As a busy home cook who loves making big holiday meals, I’m always looking for ways to save time and make leftovers last. One of my family’s favorite holiday dishes is Honey Baked ham turkey breast. It’s delicious warm out of the oven but I inevitably end up with lots of tasty turkey leftover after the meal. This led me to wonder – can you freeze honey baked ham turkey breast to extend its shelf life?
I did some research to find the answers on proper storage and use of leftovers. Here is a complete guide to freezing honey baked ham turkey breast.
Overview of Freezing Honey Baked Turkey
The good news is that yes, you can safely freeze leftover honey baked ham turkey breast Turkey can be frozen for 2-6 months according to USDA guidelines. However, freezing can impact texture and flavor over time Follow proper freezing methods to preserve quality.
Key tips for freezing honey baked turkey
-
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing
-
Portion into meal sizes to avoid thawing more than needed
-
Remove air and seal airtight in freezer bags or containers
-
Thaw slowly in the fridge before using
Step-By-Step Guide to Freezing
Follow these steps for freezing honey baked ham turkey breast:
1. Allow turkey to cool completely – Don’t freeze hot turkey right out of the oven. Let it cool to room temperature.
2. Portion turkey – Cut into smaller portions based on your intended use. Good sizes are 4 oz. for sandwiches or 8 oz. for entrees.
3. Wrap portions individually – Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then foil to prevent freezer burn.
4. Place in freezer bags/containers – Put wrapped portions in labeled freezer bags or airtight containers. Remove excess air.
5. Freeze immediately – Freeze turkey promptly at 0°F or below. Do not allow it to sit at room temperature.
6. Label containers – Label bags or containers with contents and freeze date so you know how long it’s been frozen.
Thawing & Reheating Honey Baked Turkey
To safely thaw and reheat frozen honey baked turkey:
-
Thaw slowly in the refrigerator over 24-48 hours. Do not thaw at room temperature.
-
Reheat thawed turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F. Use the oven or microwave.
-
Consume leftovers within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and flavor. Do not refreeze thawed turkey.
Using Frozen Turkey in Recipes
You can use frozen honey baked turkey breast in all sorts of delicious recipes:
-
Turkey salad sandwiches
-
Turkey casseroles
-
Soup with turkey meat
-
Turkey tetrazzini
-
Turkey pot pie
-
Turkey enchiladas
Be sure to thaw it properly in the refrigerator before using in recipes. You may need to increase seasoning to make up for flavor loss during freezing.
Pro Tips for Freezing Honey Baked Ham Turkey
Follow these expert tips for best results freezing honey baked turkey:
-
Double wrap turkey in plastic wrap and foil for max protection
-
Portion into meal-sized amounts before freezing to avoid waste
-
Vacuum seal for longest shelf life of up to 6 months
-
Freeze within 1-2 days of purchasing for optimal freshness
-
Store turkey bags flat in freezer to maximize space
-
Use freezer bags designed for long term freezing
-
Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles which degrade texture
-
Label bags clearly with contents and freeze date
How Long Does it Last in the Freezer?
Properly frozen honey baked turkey breast will maintain best quality for:
-
2-3 months in a home freezer at 0°F
-
4-6 months in a deep freezer below 0°F
-
6+ months vacuum sealed prior to freezing
For maximum shelf life and quality, use frozen turkey within these time frames. Discard if you notice signs of freezer burn.
The Verdict on Freezing Honey Baked Ham Turkey
Based on my research, freezing is an effective way to preserve leftover honey baked ham turkey breast. Following proper storage methods can help maintain quality and freshness for 2-6 months. Portioning turkey before freezing allows you to thaw only what you need for recipes. And with proper thawing and reheating, frozen honey baked turkey can be used in many delicious meals. I hope these freezing tips help you reduce waste and enjoy your holiday turkey throughout the season!
Meet The Ham Fam: Honey Baked Turkey Breast
FAQ
How long does a HoneyBaked Turkey Breast last in the refrigerator?
How to store HoneyBaked Turkey Breast?
Does Honey Baked Ham freeze well?
How do you reheat Turkey Breast from Honey Baked Ham?
Can honey baked ham turkey breast be frozen?
Honey baked ham turkey breast can be frozen for up to 2 months, according to USDA guidelines. However, it’s important to note that the quality of the meat may start to deteriorate after 6 weeks in the freezer. To ensure that your honey baked ham turkey breast stays fresh and delicious, it’s best to consume it within the first 6 weeks of freezing.
Is honey baked ham gluten free?
Yes, all the products from that brand, such as the hams, turkey breasts and whole turkeys are gluten-free. Always check the gluten-free logo in the products you choose.
Can You reheat a honey baked ham turkey breast?
Once the honey baked ham turkey breast is thawed, there are several ways to reheat it. The Honey Baked Ham Company recommends heating up slices of the turkey breast on low heat, rather than reheating the entire turkey breast at once. This will help prevent overcooking and drying out the meat.
Can you freeze Honey Baked Ham?
HoneyBaked Ham® and Turkey Breasts are best served directly from the refrigerator – simply thaw and they’re ready for the table. If you prefer your meat warmed, gently heat on low heat, only by the slice, not heating the entire ham or turkey breast. Heating may cause the meat to dry out and lose flavor. can you freeze Honey Baked Ham®?
