Hot dogs are a popular food for barbecues, parties, and other gatherings. They are easy to cook, transport, and serve. But what happens if you have leftover hot dogs? Are they still safe to eat after several days in the refrigerator?
How long do hot dogs last?
Properly stored packaged hot dogs can last 1-2 weeks past their printed sell by date. For unopened packages stored in the refrigerator, hot dogs can last 2 weeks beyond the sell by date on the package. An unopened package can be safely stored in the fridge for 3-4 weeks past the sell by date on the package. Once opened, store hot dogs no longer than 1 week in the refrigerator.
Here are some general guidelines for how long hot dogs last in the fridge:
- Unopened package: 2-3 weeks past the sell by date
- Opened package: 1 week
- Cooked hot dogs: 3-4 days
Are 3 day old hot dogs still good?
Hot dogs that have been refrigerated for 3 days past the “sell by” date printed on the package can still be safely consumed. The sell by date is simply an estimate for when the hot dog’s quality and flavor will begin to degrade. It does not necessarily indicate spoilage.
As long as your package of hot dogs has been continuously refrigerated, they should retain good quality for 5-7 days past the printed date. After cooking, refrigerated hot dogs will last for 3-4 days.
Signs hot dogs have spoiled
Although hot dogs can last up to 2 weeks refrigerated, some signs that they should be discarded sooner include:
- Slimy texture or sticky surface
- Unusual odors such as sour, rancid, or ammonia-like smell
- Discoloration, such as green or grey spots
- Mold growth
If your hot dogs exhibit any of these signs, they should be discarded even before the use by date.
How to store hot dogs to maximize freshness
To get the most out of your hot dogs and keep them fresh as long as possible:
- Keep unopened packages in the original store packaging until ready to use.
- Once opened, rewrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Store opened packages towards the front of the fridge where it’s colder.
- Don’t let hot dogs sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours before refrigerating.
Can you freeze hot dogs?
Freezing is a great way to extend the shelf life of hot dogs even further. Hot dogs can be kept frozen for 1-2 months with little noticeable change in texture or flavor.
To freeze hot dogs:
- Leave hot dogs in their original packaging or rewrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap.
- For longer storage, place hot dogs in freezer bags, squeezing out excess air.
- Freeze hot dogs immediately after purchasing for best quality.
- Frozen hot dogs are prone to freezer burn so wrap tightly.
Frozen hot dogs will retain optimal quality for about 1-2 months. For longer freezer storage, they may suffer some deterioration in taste and texture but will still be safe to eat. Always thaw hot dogs in the refrigerator before using.
How to tell if frozen hot dogs are still good
Check frozen hot dogs for the following signs of spoilage:
- Ice crystals or frostbite on the surface
- Discoloration or grey, green or brown spots
- Shriveled appearance, flattened shape
- Off odors when package is opened
Discard any hot dogs that exhibit signs of spoilage. If the color and texture seem normal, the frozen hot dogs should be safe to cook and eat.
Can you refreeze thawed hot dogs?
Once thawed, hot dogs can be refrozen but there may be some loss of quality. The texture may become softer and the color fade. Refrozen hot dogs are best used for cooking in casseroles, chili, soups or other dishes where appearance and texture are less important.
To refreeze hot dogs:
- Thaw hot dogs completely in the refrigerator.
- Rewrap hot dogs tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Refreeze as soon as possible, within 1-2 days.
- Use refrozen hot dogs within 1 month for best quality.
Avoid refreezing hot dogs more than once. The repeated thawing and freezing will cause the texture to degrade.
How to cook expired hot dogs
It’s best to eat hot dogs before their expiration date. But if you find yourself with expired franks, they can be safely cooked and eaten provided they have been continuously refrigerated and show no signs of spoilage.
Cooking hot dogs eliminates any harmful bacteria that may have begun growing on the dogs. Follow these tips for safely cooking and serving expired hot dogs:
- Cook hot dogs thoroughly until steaming hot, 160°F internally.
- Discard hot dogs that appear or smell spoiled during cooking.
- Don’t eat the hot dogs cold or lukewarm.
- Serve hot dogs immediately after cooking.
- Refrigerate any leftovers within 2 hours.
Reheating hot dogs
Refrigerated cooked hot dogs can be safely reheated. Reheat thoroughly to 165°F or until steaming hot. Bring gravy, sauce or other liquids to a boil when reheating.
Can hot dog juice cause food poisoning?
The liquid inside hot dog packages, often referred to as hot dog juice, is actually just water and flavorings. Hot dogs contain preservatives such as nitrites that help prevent bacterial growth. So this liquid alone cannot cause food poisoning.
However, if the hot dogs themselves have spoiled, contaminated hot dog juice could potentially cause illness. Always check the expiration date and inspect hot dogs carefully before use. Discard any packages that seem spoiled or leak before opening.
Food safety tips
Here are some key food safety practices when handling and eating hot dogs:
- Refrigerate hot dogs promptly, within 2 hours of cooking or purchasing.
- Check expiration or use by dates and don’t eat hot dogs past those dates.
- Inspect packages for leaking, odor, and slime before opening.
- Cook hot dogs thoroughly to safe internal temperature.
- Never leave hot dogs at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
- Discard hot dogs that have been left out past 2 hours.
- Reheat hot dogs thoroughly before eating leftovers.
Conclusion
Hot dogs that have been continuously refrigerated should be safe to eat for a period of up to 2 weeks past the printed sell by date, depending on the unopened or opened state of the package. Observing for signs of spoilage and proper storage are the best ways to determine if a package of hot dogs is still good. With proper handling and refrigeration, hot dogs can be safely eaten within 3-7 days after opening, even past the sell by date on the package. Freezing also prolongs the shelf life for 1-2 months or longer.