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Ree Drummonds dressing recipe (or “stuffing” as some people would call it) is an exceptionally beautiful thing. “A real feast for the senses,” she says.
But just like any good Thanksgiving recipe, making stuffing always seems to bring up a few very important questions, like how to dry your own bread cubes for stuffing? Whats the difference between stuffing and dressing? And can you make stuffing in a slow cooker? (The answer is yes!) Another Thanksgiving question that comes to mind is: can you freeze stuffing?
While some people might be wondering if you can freeze stuffing for their make-ahead Thanksgiving recipes, others might simply be wondering what the heck theyll do with all that extra leftover stuffing! Ahead, youll find out more about freezing stuffing for both scenarios (before and after your stuffing is cooked). So, go ahead and pick out your favorite stuffing recipe (anything from apple-cranberry stuffing to sausage stuffing to stuffing made with chorizo and poblanos), then find out how to freeze the stuffing for easy Thanksgiving prep. Or check out how long your cooked stuffing will last in the freezer for your Thanksgiving leftovers!
Come Thanksgiving, turkey dressing is a must-have side dish for many families. Also known as stuffing, this savory blend of bread, vegetables, and herbs pairs perfectly with turkey and gravy. But with heaps of leftovers after the big meal, you may wonder – can I freeze turkey dressing?
The good news is yes, you can freeze both cooked and uncooked turkey dressing. With some simple tips, you’ll be able to enjoy delicious leftover dressing for weeks after Thanksgiving.
Should You Freeze Turkey Dressing Before or After Cooking?
There are two ways to go about freezing turkey dressing
Freeze Uncooked
Prepare your favorite dressing recipe up until the point before baking. Transfer the uncooked dressing into a casserole dish or baking pan. Cover tightly with plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Label and freeze.
Freezing uncooked dressing helps retain moisture and prevents drying out when you reheat later.
Freeze Cooked
Bake the dressing fully according to recipe. Allow to cool completely, then divide into portion sizes in freezer bags or airtight containers Label and freeze
Freezing already cooked dressing is best for preserving leftovers after Thanksgiving.
Both methods work well. Choose based on whether you want to prep dressing ahead of time or simply save leftovers.
Step-by-Step Guide to Freezing Turkey Dressing
Follow these simple steps for freezing dressing:
To Freeze Uncooked Dressing
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Prepare dressing recipe up to the point before baking.
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Transfer to a casserole or baking dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface.
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Wrap dish again in a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
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Label package with name and freeze date.
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Freeze for up to 3 months.
To Freeze Cooked Dressing
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Allow cooked dressing to fully cool after baking.
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Portion dressing into freezer bags or airtight containers in serving sizes, about 1-2 cups each.
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Remove as much air as possible and seal containers.
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Label each bag or container with name and freeze date.
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Freeze for up to 3 months.
Pro tip: Freeze dressing in muffin tins or ramekins first, then transfer to bags or containers once solidly frozen. This allows for individual portions.
How to Cook Frozen Turkey Dressing
Cooking previously frozen turkey dressing is simple.
For uncooked frozen dressing:
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Keep dressing in original baking dish, removing any plastic wrap.
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Bake straight from frozen at 350°F until hot and browned, about 1 hour.
For cooked frozen dressing:
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Thaw dressing overnight in the refrigerator.
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Transfer to a casserole dish and add a splash of broth or apple juice.
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Cover and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
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Remove cover and bake 10 more minutes to brown the top.
Cook to an internal temperature of 165°F. Add extra time if freezing in large portions.
Tips for the Best Freezer Dressing
Follow these tips for delicious dressing after freezing:
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Allow dressing to fully cool before freezing.
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Portion into smaller containers or bags rather than freezing one large block.
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Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn.
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Label packages with name and date.
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Don’t freeze dressing stuffing inside the turkey.
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Use within 3 months for best quality and taste.
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Add a splash of broth or juice before reheating to restore moisture.
The Benefits of Freezing Turkey Dressing
Freezing dressing offers several advantages:
Saves time – Make uncooked dressing ahead of Thanksgiving for less work on the big day.
Preserves leftovers – Enjoy dressing for weeks after without waste.
Provides portions – Individual portions thaw and reheat quicker.
Saves money – Reduce food waste by freezing extras.
Frequently Asked Questions About Freezing Dressing
Here are answers to some common questions about freezing turkey dressing:
How long does cooked dressing last in the freezer?
Up to 3 months. Eat sooner rather than later for best quality.
Can you freeze and reheat dressing twice?
It’s best to only freeze and reheat dressing one time. The texture tends to degrade with multiple freezings.
Does wet or dry dressing freeze better?
Wet and dense dressings with lots of stock or eggs tend to freeze a bit better than very dry bread dressings.
Should you thaw or cook frozen dressing directly?
You can bake uncooked frozen dressing straight from the freezer. But thaw cooked dressing first for evenly thorough reheating.
Is freezer burned dressing safe to eat?
Yes, freezer burned areas are still safe, but the texture and taste suffer. Avoid this by wrapping tightly.
Can I freeze dressing inside the turkey?
No, only cook dressing stuffed in the turkey immediately. Don’t freeze raw dressing inside the cavity.
Enjoy Delicious Dressing with Easy Freezing
With proper freezing methods, you can enjoy turkey dressing just like it was made fresh for weeks after Thanksgiving. Divide into smaller portions before freezing for quick and easy reheating later on. Label packages and use within 3 months for the best results.
With these simple tips on freezing, you can save time on Thanksgiving prep and reduce waste of delicious leftovers. Now you know exactly how to freeze dressing before or after cooking so you can enjoy this favorite side dish all season long!
Should you freeze stuffing before or after baking?
The good news is that you can freeze stuffing either before and after cooking! It all just depends on your preferences.
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If you want to prepare your stuffing in advance of Thanksgiving, freezing it uncooked will ensure it stays nice and moist. Simply follow the steps of your stuffing recipe, but before baking it, wrap the baking dish in plastic wrap first, then aluminum foil to make it air tight. Store in the freezer until youre ready to bake. When youre ready to reheat, just pop the stuffing straight in the oven (no need to thaw).