Freezing leftover turkey is a great way to save it for fast easy dinners in the future. Follow these simple steps to keep your leftover turkey for months to come.
With families all over the country having smaller Thanksgivings this year, it is likely that you will have some leftover turkey. I’ve used this method to freeze both my Turkey Breast recipe and my Roast Turkey – it works great for both!
These simple and easy steps make it possible to keep turkey on hand for lots of great recipes. There is no need to get sick of turkey. Freeze your left overs and use them a month from now in leftover turkey recipes.
As Thanksgiving approaches, many of us are starting to think about cooking a big turkey dinner. We look forward to the delicious roasted turkey, savory stuffing, creamy mashed potatoes, and more. But after the big meal is over, we’re often left wondering what to do with all of the leftovers. Specifically, is it safe to freeze the cooked turkey, and if so, how should you go about it?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about freezing cooked turkey, from food safety tips to storage times. After reading this, you’ll be fully prepared to safely save your Thanksgiving leftovers for future meals.
Can You Freeze Cooked Turkey?
The short answer is yes, you can absolutely freeze cooked turkey leftovers. In fact, freezing is one of the best ways to preserve cooked turkey and make it last longer.
As long as you store and reheat it properly, frozen turkey is perfectly safe to eat. USDA recommends using cooked turkey within 3 to 4 days when refrigerated at 40°F or less. But freezing stops bacteria growth, allowing turkey to be stored safely for 3 to 4 months.
Freezing is ideal for saving any cooked turkey that you won’t be able to eat within a few days. It allows you to spread out your Thanksgiving leftovers instead of watching them go bad
How Should You Prepare the Turkey for Freezing?
Proper preparation is key for successfully freezing cooked turkey. Follow these tips:
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Let the cooked turkey cool completely before freezing it It should be at room temperature
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Divide the turkey into smaller portions in freezer bags or airtight containers. This prevents you from having to thaw more than you need later. Portions of 2-3 cups work well.
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Remove any bones, skin, or fatty pieces before freezing. The lean turkey meat freezes the best.
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Package the turkey tightly in freezer bags, pressing out excess air. Air exposure causes freezer burn.
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Label bags with the type and date of freezing. Write it clearly with a permanent marker.
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Use freezer-safe materials like thick plastic bags and rigid plastic containers. Don’t use materials prone to cracking.
Following these preparatory steps helps your turkey maintain good texture and flavor during freezing.
How Long Does Cooked Turkey Last in the Freezer?
Frozen cooked turkey that has been properly packaged and stored at 0°F or below can safely last for 3 to 4 months in the freezer.
For best quality and taste, try to use frozen turkey within 2-3 months. After about 3 months, frozen turkey tends to dry out and lose moisture. The texture and flavor decline over longer freezing times.
Cook turkey within 1-2 days of Thanksgiving for the absolute freshest results. But turkey frozen correctly for up to 4 months will still be safe to eat. Just be aware that quality suffers slightly over longer freezing periods.
What’s the Best Way to Thaw Frozen Turkey?
When you’re ready to eat your delicious frozen turkey again, thawing it properly is important. Here are some safe ways to thaw:
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In the refrigerator: Place frozen turkey in a container in the fridge 1-2 days before using, depending on portion size. Let it thaw slowly and completely at 40°F.
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In cold water: Submerge sealed frozen turkey in a bowl of cold tap water, changing water every 30 mins until thawed. Cook immediately.
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In the microwave: Follow microwave-safe thawing instructions, stopping to check often. Cook immediately.
Do not thaw turkey at room temperature or in hot water, as this allows bacteria growth in the “danger zone” between 40-140°F. Refrigerator and cold water thawing keeps turkey safely chilled.
How Should You Reheat Thawed Turkey?
The concern with reheating any turkey is it drying out. Follow these tips:
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Use the oven or stovetop: Cook turkey gently in broth/sauce until heated through. Keep it moist.
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Microwave: Microwave-safe container, add broth, cover with damp paper towel. Heat until hot.
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Make soup or casserole: Add thawed turkey pieces to soups, stews, and casseroles. Liquid helps keep turkey moist.
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Preheat fully: Ensure turkey reaches safe minimum temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to verify.
Proper reheating keeps your thawed turkey delicious and safe to eat.
Turkey Freezing Tips and Tricks
Here are some additional freezer tips for success:
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Double wrap turkey in plastic wrap before bagging it to prevent freezer burn.
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Use freezer tape or permanent marker to label bags carefully with contents and date.
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Freeze turkey stock/gravy in ice cube trays for easy use later.
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Place stuffing in separate freezer bags, as it freezes differently than turkey.
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Wrap drumsticks or wings individually in foil before bagging if freezing on the bone.
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Lay turkey flat in a single layer in the freezer until firm before stacking or bagging it.
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Purchase a thermometer to check the turkey has reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F upon reheating.
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Freeze leftover mashed potatoes and roast vegetables for quick future sides.
Can You Refreeze Thawed Turkey?
Previously-frozen turkey that has been correctly thawed in the refrigerator can be safely refrozen without cooking it. However, the quality will likely decline with each additional freeze-thaw cycle.
If you thawed the turkey in the microwave or at room temperature, it is risky to refreeze it uncooked. At those temperatures, bacteria could have grown. It’s safer to cook the turkey immediately before refreezing.
For best quality, avoid refreezing thawed raw turkey more than once. Cook it, then refreeze if needed.
Common Turkey Freezing Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about freezing turkey:
How long can turkey be left at room temperature before freezing?
Refrigerate all leftovers within 2 hours. Turkey should not sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours total before freezing.
Can you freeze turkey in the original packaging?
It’s better to repackage into airtight freezer bags or containers. Press out air and seal tightly.
Can cooked turkey be frozen without a freezer bag?
It’s possible but not recommended, as this leads to freezer burn. Airtight packaging prevents exposure to air and moisture loss.
Can you freeze turkey in Mason jars?
Yes, you can freeze turkey in Mason jars as long as you leave 1-inch headspace, use wide-mouth jars, and let it cool fully before tightening ring bands.
Should you freeze turkey broth or gravy?
Turkey broth and gravy can absolutely be frozen for future use. Freeze broth in ice cube trays or muffin tins first.
Can cooked turkey be frozen after sitting in the fridge 3-4 days?
Cooked turkey is still safe to freeze after being properly refrigerated for 3-4 days. Freeze as soon as possible at that point.
The Takeaway
Freezing cooked turkey is an excellent way to save your Thanksgiving leftovers or turkey from any meal. Use freezer bags, allow proper thawing time, and reheat gently to enjoy delicious turkey for up to 4 months after cooking. With proper handling, almost any cooked turkey can be frozen successfully.
How to Freeze Leftover Turkey
Freezing turkey to have for later recipes is really simple. The key to is to flash freeze it in a single layer so you are able to pull out just one cup at a time in the future.
Step 1: Cut the turkey into bite sized pieces.
I suggest that you freeze leftovers as soon as possible so you can get the maximum life span from them.
Step 2: Spread the turkey into a single layer on a parchment lined baking sheet.
Step 3: Freeze the cut up turkey for 1 hour.
This flash freezing is an important step. It will keep the turkey from clumping together when stored in the freezer. This way they freeze as individual pieces.
Step 4: Transfer the frozen turkey to a plastic bag.
That’s it! Now you can store the bag of frozen turkey in the freezer for up to three months.
If you are wondering what to do with leftover turkey after freezing it, I suggest some of these leftover turkey recipes (and I will have more coming next week).
With any soup or casserole recipe, you can add it to the recipe directly from the freezer. Just add a little more cooking time.
This turkey will last in the freezer in a sealed container for 3 months.
Leftover turkey will last in the refrigerator for 4 days and in the freeze for 3 months.
It depends on the recipe. For soups and casseroles, you can put the turkey right from the freezer into the recipe and add a little more time. For recipes like the sliders and the grilled cheese, thaw in the refrigerator overnight first.
Yes! This is exactly how I freeze rotisserie chicken as well. This is perfect for recipes like my Chicken Noodle Casserole. Follow me on social for more recipe ideas & inspiration!
Can you freeze cooked turkey then reheat?
FAQ
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