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.
For many people, the best part about cooking a turkey is enjoying the leftovers. Whether in sandwiches, casseroles or soups, turkey leftovers are delicious. But to enjoy those leftovers to their full potential, you need to store them properly. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how long cooked turkey lasts in the fridge and freezer.
How Long Does Cooked Turkey Last in the Fridge?
According to the USDA, cooked turkey that has been refrigerated at 40°F or below should be eaten within 3 to 4 days. Refrigeration slows down, but does not completely halt bacterial growth. So turkey and all perishable foods should not be left for longer than 3 or 4 days.
Here are some tips for maximizing fridge turkey shelf life:
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Let the turkey cool completely before refrigerating Divide into shallow containers to cool quickly.
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Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking
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Store turkey in airtight containers Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface
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Use leftovers within 3 days for the best quality. Discard after 4 days.
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Check for signs of spoilage like sliminess, discoloration, or off odors. When in doubt, throw it out.
How Long Does Turkey Last in the Freezer?
The freezer stops food spoilage and bacterial growth much more effectively than the fridge. According to the USDA and other food safety experts, frozen cooked turkey maintains top quality for 3 to 4 months. It remains safe to eat indefinitely, but the quality declines over time.
Follow these tips for freezing turkey:
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Let turkey cool completely before freezing. Freeze within 1 to 2 days of cooking.
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Portion turkey into shallow airtight containers or freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible.
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Label bags or containers with contents and freeze date.
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Use frozen turkey within 3 to 4 months for best moisture, texture, and flavor.
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Discard if turkey shows significant freezer burn or other deterioration.
How to Tell if Frozen Turkey Is Bad
It can be difficult to determine if frozen turkey has spoiled, since the signs of spoilage—sliminess, smell, discoloration—aren’t visible. Here are some indicators that previously frozen turkey has gone bad:
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Unpleasant odors, slimy texture or discoloration are apparent after thawing
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Flesh is oddly dry, stringy, or tough after cooking
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Mold, dry ice crystals or caked on ice are visible inside package
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Turkey has been in freezer over 6 months
If in doubt, it’s best to be safe and throw away questionable frozen turkey. Don’t risk food poisoning.
Does Freezer Burned Turkey Go Bad?
Freezer burn does not mean the turkey is unsafe, but it definitely affects the taste and texture. Here’s what you need to know:
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Freezer burn happens when air reaches the meat surface. It dries out the turkey.
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Meat may be dry, stringy, or tough after cooking if freezer burned.
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It’s still safe to eat freezer burned turkey, but the quality is noticeably lower.
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Prevent freezer burn by excluding air in packaging and avoiding over-freezing.
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Severely freezer burned turkey should be discarded for best quality and taste.
How to Freeze and Thaw Turkey for Maximum Safety
Proper freezing and thawing are key to preserving turkey safety and quality. Follow these best practices:
Freezing Guidelines
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Cool turkey completely before freezing, within 2 hours of cooking.
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Package in airtight containers or bags, removing as much air as possible.
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Label package with freeze date and contents.
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Freeze at 0°F or below. Do not overfill freezer.
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Use frozen turkey within 3 to 4 months for optimal quality.
Thawing Guidelines
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Thaw turkey in the refrigerator 1 to 2 days before use.
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Thaw in a leakproof bag on a plate to catch drips.
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Thaw in cold water, changing water every 30 minutes. Cook immediately.
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Thaw in the microwave, cooking it immediately after.
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Do not thaw at room temperature or in hot water. Pathogens can multiply.
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Cook turkey immediately after thawing for food safety. Do not refreeze.
How to Use Frozen Turkey
Beyond turkey sandwiches and casseroles, there are many creative ways to enjoy frozen turkey:
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Add to soups, stews, chili – it will thaw and heat as it simmers.
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Make turkey pot pie, turkey tetrazzini, or turkey noodle soup.
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Use in any recipe calling for cooked turkey or chicken.
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Make turkey hash for breakfast.
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Use in turkey veggie stir fry or fried rice.
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Make turkey enchiladas, fajitas, or tacos.
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Toss with pasta and pesto or creamy Alfredo sauce.
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Add to mac and cheese or turkey tetrazzini.
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Make pulled turkey barbecue sliders or sandwiches.
Can You Freeze Raw Turkey?
Raw whole turkeys and turkey parts can absolutely be frozen before cooking. Here are some tips:
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Freeze raw turkey only if using within 2 to 6 months for best quality.
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Place in airtight freezer bag, removing air. Freeze breast-side up to prevent freezer burn.
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Thaw turkey breast-side down in the refrigerator 1 to 2 days before cooking. Cook immediately.
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Do not refreeze raw turkey after thawing. Cook within 1 to 2 days.
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Ground turkey and turkey pieces freeze better than whole birds. Use within 3 months.
Freezer Storage Tips for Cooked Turkey
Follow these expert recommendations for storing leftovers and cooked turkey in the freezer:
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Let cool completely, then freeze within 1 to 2 days of cooking.
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Portion turkey meat into shallow airtight containers or bags. Remove air.
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Use freezer-safe plastic wrap or aluminum foil directly on the turkey surface.
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Avoid overfilling the freezer. Leave space for air circulation.
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Label bags or containers with the contents and freeze date.
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Place turkey in the back of the freezer where temperature is most constant.
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Wrapping leftovers in aluminum foil can help prevent freezer burn.
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Use frozen cooked turkey within 3 to 4 months for optimal moisture and flavor.
With proper refrigeration and freezing, cooked turkey can be safely enjoyed for up to 4 days in the fridge or 4 months in the freezer. Store leftovers in airtight containers, pay attention for signs of spoilage, and discard turkey that has dried out or shows freezer burn. Following these simple guidelines will ensure you can enjoy delicious cooked turkey for months after your holiday feast.
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!
How long can you freeze leftover turkey?
FAQ
How long does cooked turkey last in the freezer?
How do you freeze and reheat a cooked turkey?
Is it safe to freeze cooked turkey?
Can I freeze Thanksgiving leftovers?
How long does cooked turkey last in the fridge?
According to the USDA, leftovers will last up to 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator, but if you know you have more than you can eat in a few days, freeze it sooner rather than later. To freeze cooked turkey, first pick the meat from the bones. If you want to freeze dark and light meat separately, now would be the time to sort it.
Can you freeze a frozen turkey?
Transfer to the freezer for one hour, until the turkey is quite chilled and firm. This will allow the slices or cubes to stay separate when you freeze them in a bag or container. Label a freezer-proof bag or container with the kind of turkey you are freezing (dark meat, sliced, cubed) and the date. Use a permanent marker like a Sharpie.
Can you freeze leftover Turkey?
Don’t use thin plastic sandwich bags with fold-over tops to freeze leftover turkey, as they allow too much air into the package. The result could be bacteria growth and freezer burn. Once you have placed the leftover turkey in the freezer bag, smooth out all of the air before sealing the zip lock. Don’t fill up the plastic freezer bags.
How long can you keep a Turkey in the freezer?
Second, wrap the turkey tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Third, label the package with the date and type of meat. Finally, store the turkey in the freezer for no more than three months. By following these simple tips, you can enjoy delicious, home-cooked turkey all year long.