Will Italian sauage go bad if left on the counter overnight to thaw?

Italian sausage, like most other raw meats, should not be left on the counter overnight to thaw. The room temperature is considered to be the "Danger Zone" for food, and is the perfect environment for bacteria to grow.

In order to thaw Italian sausage safely, you should place it in the refrigerator overnight or for several hours. You can also thaw sausage in the microwave on the "defrost" setting, but be sure to cook the sausage immediately after thawing.

If you are in a hurry and need to thaw Italian sausage quickly, you can place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water. Be sure to change the water every 30 minutes to keep it cold. The sausage should thaw within 1-2 hours.

Once thawed, Italian sausage should be cooked immediately. Do not refreeze thawed sausage, as this can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria.