Sausage Casserole

Unopened and refrigerated, a store-bought sausage casserole can last up to 3-5 days past the printed date on the package. Once you've opened or cooked the casserole, it has a shorter lifespan of about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. If you've put it in the freezer, you've bought yourself some time. Frozen, the casserole can last up to 2-3 months. For homemade sausage casserole, storage times are similar. Your casserole should be refrigerated within two hours of cooking and will then last about 3-4 days in the fridge or 2-3 months in the freezer.

To tell if your sausage casserole has gone bad, use your senses. If you see any mold growth - that's a surefire sign that it has spoiled. Discard it immediately. Other indications are change in color or a smell gone sour. It should smell reasonably close to when you first cooked or opened it - if it doesn't, play it safe and throw it out. And lastly, if you taste it and it seems off, stop eating immediately.

• Always store your sausage casserole in an airtight container or well-wrapped to minimize exposure to oxygen and bacteria. This can help it stay fresh longer. • If you're not going to consume it within a few days, freezing the casserole is a great way to extend its life. • When thawing, it's best to let the sausage casserole defrost overnight in the refrigerator. • If you're in a hurry, you can use the defrost function on your microwave. But remember, don't let it sit out at room temperature to thaw - bacteria can grow that way!