This is trick I learned one day when wondering what to do with the extra fat drippings I drain from roasting my turkey. Yes, I use some of the fat for making a roux, but I have learned to save all the seasoned fat drippings from my turkey. I dislike wasting anything.
Turkey drippings are the delicious pan juices left behind after roasting your holiday bird. Full of browned bits and rich turkey flavor, these drippings make an incredible base for gravies sauces, soups and more. But with a whole turkey yielding copious amounts of drippings you likely won’t use it all up at once. So can you freeze the leftovers?
The short answer is yes, you can freeze turkey drippings for later use. However, proper storage is key to retaining quality and avoiding waste. Follow these tips on how to freeze turkey drippings the right way.
Should You Freeze Turkey Drippings?
Freezing is an excellent way to preserve turkey drippings so the flavor isn’t lost. The freezing process itself does not negatively affect the taste or quality of the drippings. Frozen properly, they can keep for at least 6 months.
So if you have more drippings than you need for your first post-Thanksgiving meal freezing allows you to save them for future usage in
- Gravies
- Sauces
- Soups
- Savory pies
- Stuffings and dressings
- Casseroles
- Any dish needing a flavor boost!
How to Prepare Drippings for Freezing
Follow these steps for freezing turkey drippings correctly:
Strain the Drippings
After removing your roasted turkey from the pan, first strain the hot drippings through a fine mesh sieve. This removes any solid bits and pieces. Discard the solids.
Remove the Fat
If desired, you can remove some or all of the fat before freezing. Chill the strained drippings so the fat solidifies on top, then skim it off with a spoon. Reserve some fat if you’ll be making gravy.
Portion the Drippings
Once cooled and defatted, portion the drippings into freezer-safe containers. Ice cube trays work perfectly to freeze drippings in 1-2 tablespoon amounts. Leave headspace for expansion.
Label and Freeze
Note the contents and freeze date on your containers. Freeze for up to 6 months.
Handy Tips for Freezing Drippings
Follow these handy tips for best results freezing turkey drippings:
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Let drippings cool completely before freezing. Hot liquids can raise freezer temp.
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Use rigid airtight containers like jars or plastic containers instead of bags. Prevents freezer burn.
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For gravy, reserve some fat before freezing. Thaw drippings overnight before using.
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For convenience, freeze broth in ice cube trays, then transfer to bags. Grab a cube whenever needed.
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Mix drippings into pan sauces and gravies while still frozen. Thaws as it simmers.
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Avoid refreezing thawed drippings. This affects texture and flavor. Use within 3-4 days if thawed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can you freeze turkey drippings?
Properly stored in airtight containers, turkey drippings can be frozen for 6-8 months before quality slowly declines. They remain safe to use after that point but may suffer some flavor or texture changes.
Can you freeze turkey drippings with fat?
Yes, you can freeze drippings with the fat. However, chilling first makes it easier to remove some or all of the fat if desired. Some fat is good for gravy. Too much gives a greasy texture.
What happens if you freeze drippings hot?
Drippings should be cooled fully before freezing, ideally overnight in the fridge. Hot liquid causes a quick rise in freezer temperature that temporarily thaws other items.
Can you refreeze thawed turkey drippings?
It’s not recommended to refreeze thawed drippings. Refreezing causes texture and flavor changes. Use within 3-4 days if thawed and stored in the fridge.
What’s the best way to thaw frozen drippings?
For best results, plan ahead and thaw frozen drippings overnight in the refrigerator. Alternatively, place the frozen container in a bowl of warm water to thaw, changing the water when it cools.
Can you use frozen drippings to make gravy?
Absolutely! You can simply add frozen drippings right into your gravy or saucepan as you heat it up. The drippings will thaw and melt into the gravy as it simmers.
Get the Most From Your Turkey Drippings
With proper freezing and storage, you can capture the flavorful goodness of turkey drippings to enhance dishes for months after the big holiday meal. Follow these tips on how to freeze drippings correctly, and you’ll always have delicious turkey flavor on hand whenever you need it.
Ingredients For hint: what to do with the turkey dripping fat
- turkey fat you drain from your roasting pan
How To Make hint: what to do with the turkey dripping fat
- 1 When I roast a turkey I do it on a rack. Then I drain off the fat from the drippings and save the dripping fat in a container in the freezer.
- 2 The next time I make turkey, I rub the turkey dripping fat on the turkey instead of using butter or oil. Then I lightly season the turkey, because the turkey fat drippings already have seasonings in it.
- 3 Youll be amazed at the flavor it imparts to your turkey and how rich in flavor the gravy will be.
- 4 I have also used the turkey fat drippings to roast potatoes and carrots in…they come out nice and brown and seasoned with a wonderful flavor.
- Last Step: Dont forget to share! Make all your friends drool by posting a picture of your finished recipe on your favorite social network. And dont forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes so we can see it too!