It’s a bold statement to be sure, but I stand by it: these are the best Turkey Burgers you’ll ever make! Perfectly seasoned and oh-so-juicy, they’re a healthier choice that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
Turkey burgers have become an increasingly popular alternative to traditional beef burgers. Not only are they leaner and healthier, but they are also versatile and easy to prepare. If you find yourself with leftover turkey burgers, you may be wondering if you can freeze them for later use. The good news is, yes you can definitely freeze turkey burgers!
In this complete guide, I’ll provide tips on how to properly freeze turkey burgers to maintain quality and freshness I’ll also share advice on how long they last in the freezer, how to thaw them, and how to cook frozen turkey burgers Follow these simple instructions for enjoying delicious turkey burgers even when they’re frozen.
Can You Freeze Raw or Cooked Turkey Burgers?
Both raw and cooked turkey burgers can be frozen successfully. However there are a few differences to keep in mind
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Raw turkey burgers – These maintain quality in the freezer better. Freeze raw patties in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to airtight bags.
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Cooked turkey burgers – While you can freeze fully cooked patties, they tend to dry out more when reheated. It’s best to undercook them slightly before freezing.
Either way, turkey burgers freeze well for 2-3 months when properly stored. Make sure raw or cooked patties are completely cooled before freezing. Flash freezing first prevents them from sticking together.
How to Freeze Turkey Burgers
Follow these simple steps for freezing turkey burgers perfectly:
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Shape ground turkey into patties of desired thickness. Season as desired.
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Arrange in single layer on wax paper-lined baking sheet. Freeze until hard, about 1-2 hours.
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Once frozen, wrap each patty tightly in plastic wrap or foil. This prevents freezer burn.
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Place wrapped patties in freezer bag or airtight container, removing excess air. Label with date.
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Freeze for up to 2-3 months at 0°F or below. Place in coldest section of freezer for longest freshness.
Tips for Freezing Turkey Burgers
Keep these tips in mind when freezing turkey burgers:
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Avoid overhandling the meat when shaping patties to prevent a dense texture.
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Freeze uncooked patties when possible for best flavor, texture, and juiciness.
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Use freezer-safe wrap like plastic wrap or foil to prevent freezer burn.
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Fill the freezer bag with as little air as possible and seal tightly.
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Flash freeze on a baking sheet first so patties don’t stick together.
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Defrost in fridge overnight before cooking for food safety.
Following these best practices will result in turkey burgers that taste freshly-made when cooked!
How Long Do Turkey Burgers Last in the Freezer?
When stored properly at 0°F, frozen turkey burgers will maintain optimal quality and flavor for 2-3 months.
For best quality and taste, cook frozen turkey burgers within 2 months. Frozen burgers lasting longer than 4 months are likely to suffer more moisture loss and freezer burn.
Portioning patties and freezing them flat helps them last as long as possible in the freezer. Minimize exposure to air during freezing and storage.
How to Thaw Frozen Turkey Burgers
Always thaw frozen turkey burgers slowly and safely in the refrigerator overnight.
Leave them wrapped in the fridge for 24 hours before cooking so they thaw completely. Avoid thawing at room temperature or in the microwave as this can lead to bacterial growth.
Once thawed, cook as you normally would. Turkey burgers can go straight from fridge to grill or pan. They don’t necessarily need to sit out and come fully to room temp before cooking.
Cooking Frozen Turkey Burgers
While you can technically cook frozen turkey burgers straight from the freezer, it is not recommended. Frozen centers take longer to cook, resulting in dry, overcooked exteriors.
For food safety, turkey burgers must reach an internal temperature of 165°F. This is difficult if cooking completely frozen patties.
Always thaw frozen turkey burgers in the refrigerator before cooking. This allows them to cook evenly throughout.
Can You Refreeze Thawed Turkey Burgers?
Once turkey burgers are thawed, it is unsafe to refreeze them. Refreezing can introduce bacteria and lead to foodborne illness.
Only refreeze turkey burgers if they are still partially frozen or have been thawed in the fridge for less than 2 days. Even then, quality will decrease with each freeze-thaw cycle.
For best taste and food safety, cook thawed turkey burgers within 1-2 days. Don’t refreeze.
Freezing Turkey Burger Mix
Instead of shaping patties, you can also freeze raw ground turkey before forming burgers. Measure it into usable portions and flatten in freezer bags. Remove air and seal.
Thaw turkey burger mix in fridge before shaping into patties. This saves time prepping individual burgers for the freezer.
You can also add binders or seasonings to raw turkey before freezing. Just be sure to mix them in thoroughly so flavors distribute when shaping patties later.
Storing Cooked Turkey Burgers
Leftover cooked turkey burgers stored properly in the fridge will last 3-4 days. Tightly wrap patties or place in airtight container.
For longer freezer storage, wrap cooked patties in foil or plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. Place in freezer bags or containers.
Cooked turkey burgers can be frozen for 2-3 months at 0°F. Reheat fully to 165°F before serving.
Freezing Turkey Burgers with Toppings
It’s best to freeze plain turkey burger patties without buns or toppings. Bread products don’t freeze well.
You can top cooked burgers with cheese, lettuce, tomato, etc. after reheating. For food safety, don’t let perishable toppings sit out over 2 hours.
If freezing burgers already dressed, add toppings after fully reheating. Never consume turkey burgers without fully cooking to safe internal temperature.
Freezing Homemade Turkey Burgers
You can absolutely freeze homemade turkey burgers! Shape patties and flash freeze on a baking sheet just like store-bought.
For best results when freezing homemade patties:
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Choose high-quality lean ground turkey. Too much fat can turn patties soggy.
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Mix in breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings thoroughly to bind and evenly distribute flavors.
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Avoid overworking the meat when shaping patties to prevent dense texture.
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Portion into 4-6 oz patties depending on desired size. Flatten to 3/4 – 1 inch thick.
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Freeze raw patties wrapped tightly in just 1-2 months for optimal freshness and moisture.
Can You Cook Frozen Turkey Burgers on the Grill?
It’s best not to put frozen turkey burgers directly on the grill. The high heat will likely burn the outside before the inside thaws.
Instead, thaw patties in the refrigerator first. You can then grill frozen turkey burgers for delicious flavor.
Cook over medium heat flipping once, until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Baste with barbecue sauce during last few minutes if desired.
Grill thawed turkey burgers uncovered for best results. Frozen patties run the risk of foodborne illness on the grill.
Freezing is an easy, convenient way to enjoy healthy turkey burgers anytime. Follow these tips for successfully freezing, thawing, and cooking turkey burgers while maintaining safety and freshness. With proper freezer storage, you can keep frozen turkey burgers on hand for fast weeknight meals or summer grilling.
Dietary Note
Need to make your burgers gluten free? Gluten-free panko is great for these turkey burgers, or you can use certified gluten-free rolled oats.
1. Mix. Combine the turkey with the panko and seasonings in a mixing bowl.
2. Add the Egg. Use a fork to mix all of the ingredients together.
3. Prepare. Preheat the oil in a cast iron skillet and shape the turkey mixture into patties.
4. Finish. Cook the turkey burgers in the skillet, add the cheese, and assemble on buns with your choice of toppings. ENJOY!
- Chicken Burgers. Ground chicken has a lot of the same issues as ground turkey when it comes to making burgers—which means this recipe is also great for making juicy, flavorful chicken burger patties!
- Juicy Lucy Turkey Burgers. Make 8 thin turkey patties; top 4 of them with a slice of cheese, then place the other 4 patties on top, sandwiching the cheese in the middle. Pinch the edges together to seal them and cook as instructed.
- Onion-y Turkey Burgers. Finely chop half a yellow onion, cook it with a splash of oil in your skillet until it’s nicely browned, and fold this into the ground turkey mixture. Top with Quick Pickled Red Onions.
- BBQ Bacon Burgers. Top burgers with Baked Bacon or Air Fryer Bacon and Barbecue Sauce.
- Mushroom Swiss Burgers. Top with Swiss cheese and Sautéed Mushrooms.
Crumble up leftover turkey burger patties and add them to marinara for a meaty pasta sauce, or use them in other recipes where you’d normally use browned ground beef or turkey like Taco Pasta or Italian Stuffed Peppers.
What to Serve With Turkey Burgers
How To Cook A Frozen Turkey Burger
FAQ
Can you freeze already cooked turkey burgers?
Should turkey burgers be cooked frozen?
How long do turkey burgers keep in the fridge?
Does ground turkey freeze well?