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Can You Freeze Hard Salami?

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Immad Amir
Written by
Immad is a talented home cook and editorial director at Specially Fried. With his culinary expertise, love for gadgets and creative flair, he brings a fresh perspective to the world of food blogging.
Reviewed by

Lisa is a nutritionist with a passion for promoting healthy eating habits. With her expertise, she meticulously cross-checks the content on Specially Fried, ensuring accurate and reliable nutrition information.

Can You Freeze Hard Salami
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One of our favorite foods, if not the most favorite one, is salami. Put it on a sandwich in a hurry, add some sauces and ketchup, and voila! You have made yourself the best and most practical breakfast! What’s more? You can even save quite a few bucks if you buy it in bulk.

Our passion for salami brings us to the inevitable question; can you freeze salami? Doing so will preserve it for later, letting you enjoy it any time you want! Let’s get into the knows and hows of freezing salami!

Yes, you can freeze salami provided you have wrapped it properly such that it won’t get dry or attract moisture; your salami (whether sliced or whole) might last for up to 6 months in the freezer.

How do you freeze hard salami?

Salami does not spoil easily; however, you do not want to mishandle it and end up wasting it. Here are some tips and steps to help you freeze it perfectly:

For unsliced and unopened salami

If the salami is whole and unopened, follow the steps below to freeze it:

STEP 1: Cover in an air-tight manner

Wrap your salami properly in heavy-duty aluminum foil. You can also use air-tight plastic bags or let the salami be in its store packaging if it is completely air-tight. 

STEP 2: Freeze it

Freeze in your freezer for up to 6 months. 

For sliced salami

If you intend to use the salami for several different recipes, you might want to slice and portion it. Here is how to freeze your sliced salami:

STEP 1: Place the slices between parchment papers

Take the sliced salami and place the individual slices between parchment papers.

STEP 2: Put in freezer bags

Place this layered portion in air-tight/sealable plastic bags.

STEP 3: Squeeze out excess air

Roll the bags so that all the excess air is squeezed out.

STEP 4: Freeze it

Freeze your bagged salami but make sure that you do not stack them so that their texture is the best when thawed. 

How long does salami last in the freezer?

If you have unopened dry salami, it can last up to 6 months in the freezer. Opened packed salami can last you 1-2 months in the freezer. 

Your salami goes bad earlier if it is sliced. This is because the slices allow bacteria to attack. Even before going bad, the salami starts to develop rancidity which starts affecting the flavor. It might also develop mold and acid. 

How do you defrost frozen salami?

Just like freezing, there is also more than one way to thaw the salami. We have discussed multiple below so that you can choose the best fit for you. 

METHOD 1: Defrosting in the fridge

STEP 1: Keep the salami in the fridge

Take out your salami from the freezer and keep it in the fridge. It doesn’t matter if you keep it in plastic bags or in its original packaging. Make sure to place the salami or its packet on a plate before placing it in the fridge to catch water droplets from condensation.  

STEP 2: Take it out after a day or night

That’s it! Let the salami sit in the fridge for 24 hours and take it out to cook at your ease. 

METHOD 2: Defrosting in cold water

STEP 1: Transfer the salami to a zip-lock bag

Take the salami out of the freezer and transfer it to a zip lock bag if it wasn’t in it already. Even if the salami was frozen wrapped in its original packaging, transfer it as it is in a zip lock bag. 

STEP 2: Place the bag in cold water

Place the bag in a container or sink filled with cold water and let it be for an hour or two. It will defrost evenly and without any effort from your side. 

METHOD 3: Defrosting in the microwave

STEP 1: Take out your salami and microwave for a minute

With this method, you don’t have to wait for salami to cool down in the fridge or water. Just take it out and place it in the microwave for a minute

STEP 2: Continue for almost 15 minutes

Keep microwaving for 1 minute at a time. After each minute, rotate the salami so that it doesn’t start cooking from one side sooner than the middle. 

Disclaimer: This method, though quick, is not the most efficient one. Your salami will be defrosted unevenly and might even start cooking from some sides or from the outside, and the middle part will take longer to defrost. 

METHOD 4: Defrosting in hot water

STEP 1: Fill a container with hot water

Or you could fill a clean sink with hot water too. 

STEP 2: Place salami in the water

Take out your salami and place it in a ziplock bag. Let it sit in hot water for 30 minutes.

Make sure to implement this method using small amounts of meat (5 to 6 sausages) at a time so that they defrost quicker within the 30-minute timeframe.

Disclaimer: Do keep in mind that there is a chance of bacteria developing in the salami due to the water’s warmth, though some research has proven otherwise. Thus, if you are immuno-compromised, it’s better you don’t try this method. Please try this method at your own risk. 

How do you cook salami?

Here is the easiest way to cook salami, explained in simple steps:

STEP 1: Place thin salami slices in a pan while the pan is not too hot to control how much you want to cook them

STEP 2: Let them cook for a while until the edges curl, and they get a bit crispy golden.

STEP 3: Take them out and place them on kitchen paper to absorb excess oil

STEP 4: Enjoy in a sandwich, burger, or however you wish!

How long is salami good for after opening?

If you have opened your dry salami or pepperoni, it will last almost 3 weeks in the fridge. If refrigerated and stored properly, an opened pack of salami deli meat will last around 5 to 7 days.

Read this post to learn different ways of freezing biscuits at home!

What happens when you eat too much salami?

Processed food has been found to be linked with heart diseases. Research has shown that people whose diet consisted of very large quantities of processed meats, more than 20 grams per day, had a high chance of dying from a heart attack or a stroke. Such people also run a high risk of cancer.

Can salami be eaten uncooked?

Yes, salami can be eaten uncooked. Salami is cured meat, and the curing process gives salami its flavor. This process allows the meat to mature in the skin and have a particular taste depending on the ingredients as well. Though uncooked, the curing process makes salami safe for consumption before cooking as well. 

Is salami already cooked?

Salami is not cooked. Some types of salami, for example, Cotto salami, are cooked or smoked to develop a special flavor. However, for consumption purposes, salami is still considered raw and not ready to be eaten. The salami that you usually buy from the store is safe for consumption as it is cured (different from cooking, though).

Final thoughts!

It is super easy to freeze salami; just make sure to go through the tips we mentioned above to enjoy your favorite treat without any issues. You might find freezing and defrosting pretty easy, but you need to be particular about the steps. Follow them perfectly, and you’re good to go. Happy freezing!


Immad Amir
Written by
Immad is a talented home cook and editorial director at Specially Fried. With his culinary expertise, love for gadgets and creative flair, he brings a fresh perspective to the world of food blogging.
Reviewed by

Lisa is a nutritionist with a passion for promoting healthy eating habits. With her expertise, she meticulously cross-checks the content on Specially Fried, ensuring accurate and reliable nutrition information.

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