Meat
How long does raw sausage last in the fridge?
Raw bulk sausage and patties get 1–2 days in the fridge — freeze the patties between squares of paper and you have 1–2 months.
How long does it keep?
| Fridge, from purchase | 1–2 days |
|---|---|
| Freezer, from purchase | 1–2 months |
Can you freeze sausage? YES, FREEZE IT →
Can it sit out?
Raw sausage is perishable — the FSIS 2-hour rule applies.
Perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be thrown out — 1 hour if it’s 90°F or hotter (a picnic, a hot car, a summer kitchen).
How to tell if raw sausage has gone bad
- A sour smell underneath the sage and pepper
- A gummy, sticky feel when the meat is pressed
- Gray-brown color running through the mix, not just across the surface
When in doubt, throw it out.
Bulk sausage freezes best pressed flat in a bag — it thaws overnight in the fridge and crumbles straight into the pan.
Quick answers
How long does raw sausage last in the fridge?
Raw bulk sausage and patties get 1–2 days in the fridge — freeze the patties between squares of paper and you have 1–2 months.
Can you freeze raw sausage?
Sausage freezes well raw or cooked — 1–2 months for patties, bulk, and smoked links, and 2–3 months for fresh bratwurst.
How long can raw sausage sit out?
The FSIS 2-hour rule applies to raw sausage. Perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be thrown out — 1 hour if it’s 90°F or hotter (a picnic, a hot car, a summer kitchen).