Pepperoni is the grand dame of all sausages. You have probably eaten or tasted on via a good ol’ classic pepperoni pizza. But in addition to pizza, pepperoni can be cooked to make a lot of other dishes.
These include sandwiches, potato salads, or even toppings for dishes like macaroni and cheese. This particular characteristic of pepperoni is what makes it very versatile and what makes it the top fave sausage of most, probably even including you.
With that being said, most people buy it in bulk without taking into consideration the fact that it might go bad. This is why most people also wonder — can pepperoni be frozen? Find out the answer in this article.
Let’s get one thing straight before anything else. Does pepperoni really go bad? Because if no, there’s really no need to freeze pepperoni as a means of preservation.
However, the answer is yes. Pepperoni does not go bad immediately as the way some other food dishes do. After all, pepperoni is equipped with preservatives such as salt and nitrate. But these preservatives are not enough to combat its potential to spoil, in the long run.
So how do you know when a pepperoni has already gone bad? The first thing you have to check is the best before date. Usually, it can be seen in the packaging. Keep in mind that this date need not be followed strictly.
Rather, it should be followed like a guide. You may still use it a couple of days after. However, if you have a sensitive stomach, I suggest you consume before the expiration date.
If no expiration date can be found, you may opt to carefully evaluate the condition of your pepperoni. If you have noticed that the smell has turned funky, the color has turned to a weird hue particularly brown, and above all, the texture has turned slimy or sticky, it means that your pepperoni already went bad.
So, Can You Freeze Pepperoni?
We have revealed that pepperoni, indeed, goes bad, so now, let us get settled the main question: can you freeze pepperoni as a means of preservation?
The answer is a big yes. Below is an easy step-by-step guide you can follow to ensure that the process of freezing pepperoni is going to be safe, easy, and quick.
Step 1: Cut your pepperoni into slices
This step must be applied and observed for all types of pepperoni and that includes pepperoni sticks.
I highly suggest that you cut the sticks into slices before freezing them. This makes it easier for you to defrost or thaw out the portion that you will be using.
Step 2: Divide the pepperoni slices into different bags
This step must be highly observed and followed to ensure the organization of the pepperoni. You may also divide them in accordance with how you cut them into slices.
What do I mean by this? Well, if you cut your pepperoni with varying thickness or structure then it is best if you divide them according to that.
Afterward, you may opt to seal them in freezer bags or any sealable bags that are meant for food. Do not also forget to write down the best by date just so you will have a guide on when it could possibly go bad.
How to Defrost Pepperoni
We have revealed that pepperoni, indeed, goes bad, so now, let us get settled the main question: can you freeze Thawing pepperoni may come with a bit of difficulty. To ensure the safety of the entire process and that no harm will be done, follow these certain processes. Follow this step by step guide to avoid any threats to health.
Step 1: Choose the freezing bag you will use
As stated in the previous step-by-step guide, it is best if you divide your pepperoni slices into different freezing bags.
The purpose of this is that you will not waste any portion of the pepperoni. When choosing a bag, pick the one that is closest to the expiration date.
Step 2: Defrost by removing the freezer bag from the freezer in the fridge
This step must probably be done at least one day before. It is best if you can extend it to two nights before the day of cooking it. This is to make sure that your pepperoni will probably be defrosted.
Step 3: Remove it from the fridge
After you have thawed and defrosted the pepperoni, you may now choose to take it from the fridge. Leave it out in the open. You may wait until the pepperoni in the freezer bag has now turned to room temperature.
Step 4: You may now start cooking it
After your pepperoni has stopped being cold and has turned to room temperature, you may now start cooking your dish, whatever that may be.
Guidelines for Expiration
- If you plan not to put it in the fridge for a while, you may opt to just place it in the pantry. However, keep in mind that it can only last for about four to six weeks.
- If you now start to place it in the fridge, it may last for over six months. But take note that it can only last for this long if your pepperoni package has not yet been opened.
- If you want to take it to the next level, your package of pepperoni can actually last for as long as nine months inside the freezer. But just like in the previous one, this can only happen when the package will not be opened.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the answer is a big yes. Pepperoni can be frozen. In fact, it is best to place pepperoni in the freezer since the pepperoni can last really longer than just place in the fridge or even the pantry.
Meanwhile, when thawing your pepperoni, remember to do it slowly — from the freezer to the fridge and then out in the open.
FAQ
Question: Can you freeze pepperoni slices?
Answer: Pepperoni can be frozen. In fact, it is best to place pepperoni in the freezer since the pepperoni can last really longer than just place in the fridge or even the pantry. Meanwhile, when thawing your pepperoni, remember to do it slowly – from the freezer to the fridge and then out in the open.
Question: How to defrost pepperoni?
Answer: Remove the frozen pepperoni from the freezer and place it in the refrigerator. Allow it to thaw in the fridge for 24 hours. After 24 hours feel free to remove the pepperoni from the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature before using it. Be sure that you followed the proper methods for freezing as we discussed in the article.
Question: How do you know if pepperoni has gone bad?
Answer: First, check the package for an expiration date. Second, do a visual inspection. If the pepperoni has turned a different color such as brown, it has gone bad. Next, smell the pepperoni. If it has a foul smell it has gone bad. Finally, if it feels slimy to the touch throw it out.
How to freeze pepperoni
This is how to freeze pepperoni so you can enjoy them all year long. Follow this guide and start freezing your pepperoni now!
Ingredients
- Pepperoni
- Freezer bag
- Freezer
- Marker
Instructions
- Cut the pepperoni into slices so it's easier for you to defrost or thaw out the portion that you will be using.
- Divide them into different bags. This step must be highly observed and followed to ensure organization of the pepperoni.
- Seal them in freezer bags or any sealable bags that are meant for food and write down the best by date.
- Put them in the freezer.
Notes
Don't also forget to write down the best by date just so you will have a guide on when it could possibly go bad.
Hope that you can find lots of information from this post. If you find it helpful, feel free to share it to your friends and don’t be hesitate to leave comment below to share with us your experience.
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Whitey Joe Young
Thursday 13th of August 2020
The amount of time something can be frozen generally depend on: (1) is it sealed against air? (2) is it in a deep freeze?
Food left in Antarctic scientific stations which were abandoned has lasted over a century in edible conditions. Why? It is so D*%&^ cold there, well into the -40, -50 -60 degree F range, the food is frozen completely solid. This protects the food from the effects of any moisture in the air: at that temperature, there isn't any, and can't be! It turns to ice crystals immediately.
Sealing an item in your freezer so that air cannot get in, accomplishes the second important "Antarctic" effect: no exposure to Oxygen. In Antarctica the long-frozen food was undisturbed, and no oxygen got to it. In your freezer, the opening and closing of the door offers an opportunity for that air to get in and provide a catalyst for spoilage. You've heard the term "rancid?" That's when fat-based compounds (which abound in a pepperoni sausage!) are exposed to oxygen, and the oxygen reacts with the fat to produce off-tasting aldehyde and ketone chemicals.
So: keep it darn cold, and keep it tightly sealed away from air. It will last a long time. Vacuum packing in a meal sealer bag is a good move.
Gail TONELLI
Sunday 17th of May 2020
Hi, a little confused on how long it can be frozen. If you take it out of the original wrapping, slice and freeze in individual controlled portions will it last about 9 months? Article says package can not be opened or it will not last as long. I'm not sure if it is the original packing or what one has packaged at home for the freezer. THANKS. Love my pepperoni and want it to last. I'm so tired of throwing it away as I just did today!! :9
Carolyn
Tuesday 2nd of April 2019
Very helpful, my husband saw a deal and bought 4lbs of pepperoni, wow, so glad to find out I can freeze it, thank goodness.