Freezing leftover Thanksgiving food allows you to enjoy leftovers long after the holiday. Heres what to freeze and how to freeze it, plus some foods that dont freeze well.
Nothing beats a juicy turkey sandwich the day after Thanksgiving, or a big piece of leftover pie for breakfast. After a couple of meals, though, those rich holiday foods start to get redundant. Luckily, many Thanksgiving foods freeze well. Here’s what you can (and can’t) freeze, plus tips for keeping frozen foods fresh and appetizing.
Good news: turkey is definitely freeze-able. Just remove the meat from the bones first. Slicing the meat will also help it to defrost evenly. If you can, pour a bit of gravy over the meat before freezing; it’ll add moisture.
You can eat the turkey with gravy as usual, but leftover turkey is quite versatile. It makes a great filling for casseroles, tacos and sandwiches. Here’s how to reheat turkey without drying it out.
Don’t toss the picked-over bones and carcass; they’ll make a delicious, savory turkey stock. If you can’t make stock within a couple days after cooking the turkey, freeze the carcass. Seal in a heavy-duty freezer bag.
There are a surprising number of ways to use up leftover mashed potatoes; fortunately, mashed potatoes freeze well. Freeze mashers in portions: dollop potatoes onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid and then seal in a bag. Alternatively, freeze potatoes in bulk in a quart container or freezer bag, and defrost slowly in the fridge. Read our complete instructions on how to reheat mashed potatoes.
Cooked sweet potatoes freeze well, whether you’re freezing roasted potatoes or a sweet potato casserole. However, note that casserole toppings, like marshmallows or crumble, won’t freeze well. Simply add fresh toppings when reheating the sweet potatoes.
Made a delicious from-scratch gravy from pan drippings? Broth and flour-based gravies freeze well. Stash it in the freezer alongside your leftover turkey. Seal in the smallest possible airtight container.
Cranberry sauce is a breeze to freeze. Both homemade cranberry sauces and store-bought sauces—even canned—can be frozen. Transfer to a freezer-safe glass or plastic container; don’t freeze in a can. Leave some headspace in the container, since cranberry sauce will expand during freezing.
The holidays are a time for indulging in delicious foods, and Thanksgiving is no exception. The centerpiece of many Thanksgiving feasts is a perfectly roasted turkey. But after the big meal, chances are you’ll have plenty of leftover turkey meat. Which leads to the question – can you freeze turkey meat after Thanksgiving?
The short answer is yes, you absolutely can freeze turkey leftovers. In fact, freezing is the best way to preserve leftover turkey so you can continue enjoying it for weeks after the holiday Keep reading for a complete guide to safely freezing turkey meat after Thanksgiving.
How Long Does Cooked Turkey Last in the Fridge?
Before freezing leftover turkey meat, it’s important to know how long it will last in the fridge. The USDA recommends consuming cooked turkey within 3 to 4 days when refrigerated at 40°F or below. Refrigeration slows down but does not completely stop bacterial growth. So while turkey can still be safe to eat after 4 days, the quality starts to decline as bacteria continue multiplying.
For optimal freshness and food safety, it’s best to freeze any turkey you won’t eat within 3 to 4 days of cooking. Frozen turkey will maintain quality and taste much longer
Can You Freeze Turkey After 5 Days?
You may be wondering if turkey is still fine to freeze if you didn’t get around to it within 4 days. The good news is that it can still be safe to freeze turkey meat up to 5 days after cooking.
However, keep in mind that the longer turkey is refrigerated before freezing, the greater the decline in flavor and texture. Bacteria also continue to grow over time, even in the fridge. So while turkey frozen after 5 days is likely safe, it won’t taste as good. For best results, freeze within 1-3 days of cooking.
How Long Does Frozen Turkey Last?
Frozen turkey leftovers will last much longer than refrigerated – up to 4 months in the freezer, according to the USDA. While technically safe indefinitely, frozen meats can suffer freezer burn and loss of moisture and flavor over many months.
For best quality, use your frozen turkey within 2-3 months. Properly wrap turkey pieces in airtight packaging to prevent freezer burn. date packages and use older turkey first.
How Should You Prepare Turkey for Freezing?
Follow these simple steps for freezing turkey leftovers:
- Let turkey cool completely after cooking, about 2 hours. Refrigerate until ready to freeze.
- Remove all stuffing from turkey cavities before freezing. Only freeze stuffing separately.
- Cut meat from bones in large pieces if desired. Leave whole turkey parts intact.
- Portion turkey into meal-sized freezer bags or airtight containers. Avoid overstuffing.
- Press out all excess air and seal bags. Wrap containers tightly with plastic wrap.
- Label with contents and freeze-by date. Freeze immediately at 0°F or below.
Can You Freeze a Whole Turkey?
Freezing an entire leftover roasted turkey is absolutely possible. Allow the whole bird to chill completely in the fridge first.
Remove any stuffing, then tightly wrap the entire turkey in heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap. Press out air and seal. Label package with freeze-by date and freeze immediately at 0°F or below.
A whole turkey can be frozen for 4-6 months. Defrost turkey for 2-3 days in the fridge before re-heating.
Can You Freeze Cooked Turkey Pieces?
Yes, all cooked turkey pieces like breast, legs, thighs, wings and drumsticks can be frozen after Thanksgiving. Allow pieces to cool fully before freezing in portion sizes inside airtight bags or containers.
For quicker thawing and heating, separate drumsticks and wings at the joints before freezing. Remove skin if desired. Wrap turkey pieces tightly to prevent freezer burn. Cooked pieces will last 4-6 months frozen.
Can You Freeze Turkey Bones To Make Stock?
Don’t throw away the turkey carcass after removing all the meat! The bones can be frozen to make delicious turkey stock later.
Place bare bones in a freezer bag or airtight container. For easier storage, you can break up the carcass with a mallet or by hand first. Freeze for 4-6 months until ready to make stock.
Can You Freeze Leftover Turkey Gravy?
Homemade gravy is one of the best parts of Thanksgiving dinner. The good news is that gravy freezes very well for 2-3 months. Cool gravy completely before freezing. Use ice cube trays or muffin tins for portioning gravy in servings, then freeze solidly. Pop frozen gravy cubes into a freezer bag. Reheat cubes in simmering liquid or microwave when ready to use.
Can You Freeze Leftover Turkey Stuffing?
Many Thanksgiving dinners feature a deliciously crispy baked stuffing as a side dish. While stuffing can be frozen, it’s best to undercook stuffing a bit before freezing to prevent a soggy texture when reheated.
Allow stuffing to cool fully, then place it in airtight freezer bags or containers. Press out excess air and seal tightly. Frozen stuffing will last 1-2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven at 400°F until hot and crispy.
Tips for Freezing Leftover Turkey
Follow these tips for best results freezing Thanksgiving turkey:
- Chill turkey thoroughly in fridge before freezing.
- Portion turkey into meal-size amounts in bags or containers before freezing.
- Remove as much air as possible and seal packages tightly.
- Use high-quality freezer bags, wraps and containers to prevent freezer burn.
- Label all packages with contents and freeze-by date.
- Freeze turkey immediately at 0°F or below. Use chest freezers or bottom of fridge freezer.
- Use oldest frozen turkey first when reheating. Use within 2-3 months for best quality.
Can You Refreeze Turkey After Thawing?
Frozen turkey that has been properly thawed in the fridge can be safely refrozen without cooking, although the texture may suffer a bit.
However, thawed turkey that has been left at room temperature for over 2 hours should never be refrozen and should be cooked immediately if still within the safe temperature range of 40-140°F.
For best quality, try to cook thawed turkey within 1-2 days and don’t refreeze. Use thawed turkey in casseroles, soups, sandwiches and other dishes if you won’t use it right away.
How To Safely Thaw Frozen Turkey
Always thaw frozen turkey slowly and safely in the fridge. Allow approximately 24 hours of thawing time per 4-5 pounds of turkey. Place frozen turkey on a tray to catch drips and thaw in the refrigerator at 40°F or below.
For quicker thawing, place sealed turkey in a large bucket or sink filled with cold water. Change water every 30 minutes until turkey is pliable. Cook immediately after cold water thaw.
Never thaw turkey at room temp or in hot water, which allows bacteria to multiply quickly. Cook thawed turkey within 1-2 days for safety and quality.
Can You Cook Frozen Turkey?
Cooking frozen turkey is safe, though it will take significantly longer to fully cook through to a safe internal temperature. A good rule of thumb is to increase oven cooking time by 50% over the recommended time for thawed turkey.
Using an oven-safe meat thermometer, cook turkey until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F in the breast and 180°F in the thighs. Let rest 20 minutes before carving. The turkey may be unevenly cooked when roasted from frozen state.
How Should You Reheat Leftover Turkey?
The concern with reheating any leftover turkey is drying it out. Follow these tips:
- Thaw frozen turkey thoroughly in the fridge before reheating.
- Place turkey pieces in a baking dish and add broth, gravy or sauce to prevent drying out.
- Cook turkey covered in a 300-350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes per pound.
- Microwave turkey gently using the defrost setting and rotating dish frequently.
- Stir turkey into soups, casseroles, pasta dishes and risottos to reheat while adding flavor.
- Slice or shred turkey to reheat in salads, sandwiches, tacos, pizza and more.
Reheating fully cooked turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F will kill any bacteria for food safety. Avoid reheating turkey more than once.
Enjoy Leftover Turkey For Weeks
Nothing beats Thanksgiving dinner with a perfectly cooked turkey as the main attraction. Make sure you can keep enjoying leftover turkey for several weeks after the holiday by safely freezing it right away. With proper freezer storage, you’ll have delicious turkey on hand for casseroles, sandwiches, soups and other holiday dishes throughout the season.
Freeze: Bread and Rolls
Yeasted breads and rolls are easy to freeze. You can freeze whole loaves or rolls, wrapped tightly in two layers of plastic or foil. You may also slice the bread first, which makes it quicker to defrost. Pop frozen slices right into the toaster, or defrost whole or sliced bread on the counter overnight.
Our Test Kitchen experts share their tips on how to freeze bread so you can always enjoy its maximum freshness.
How long to freeze: Up to six months
Most fruit pies freeze well, including both open-top pies and latticed or covered pies. The only exception is pies made with a crumble topping; freezing will change the texture. Place leftover pie in the freezer until it’s solid, then wrap it well. Whole pies should defrost in the fridge, while slices can be reheated quickly in the microwave. Here’s how to reheat an apple pie specifically.
How long to freeze: Up to four months
Bought several pounds of butter for the holidays? Extra butter freezes well without losing flavor or texture. You can even freeze the sticks right in their packaging. Simply defrost in the fridge and use like normal.
How long to freeze: Up to 12 months
While frozen wine isn’t particularly good for drinking, it is absolutely fine for cooking. Freeze leftover wine in an ice cube tray, and store the cubes in a tightly sealed bag. Grab a handful for making sauce, risotto and soup.
How long to freeze: Three to six months
Cranberry bread, pumpkin bread and other quick breads make a stellar Thanksgiving side dish, and they freeze well, too. Freeze sliced bread in a tightly sealed bag, or freeze a whole loaf, tightly wrapped in at least two layers. Defrost in the fridge or heat a slice in the microwave for an instant treat.
How long to freeze: Up to two months
Freeze: Pumpkin and Pecan Pie
Most types of pies freeze fairly well, especially these common Thanksgiving pies. The texture may change slightly, especially that of the filling. Defrost slowly in the refrigerator. A quick blast in the microwave before serving will enliven the flavors.
Note that light and fluffy pies, like chiffon or mousse, won’t freeze well.
How long to freeze: Up to two months
Stuffing is resilient! Both homemade stuffing and the out-of-the-box stuff freeze well. Freeze leftovers in a tightly sealed bag. After defrosting, toast the stuffing on a baking sheet to refresh the texture. Find more handy tips in our complete guide to reheating Thanksgiving leftovers.
How long to freeze: Up to one month
Cheesecake is so rich it feels fancy, but it’s simple to make and easy to freeze! Freeze a whole cheesecake, tightly wrapped, or cut it into slices before wrapping and freezing. Defrost in the fridge.
How long to freeze: Up to one month
No Thanksgiving table is complete without some kind of roasted vegetable. From Brussels sprouts to butternut squash, most roasted vegetables can be frozen. One caveat is that higher-moisture vegetables, like mushrooms, will alter in texture after freezing. Most autumnal veggies, however, are hearty enough to stand up to freezing. Reheat in a skillet with some fresh oil and spices to rejuvenate the defrosted veg.
How long to freeze: Up to 12 months
Soup is basically the original freezer food. Most soup recipes freeze wonderfully. A few exceptions include soups with starchy fillings (think pasta noodles or potatoes) and dairy-based soups. (Review our soup freezing guide for more detail.) To avoid freezer burn, store in an airtight container that’s not too big.
How long to freeze: Three to six months
Roast ham is popular among cooks who want a Thanksgiving main that’s not turkey. Leftover ham freezes well on or off the bone. Freezing sliced ham allows for quicker, more even defrosting.
How long to freeze: Three to six months
Whether you grow herbs yourself or pick them up at the supermarket, it’s hard to use up every sprig before they start to wilt. Luckily, many herbs freeze well, especially the hardier herbs that tend to go well with Thanksgiving dishes, like rosemary, sage and thyme. Freeze those hardy herbs on the stem. First, spread on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container. Softer herbs, like parsley and basil, may be blended with water or oil and frozen in ice cube trays. Simply pop an herbal cube into your simmering stews or soups for a pop of flavor.
How long to freeze: Up to 12 months
3 After-Thanksgiving LEFTOVER TURKEY RECIPES | Freezer Meals, too!
FAQ
Can you freeze leftover turkey from Thanksgiving?
Can you freeze turkey meat twice?
How long after Thanksgiving is it safe to eat turkey?
How do you store turkey after Thanksgiving?
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 cooked turkey?
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. If you have a whole breast left, the CDC recommends slicing it so it cools down faster and you can get it into the fridge or freezer sooner. It also makes reheating easier, so win-win!
Can roasted turkey be frozen?
Roasted turkey freezes very well, but you should remove the meat from the bones first and freeze each separately. Turkey can be frozen for up to three months. 2. Mashed Potatoes: YES, with some exceptions Unlike other forms of cooked potatoes, mashed potatoes actually can freeze well for up to one year.
Can you eat frozen turkey leftovers after 6 months?
Eat frozen turkey leftovers within 6 months for premier quality. “Other slower changes to quality, like freezer burn, can eventually render leftovers unacceptable,” Snyder says, noting that this is not an issue of safety when it comes to frozen leftovers.