooking means you can keep them ready for quick meals without needing to cook the whole packet first.
If you regularly only cook a few sausages at a time, separating them before freezing makes life much easier.
How To Freeze Raw Sausages
Freezing raw sausages is simple.
1. Decide how you want to use them
Think about how you normally cook sausages.
If you usually cook the whole packet at once, freezing them together may be fine. If you only use a few at a time, it is better to freeze them individually or in meal-sized portions.
2. Flash freeze the sausages
To stop the sausages sticking together, place them on a baking tray lined with baking paper.
Make sure they are not touching and place the tray flat in the freezer.
Freeze for around 2–3 hours until the sausages are firm.
3. Transfer to freezer bags
Once frozen, place the sausages into a freezer bag or airtight container.
Because they have been frozen separately first, you can remove individual sausages whenever you need them.
4. Label and freeze
Add the date before returning the sausages to the freezer.
I also like to make a note of the original use-by date, as it can be useful when deciding when to use them.
Can You Freeze Sausage Meatballs Or Sausage Balls?
Yes, uncooked sausage meatballs or sausage balls can also be frozen.
The best method is to flash freeze them first so they don’t stick together into one large frozen lump.
How Long Can You Freeze Sausages For?
For the best quality, use frozen sausages within around three months.
They will usually still be safe to eat after this point if they have been stored correctly, but the flavour and texture may start to deteriorate over time.
How To Defrost Frozen Sausages
The safest way to defrost sausages is overnight in the fridge.
This gives them plenty of time to thaw while keeping them at a safe temperature.
If you need them more quickly, you can use your microwave’s defrost setting.
If the sausages were frozen individually, you may find they separate easily and you can cook only what you need.
Can You Cook Sausages From Frozen?
Yes, you can cook sausages from frozen.
This is really handy when you need dinner quickly and forgot to defrost them in advance.
You can cook frozen sausages in a variety of ways, including:
- air fryer
- oven
- frying pan
- deep fryer
Cooking times will vary depending on the size of the sausages and the cooking method, so always make sure they are cooked all the way through before serving.
Guides:
Can You Deep Fry Frozen Sausages?
How To Cook Frozen Sausages In An Air Fryer
Final Thoughts
Freezing raw sausages is one of the easiest ways to make sure you always have a quick meal ready in the freezer.
Whether you’ve picked up a bargain pack from the supermarket or bought too many from the butcher, freezing them means they don’t end up wasted.
I often freeze sausages in smaller portions so I can grab exactly what I need for a meal without having to defrost a whole packet.
Related Freezing Guides
You might also find these guides helpful.
Freezing Cured Meats
Freezing Cooked Meats
Freezing Ingredients
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Whether you’re trying to reduce food waste, save money or simply make meal planning easier, you’ll find hundreds of practical freezer guides in our Freezing Food Hub.
