How Long Food Lasts

Sausage

How long does cooked sausage last?

Sausage (fully cooked smoked links, kielbasa) keeps 1 week in the refrigerator and 1-2 months in the freezer.

Fridge

From purchase

1week

Freezer

Can be frozen: yes

1-2months

Pantry

No known time

-

Mine has been in the fridge for

Refreeze after thawing in the fridge?

United States
Yes
United Kingdom
Only after cooking

How long does sausage last in the refrigerator?

  • Fully cooked smoked links, kielbasa1 weekFrom purchase

Refrigerators should be set to maintain a temperature of 40 °F or below.

Your fridge should be set between 0 and 5°C.

Other forms

FormFridgeFreezerPantry
Raw bulk type or patties1-2 days1-2 months-
Raw bulk type or patties, opened---
Fully cooked smoked links, kielbasa, opened---
Hard, dry (pepperoni), sliced2-3 weeks1-2 months-
Sausages, uncooked1-2 days1-2 months-
Sausages, precooked3-4 days1-2 months-
General guidance-1-2 months-
Fresh sausage, after cooking-2-3 months-
Fresh sausage, after cooking, opened---
Purchased frozen-1-2 months-
Hard/dry, whole-1-2 months6 weeks
Hard/dry, whole, opened---
Hard/dry, whole, unopenedindefinitely-6 weeks
Smoked breakfast links, patties7 days--
Summer sausage (semi-dry)-1-2 months-
Summer sausage (semi-dry), opened2-3 weeks--
Summer sausage (semi-dry), unopened3 months--

What the official sources say

“Hot Dogs and Other Cooked Sausage 2 weeks 7 days 1 to 2 months”

“Sausage, fully cooked, from chicken, turkey, pork, or beef 1 week 1 to 2 months”

“Sausage, smoked (e.g., kielbasa) 1 week 1-2 months”

“Sausage, smoked 1 week 1-2 months”

Sources

We always show the most cautious time among official sources. Last verified: October 1, 2026.