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.
The holidays have come and gone, but you’re still enjoying the leftovers from the big turkey dinner. At some point though, you’ll have to say your goodbyes to the picked-over bird carcass gracing your refrigerator. But before resigning it to the trash, consider stashing portions of the cooked turkey in your freezer for future meals.
Freezing cooked turkey can extend its shelf life for several months saving you money and reducing food waste. With proper freezing and thawing techniques frozen turkey tastes just as delicious as the day it was cooked. This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about freezing cooked turkey.
Can You Freeze Cooked Turkey?
The short answer is yes, absolutely! Cooked turkey freezes exceptionally well In fact, freezing is the best way to preserve cooked turkey and make the most of your holiday bird or roasted turkey breast
When frozen and stored properly, cooked turkey will maintain optimal flavor and texture quality for 3-4 months. It remains safe to eat for up to one year, though the taste declines after about 4 months.
What Are The Best Ways To Freeze Cooked Turkey?
Follow these simple steps for freezing cooked turkey like a pro:
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Let the cooked turkey cool completely before freezing. Refrigerate it for 30 minutes up to 2 hours until it reaches 40°F. Don’t leave it out more than 2 hours.
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Remove all bones, skin, and stuffing/dressing. Package these separately if freezing.
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Portion the turkey meat into meal-sized servings. 3-4 cups is a good amount.
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Place servings in freezer bags or airtight containers, removing as much air as possible.
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Label bags with contents and freeze-by date.
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Freeze turkey immediately, within 1-2 days of cooking for best quality.
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Store frozen turkey at 0°F or below.
What’s The Best Way To Package Turkey For Freezing?
The best containers for freezing turkey are freezer-grade plastic bags or airtight rigid containers. Sturdy freezer bags are economical and make it easy to remove excess air. Just be sure to choose thick, durable freezer bags designed specifically for freezing.
Airtight plastic containers also work well. Look for freezer-safe containers with tight fitting lids. Make sure there is minimal air space inside.
In either case, package turkey in meal-sized portions about 3-4 cups each. Smaller portions thaw faster and prevent waste.
No matter the packaging, exclude as much air as possible and seal tightly. Air is the enemy! It causes freezer burn, which dries out turkey.
How Long Does Cooked Turkey Last In The Freezer?
Cooked turkey that is properly packaged and frozen at 0°F will maintain best quality for 3-4 months. It will still be safe to eat for up to one year, but the flavor and texture will progressively decline after about 4 months.
For optimal freshness and taste, use your frozen turkey within 3-6 months. Label packages with the freeze date so you know how long it’s been in the freezer.
What’s The Best Way To Thaw Frozen Turkey?
Never thaw turkey on the counter or in hot water. These methods can promote bacterial growth.
The safest way to thaw frozen turkey is in the refrigerator. Place it on a plate or tray to catch any drips. Allow about 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds. A 12-lb turkey would take 2 1/2 – 3 days to thaw.
For faster thawing, place turkey in a leakproof plastic bag and submerge in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes. About 30 minutes per pound is sufficient. A 4-lb package would thaw in 2 hours using this cold water method.
Once thawed, cook immediately and do not refreeze.
Can You Freeze A Whole Turkey?
Freezing an entire cooked turkey is not recommended. A large frozen turkey takes longer to thaw which allows more time for bacteria to multiply. The inner cavity is also prone to harbor microbes.
For food safety and quality, it’s best to carve the whole bird and freeze portions in meal-sized packages. The meat will thaw faster, reducing risk of spoilage.
However, small turkeys 10 lbs or under can be successfully frozen whole. Ensure all inner cavity juices are removed and use within 3-4 months for best flavor.
Can You Refreeze Thawed Turkey?
Previously frozen turkey that has been properly thawed in the refrigerator can be refrozen without compromising quality or safety. Make sure it hasn’t been left thawed for more than 2 days before refreezing.
Never refreeze turkey meat that was thawed using the fast cold water method. Refreezing meat that was completely thawed at room temperature is also unsafe due to rapid bacteria growth.
For optimal quality, refrain from refreezing thawed turkey more than once. The texture tends to suffer with repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Can You Freeze Cooked Turkey Pieces On The Bone?
Leftover cooked turkey legs, wings and other pieces with bones can definitely be frozen. Remove any stuffing first. Tightly wrap bones pieces in plastic wrap, place in freezer bag and seal excluding air.
Bones don’t freeze as solidly as meat. Wrapping in plastic before bagging prevents accidental punctures, minimizing freezer burn risk.
What About Freezing Turkey Gravy And Soup?
Leftover gravy and turkey soup also freeze remarkably well. Allow them to cool thoroughly first before portioning into rigid freezer-safe containers. Leave about 1/2 inch headspace for expansion. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Freezing Cooked Turkey – Final Tips
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Chill turkey within 2 hours of cooking. Don’t leave it at room temperature.
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Portion turkey into 3-4 cup meal-size servings before freezing.
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Use durable freezer bags or rigid airtight containers. Exclude as much air as possible.
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Label packages with contents and freeze-by date.
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Store frozen turkey at 0°F or below for up to 4 months.
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Thaw in the refrigerator allowing 24 hours per 4-5 lbs turkey.
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Once thawed, cook immediately and don’t refreeze (unless thawed in fridge).
Following these turkey freezing guidelines will ensure you can enjoy delicious leftover turkey for months after the big holiday meal!
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
What is the best way to freeze cooked turkey?
Can cooked turkey be frozen and reheated?
Can I freeze Thanksgiving leftovers?
Does freezing turkey affect taste?
How long does cooked turkey last in the freezer?
Leftover cooked turkey freezes well for up to 6 months if properly handled, packed, and frozen within 3 days of the original preparation. However, I like to try and use it within 3 months for the best flavor and texture and to avoid the possibility of freezer burn. Freezer burn happens when air comes into contact with food.
Can you freeze cooked turkey?
Make sure that any plastic bag that you use to freeze cooked turkey is a genuine freezer bag made out of thick plastic and with a zippered closing. 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.
How to freeze cooked turkey breast?
Here are the steps on how to freeze cooked turkey breast: 1. Allow the turkey breast to cool completely. This is important to prevent the formation of ice crystals, which can damage the meat. 2. Cut the turkey breast into smaller pieces. This will make it easier to thaw and use later. 3.
Can you freeze a Turkey in a quart sized freezer bag?
Measuring cup — If a quart-sized freezer bag is too large for your needs, you can also freeze the leftover turkey in 1-cup portions. Aluminum foil or plastic wrap — If freezing the turkey in 1-cup portions, I recommend wrapping each portion in foil or plastic wrap before sealing in a larger freezer bag.