How to defrost sausages safely

The safest, easiest way to defrost sausages is in the refrigerator, whilst the quickest method is in a microwave which can result in partially cooked sausages. Whichever method you choose, ensure the sausage's temperature does not rise above 5℃, to reduce the risk of food poisoning.

To ensure your sausages are fully defrosted, squeeze lightly with clean hands. Ice crystals or rigidity are signs that thawing is incomplete. Avoid pricking the sausages with a fork or skewer as this can lead to moisture loss during cooking resulting in dry sausages.

Defrosting sausages in the refrigerator

Defrosting sausages on the bottom shelf in the refrigerator is the easiest and safest method to maintain a consistent temperature below 5°C, inhibiting bacterial growth. However, it is slower than other methods taking 2-4 hours if you are defrosting individual sausages or up to 24-36 hours if defrosting a solid pack of sausages. When soft to the touch, thawed sausages can be refrigerated for an additional 2 days before they need to be cooked and consumed.

Defrosting sausages in the microwave

The quickest way to defrost sausages is in the microwave. Check your user manual and use the defrost setting and time recommended. Defrost small quantities at a time, separate and leave a gap between them and rotate frequently to ensure even thawing. Be vigilant and check the sausages every 2 minutes to ensure they don't start cooking - if they do you must continue to cook through completely. Lack of precise temperature control is an issue with microwave defrosting so monitor the process carefully.

Defrosting sausages in cold water

Defrosting sausages in cold water is faster than defrosting in the refrigerator. It takes approximately 30 minutes to defrost a couple of standard sized sausages and up to an hour for six sausages. Regular water changes every 10 minutes will encourage a gradual, safe reduction in temperature. Hot water should never be used to defrost meat of any kind as this will bring the sausages to an unsafe temperature and encourage bacteria growth. The sausages should remain wrapped to prevent water penetration which could affect the taste, texture and nutrient content.

Never defrost at room temperature

Sausages should never be defrosted at room temperature as this allows food bacteria to grow, increasing the risk of E.Coli food poisoning which can be fatal. Keep your family safe and defrost in the fridge, cold water or the microwave following our guidelines above.

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