Sausage and peppers is a classic Italian-American dish that is beloved for its delicious combination of flavors. It features sausages (often Italian sausage) that are sautéed with bell peppers, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and herbs. While best when fresh, sausage and peppers can also freeze well for longer term storage.
Can you freeze sausage and peppers?
Yes, sausage and peppers can be frozen successfully. Freezing is a great way to prep batches of this dish ahead of time and have it ready for quick reheating. The sausages and vegetables hold up well to freezing.
Some tips for freezing sausage and peppers:
- Make sure the dish is completely cooled before freezing.
- Portion it out into single servings or family-sized portions.
- Use freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
- Remove as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label the containers with the contents and date.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
How to freeze sausage and peppers
Follow these simple steps for freezing sausage and peppers:
- Prepare the sausage and peppers according to your favorite recipe. Be sure the dish is fully cooked through.
- Let the mixture cool completely, about 1-2 hours.
- Portion out the sausage and peppers into meal-sized servings. Good portion sizes could be 1 cup or 1 1/2 to 2 cups.
- Place each portion in its own resealable freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible and seal the bags.
- Alternatively, use rigid freezer-safe containers. Leave 1/2 inch headspace at the top and seal the lid tightly.
- Label each bag or container with the contents and freeze-by date (3 months from freezing date).
- Place in the freezer. Lay bags flat to freeze faster.
- Once frozen solid, bags can be stacked or stood up. Containers can be stacked.
Tips for best results freezing sausage and peppers
Follow these tips to ensure your frozen sausage and peppers retain optimal flavor and texture:
- Use high quality, fresh ingredients when preparing the dish.
- Make sure sausages are fully cooked through before freezing.
- Allow the mixture to cool completely before freezing.
- Use freezer bags or containers – don’t just wrap in foil or plastic wrap.
- Exclude any herbs that might turn black when frozen, like basil.
- Press out all excess air before sealing bags.
- Label everything clearly with contents and date.
- Don’t overfill bags or containers which could lead to freezer burn.
- Use frozen sausage and peppers within 3 months for best quality.
How to reheat frozen sausage and peppers
Reheating frozen sausage and peppers is easy and low-effort. Here are some good methods:
- Stovetop: Thaw sausage and peppers overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting of your microwave. Then gently reheat in a pan on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through, about 15 minutes.
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place frozen or thawed sausage and peppers in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake 20-25 minutes until hot.
- Microwave: Microwave individual portions 2-3 minutes until hot, checking frequently and stirring.
- Slow cooker: Add frozen sausage and pepper portions to a slow cooker with 1/2 cup broth or water per portion. Cook on low 4-6 hours.
Avoid overheating the sausage and peppers which could cause the vegetables to become mushy. Reheat just until the dish is hot and the flavors have blended again.
What vegetables freeze well in sausage and peppers?
Bell peppers are the classic choice for sausage and peppers. Their crisp texture holds up well to freezing. Other vegetables that freeze well include:
- Onions
- Zucchini
- Eggplant
- Mushrooms
- Cauliflower
- Broccoli
- Asparagus
Vegetables that don’t freeze well raw include lettuce, radishes, cucumbers, and tomatoes. Blanching can help improve the texture of some vegetables like green beans or spinach when frozen.
What is the best way to thaw frozen sausage and peppers?
Here are some recommended methods for safely thawing frozen sausage and peppers:
- Refrigerator thawing: Place frozen sausage and peppers in the refrigerator. Allow 12-24 hours for smaller bags or 36 hours for a casserole dish.
- Cold water thawing: Seal frozen sausage and peppers in a bag then submerge in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. Takes about 1-2 hours for a 1 lb bag.
- Microwave thawing: Use the defrost setting to thaw 1 lb portions about 5 minutes, checking often. Larger amounts may take 15-20 minutes.
- Oven thawing: Place frozen sausage and peppers in oven-safe dish. Bake at 350°F until thawed, about 30 minutes.
Once thawed, use sausage and peppers immediately. Do not refreeze thawed sausage and peppers.
Conclusion
Sausage and peppers can be frozen successfully with proper preparation and handling. Freezing in individual or family-sized portions allows you to enjoy this classic dish anytime. Thaw frozen sausage and peppers safely in the refrigerator, cold water, microwave, or oven. Then reheat and enjoy this hearty meal. With a few simple tips, you can freeze sausage and peppers for fast flavor down the road.