How to Defrost Sausages: 3 Methods for Defrosting Sausages

Sausages are a type of meat product typically made from ground beef or pork. A common form of meat preservation used for centuries, sausage meat is mixed with seasonings and packed into a casing. Sausages come in a variety of sizes and flavors and are often mixed with fillers like breadcrumbs and oats. Some sausage varieties consist of lighter ground meat like poultry or fish.

Prior to cooking frozen sausages, consider using one of the following defrosting methods.

1. 1. Defrost sausages using water. One of the most common methods for thawing sausage is to use water. While keeping your sausages in their original packaging or sealing them in a plastic bag, place your sausages into a bowl of cold water. Put a plate over the bowl and leave the sealed sausages in the water for thirty minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the sausage links or patties. Avoid using hot water as it can bring the sausages to an unsafe temperature and encourage bacteria growth.
2. 2. Defrost sausages using a microwave. Place the frozen sausages on a microwave-safe plate. If the sausages are stuck together, briefly run them under cold tap water until they come apart. Put the plate in your microwave oven and select the defrost setting. Let your sausages cook in the microwave for three to five minutes or until fully thawed. This is the quickest defrosting method, although it can affect the quality of your sausages by giving them a rubbery texture.
3. 3. Defrost sausages using a refrigerator. If you plan ahead, refrigeration is one of the safest defrosting methods for sausages. Start by wrapping your sausages in plastic wrap or placing them in a plastic bag if you’ve already removed the original packaging. Place them in the refrigerator and wait for them to thaw. It can take up to twenty-four hours for frozen sausages to fully defrost using this method. Use refrigerated sausages within one to two days after thawing them. Never store or thaw frozen sausages (or frozen meat of any kind) at room temperature, as this can cause harmful bacteria growth.

Although you can cook frozen sausages with an increased cooking time of roughly fifty percent, thawed sausages are easier to cook. USDA food safety guidelines recommend cooking sausage until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook sausages on a frying pan, boil them in a pot, or grill them for additional flavor and texture. Sausages are a great addition to a variety of dishes, including chilies, breakfast scrambles, casseroles, and soups. For a simple dish with many variations, consider making baked Italian sausage with peppers. Before refreezing any leftover sausage, make sure it is fully cooked.

Become a better chef with the MasterClass Annual Membership. Gain access to exclusive video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Gordon Ramsay, Gabriela Cámara, Chef Thomas Keller, Dominique Ansel, Yotam Ottolenghi, Alice Waters, and more.