Can You Refreeze a Turkey Breast That Has Been Thawed?

Many home cooks find themselves with a thawed turkey breast in the fridge and wonder if it’s safe to refreeze it. Perhaps your holiday dinner plans changed at the last minute, or you decided to use just part of the turkey breast after thawing it. Is it possible to pop that turkey back in the freezer for another day? Let’s take a thorough look at whether you can refreeze a thawed turkey breast.

Is It Safe to Refreeze Thawed Turkey?

The short answer is yes you can safely refreeze a thawed turkey breast, but only if it was thawed properly in the first place. Turkey that was thawed slowly and safely in the refrigerator can be refrozen without much risk though the texture may suffer a bit.

However, there are a few caveats

• The turkey cannot have been left at room temperature for over 2 hours total during the thawing and handling process. Bacteria multiply rapidly above 40°F.

• The turkey cannot have been thawed using a hazardous method like hot water or the microwave. This creates ideal conditions for bacterial growth.

• The turkey should be used within a day or two of thawing for best quality.

As long as you avoid these pitfalls, refreezing a thawed turkey breast is perfectly safe.

Proper Thawing Guidelines

To start, only turkey that has been thawed correctly in the fridge should ever be considered for refreezing.

Safe thawing methods include:

• Placing the frozen turkey on a tray in the refrigerator. Allow 1 full day of thawing time per 4-5 lbs.

• Submerging the turkey in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. About 30 minutes per pound of turkey.

• Thawing in the microwave if cooking immediately afterward.

Always avoid thawing meat at room temperature to prevent bacterial overgrowth.

Refreezing Tips for Quality

Refreezing thawed turkey is safe when done properly, but the texture and moisture content will likely degrade a bit. Here are some tips to help mitigate quality loss:

• Cook the turkey to an internal temp of 165°F before refreezing. This kills any bacteria for safer freezing.

• Let the cooked turkey cool completely before packing into airtight freezer bags. Remove excess air.

• Use the thawed and refrozen turkey within 2-3 months for best flavor and texture.

• Add extra broth or gravy when reheating to make up for any lost moisture.

While refrozen turkey may lose some appeal after thawing and refreezing, it will still be perfectly safe to eat when handled properly.

What if Turkey was Thawed Improperly?

Turkey that was left at room temperature for over 2 hours at any point or thawed using the microwave or hot water method should never be refrozen. At this point, bacteria may have multiplied to unsafe levels.

Instead, the turkey should be fully cooked to 165°F as soon as possible and consumed immediately. Do not refreeze turkey thawed by these methods.

Signs Turkey Has Spoiled After Refreezing

While properly handled turkey remains safe to eat when refrozen, you should still inspect it closely before using and discard if any signs of spoilage appear.

Look for:

• Unpleasant, sour odor
• Gray, dull coloration; lack of pink or red tones
• Slimy texture or stickiness on the surface

Rancid or rotten aromas, dull colors, and slippery textures indicate the turkey has spoiled and should be thrown away.

When in doubt, remember the old adage: when in doubt, throw it out. Don’t risk getting sick from consuming spoiled food.

Best Practices for Refreezing Turkey

Follow these best practices when refreezing turkey:

• Thaw only in the refrigerator over several days, or submerged in cold water changed every 30 minutes. Never at room temp.

• Cook thawed turkey to 165°F before refreezing to destroy bacteria.

• Divide into portions and freeze in airtight packaging with excess air removed.

• Use refrozen turkey within 2 months for best quality and food safety.

• Check for signs of spoilage before consuming refrozen turkey.

• Cook refrozen turkey thoroughly to 165°F again before eating.

Make Sure Turkey Is Safe To Eat

While it takes some care, you can safely refreeze a turkey breast thawed in the refrigerator if you follow proper guidelines. Be sure to take the temperature and inspect carefully before eating to enjoy your leftovers without worry.