Can You Freeze Hickory Farms Summer Sausage?

If you’re a fan of Hickory Farms summer sausage, you might find yourself with more than you can eat in one sitting and you might want to freeze them to prevent them from going bad.

Here is all you need to about the all process.

Can You Freeze Hickory Farms Summer Sausage?

Yes you can freeze Hickory Farms summer sausages for about 2 months to maintain its quality and flavor. Freezing for longer than that may cause the flavor and quality to decline. 

When freezing, wrap the sausage in paper towel or place it in a plastic bag and put it in the freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or below 

How to Freeze Hickory Farms Summer Sausage

Freezing Hickory Farms summer sausage is a straightforward process, but doing it correctly is key to preserving its flavor and texture:

1. Preparation

Unopened Packs

• If the sausage is still in its original packaging, you can freeze it as is. However, for better protection against freezer burn, consider an additional layer.

Opened Packs

• Slice or cube the sausage according to how you plan to use it later. This makes thawing and portioning easier.

2. Wrapping

Use freezer-safe bags or wrap the sausage tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. For an extra layer, place the wrapped sausage in a freezer bag to guard against freezer burn.

3. Labeling

Mark the bag or wrap with the date of freezing. Summer sausage can be kept in the freezer for up to 10 months, but for the best quality, consume within 6 months.

4. Freezing

Place the wrapped sausage in the coldest part of your freezer, ideally at the back or bottom where temperatures are most stable.

Freezing tips

1. To defrost, place the frozen sausages on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on defrost for 3–5 minutes. 
2. Wrap the sausage in paper towels if the packaging is loose. 
3. Defrost the sausage in the refrigerator, not at room temperature. 

Methods of cooking Hickory Farms Summer Sausage

Hickory Farms summer sausage is a fully cooked, ready-to-eat product, so it doesn’t require traditional “cooking” like raw meat. However, you can enhance its flavor and texture by preparing it in various ways, such as grilling, pan-frying, or baking.

Grilling is a popular method recommended by Hickory Farms, so I’ll focus on that, with alternatives afterward.

What You’ll Need

• Hickory Farms Signature Beef Summer Sausage (or any variety, e.g., 7 oz, 26 oz party size)
• A grill (gas, charcoal, or indoor grill pan)
• Tongs
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Optional: mustard, BBQ sauce, or buns for serving

Steps

1. Prepare the Sausage

• Remove the sausage from its packaging. Hickory Farms summer sausage is shelf-stable until opened, so no thawing is needed if it’s been stored properly.
• Decide how to cut it:
  • For sliders or appetizers, slice into ¼-inch thick rounds.
  • For a larger portion, cut into ½-inch slabs or leave whole if using a bigger piece (like the 26 oz party size).

2. Preheat the Grill

• Heat your grill to medium-high, about 350°F to 400°F.
• If using charcoal, let the coals turn white-hot and spread them evenly. For gas, preheat for 10-15 minutes. For an indoor grill pan, heat over medium-high on the stovetop until hot.

3. Grill the Sausage

• Place the sausage slices or whole piece directly on the grill grates.
• Cook for 2-3 minutes per side for slices, or 5-7 minutes total for a whole sausage, turning occasionally with tongs.
• Look for a golden-brown color and slight char marks—the high heat enhances the smoky, savory flavor already in the sausage.

4. Check Doneness

• Since it’s pre-cooked, you’re just heating it through and adding grill flavor.
• The internal temperature should reach at least 160°F for optimal warmth and safety (though it’s safe to eat cold). Use a meat thermometer if you’re unsure.

5. Rest and Serve

• Remove the sausage from the grill and let it rest for 1-2 minutes to lock in juices.
• Serve as is, with a dipping sauce like Hickory Farms Sweet Hot Mustard, or on buns with lettuce and slaw for sliders. Pair with cheese and crackers for a blog-worthy charcuterie vibe.

Alternative Methods

Pan-Frying

1. Slice the sausage into ¼-inch rounds.
2. Heat a skillet over medium heat with a tiny bit of oil (optional, as the sausage has fat).
3. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and crispy.
4. Drain on paper towels if greasy, then serve.

Baking

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Place whole sausage or slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
3. Bake for 10-15 minutes (slices) or 20-25 minutes (whole), flipping halfway.
4. Serve warm.

Tips for Success

• Don’t overcook—it’s already cured, so you’re just enhancing texture and flavor.
• Experiment with glazes (e.g., BBQ sauce) in the last minute of grilling for a twist.
• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 weeks after opening.

How long is frozen sausage good for after thawed?

If you thaw your sausages in the fridge, you’ll want to use them within one to two days after defrosting. It may take up to 24 hours for your sausage to fully thaw in the fridge. Cook your sausage immediately if you thaw them in the microwave or by using hot water.

How to Tell If Hickory Farms Summer Sausage Has Gone Bad

1. Check the Smell

Fresh summer sausage has a smoky, tangy, meaty aroma. If it smells sour, rancid, or like spoiled meat (think unpleasant or “off” rather than just strong), it’s likely gone bad. A slight tang is normal due to curing, but a foul odor isn’t.

2. Look at the Appearance

Inspect the surface:

Mold

A little white, powdery mold on the casing of unopened sausage can be normal for some cured meats and might be wiped off (check Hickory Farms’ packaging for guidance). But fuzzy, green, or black mold spots mean it’s spoiled—toss it.

Color

Fresh sausage is a rich reddish-brown. If it’s turned gray, slimy, or has dark, discolored patches, it’s past its prime.

3. Feel the Texture

When you cut into it, fresh summer sausage is firm but sliceable. If it’s mushy, crumbly, or overly hard and dry, it may have deteriorated.

4. Taste Test (Optional, with Caution)

If it looks and smells okay but you’re still unsure, take a tiny bite. A rancid, bitter, or “off” flavor means it’s spoiled—spit it out and discard the rest. Don’t risk this if other signs are present.

5. Check Storage Time

Unopened

Hickory Farms Summer Sausage can last months (often up to 10 months) at room temperature if stored in a cool, dry place—check the “best by” date on the package. Past that, quality declines, and spoilage risk rises.

Opened

Once opened, it’s good in the fridge for about 2-3 weeks (Hickory Farms suggests refrigeration after opening). Beyond that, even if it looks okay, it could be unsafe or unpalatable.

Key Spoilage Signs to Watch For

• Funky, rancid smell
• Slimy or moldy surface
• Gray or odd discoloration
• Mushy or overly dry texture
• Bad taste

Storage Tips to Prevent Spoilage

• Keep unopened sausage in a cool, dark pantry.
• After opening, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil, or store in an airtight container, and refrigerate at 35°F-40°F.
• Avoid leaving it out for more than 2 hours at room temperature.

FAQs

How long can you keep Hickory Farms summer sausage in the freezer?

You can keep it frozen for up to 10 months for safety, but for optimal flavor and texture, consume within 6 months.

Does freezing affect the taste of Hickory Farms summer sausage?

Freezing generally preserves the taste well, though there might be a minor change in texture or flavor if kept frozen for too long.

Can you refreeze summer sausage once it has been thawed?

It’s best not to refreeze summer sausage after thawing for safety reasons, but if you must, do so within 2 days of thawing, ensuring it was refrigerated during this period.

What’s the best way to thaw summer sausage for immediate use?

For quick thawing, use the cold water method in a leak-proof bag, changing the water every 30 minutes.

Can you freeze Hickory Farms summer sausage if it’s already been opened?

Yes, you can. Slice or cube it, wrap it tightly, and freeze it. The key is to minimize air exposure to prevent freezer burn.

Is there a difference in freezing methods between beef and turkey summer sausage from Hickory Farms?

The method is the same, but turkey sausage might become slightly gooey when frozen and thawed, affecting its slicing quality.

Can you use frozen summer sausage in recipes?

Absolutely, it’s perfect for recipes where you need to cook the sausage, like in soups or baked dishes, where texture changes are less noticeable.

What should you do if the sausage has mold after thawing?

If the mold is only on the surface, you can cut it away, but if it’s pervasive or the sausage smells off, it’s best to discard it.

How can you tell if your summer sausage is still good after its “best by” date?

If it remains unopened, it’s likely still good for consumption if stored properly. Check for any spoilage signs like smell or appearance changes.

Conclusion

You can freeze Hickory Farms summer sausages for about 2 months. Freezing them is an excellent way to extend this shelf life, ensuring you can enjoy your sausage later without compromising quality. Freezing for longer than that may cause the flavor and quality to decline. 

Remember, the key to success in freezing is in the preparation, wrapping, and thawing process to ensure your summer sausage remains as delicious as the day you bought it.