Can you freeze Braunschweiger? Yes, absolutely. When it comes to preserving Braunschweiger, freezing is the best option. Normally, a Braunschweiger will last a few days in the fridge, and on the other hand, in the freezer, it can last around two months.
This method comes in handy when leftovers, like meat, fish, or poultry. Hence, freezing it is the best option if you need to store it.
If you are willing to store it in the freezer, you have to learn the right way, and that’s exactly what we are here for.
What is Braunschweiger?
Do you know what a Braunschweiger is? Well, Braunschweiger is nothing more than a type of sausage. Originated from Germany, named after Braunschweig.
This sausage is sky-rocketing popular in Europe, Germany, Austria, Russia, and Poland, to be very specific. Not only in Europe, but it is also popular in countries like Argentina and Chile.
What makes Braunschweiger so unique?
Its uniqueness comes from the way it is prepared. Braunschweiger is prepared from the liver of a mammal, specifically pork liver. And it surely has other variations, like beef Braunschweiger and lamb Braunschweiger.
How To Freeze Braunschweiger?
Now that you are all set to store your Braunschweiger, let us see what the steps involved in this preserving process are.
Step #1 Recognize the Contents of the Sausage
Before you stack it up on the shelf, you have to recognize its contents.
To be very honest, raw meat has a comparatively shorter shelf-life, and there might be ingredients that have a shorter freezer-life and will affect how the Braunschweiger freezes.
Step #2 Wrap it up using Plastic
Before putting it in the freezer, you have to wrap it up in plastic and seal it tightly.
It does not matter if you have cut it into small pieces or have a whole log. But, first, you need to wrap it up with plastic and then put it in the freezer.
Note – if the casing of the Braunschweiger is missing, you may wrap it up with a parchment sheet before your wrap it with the plastic sheath. It helps in maintaining the shape of the sausage.
Step #3 Cover It Up with Aluminum Foil
After covering the Braunschweiger log with plastic, cover it up using aluminum foil. And then you are required to label it up.
Note – do not forget to cover the plastic wrap with aluminum foil. You should try to skip this step because it has several downsides if you write over the plastic.
If you write directly over the plastic, there are higher chances that the ink would leak into the wrap, coming in contact with the Braunschweiger. Not only that, once the ink gets in touch with the sausage, it is going to give off a toxic, chemical odor and make it inappropriate for consumption.
Step #4 Label it
People often neglect this step, but you should not. It is a very important step, and you should write the following information over the aluminum wrap:
- Date of preparation
- Date of freezing
- Name of the product and its contents
- Usability period or date
You may feel that step is not needed, but it plays a crucial role. First, it prevents the wastage of products through the stock rotation method.
Another advantage of this step is that you will know the reason if any stored food goes bad.
Step #5 Put it in a Container
I wouldn’t recommend putting it directly in the freezer. It is better to put the Braunschweiger in an airtight container first as this will prevent it’s getting dented or damaged.
This container will also protect the sausage from foreign odor and objects.
Step #6 Freeze It Up
Now, it is time to put the container inside the freezer. Keep it in a proper position inside the freezer.
In case you’re wondering, the steps are similar to freezing liverwurst.
How Long can Braunschweiger be Frozen?
Similar to freezing bratwurst, Braunschweiger can be easily frozen for two months in the freezer. Without spoiling its texture and quality.
For comparison, if you freeze liver as such, it will keep longer in the freezer. So ingredients have a significant impact.
Should You Freeze Braunschweiger?
We see no potential reason for you not to freeze Braunschweiger. Freezing is the best option because it prevents bacterial growth, keeps the meat safe and edible.
However, with time its quality may downgrade a bit.
How To Defrost Braunschweiger?
To defrost the Braunschweiger, here is what you should do. Take it out of the freezer the day before you are planning to eat it, and let it defrost in the fridge overnight.
What Is The Best Way To Eat Braunschweiger?
The best way to eat Braunschweiger is by making a sandwich of it.
Most people love to eat this at lunch, the Ultimate Braunschweiger Sandwich. All you have to do is spread this sausage on bread with a dash of butter or mayonnaise.
Or, you can slice it up, fry it and eat it with a bit of ketchup.
Another idea is you can prepare the Braunschweiger Dip. All you have to do is mix all the ingredients. You would need Braunschweiger, Mayonnaise, Cheese, Onion (better chopped), Ketchup, and Worcestershire Sauce.
Other Interesting Questions
How Do You Know If Braunschweiger Is Bad?
You will know that your Braunschweiger has gone bad when it gets slimy, gives off a bad smell, and feels a bit sticky. It is where you need to trash your Braunschweiger.
Is There A Difference Between Braunschweiger and Liverwurst?
Both Braunschweiger and Liverwurst are sausages and are often used interchangeably, yet these two are not the same.
There is only one major difference: Braunschweiger is smoked, while Liverwurst is boiled.
Conclusion
Now that you have read our take on freezing Braunschweiger, we hope you have found the answer to your question. So, can you freeze Braunschweiger? Of course, why not!
In this article, we have shared the steps to freeze your Braunschweiger, and surprisingly, if you store it the right way, it can last up to 2 months in the freezer.
We have also shared some questions regarding Braunschweiger and some good ideas regarding how to eat it.
Happy cooking!