Smoked turkey is a holiday favorite for many, prized for its delicious smoky flavor and tender, juicy meat. But when you have leftovers after the big meal, can you safely refreeze smoked turkey? Or if you bought too much smoked turkey ahead of time, is it okay to pop it back in the freezer after thawing it out?
These are common questions for those who enjoy smoked turkey. The good news is that yes you can refreeze smoked turkey, as long as you follow some important guidelines to do so safely. In this complete guide we’ll cover everything you need to know about refreezing smoked turkey, including
- Benefits of Freezing Smoked Turkey
- Safety Tips for Refreezing Smoked Turkey
- Proper Thawing and Handling
- How Long It Can Be Frozen
- Effect on Texture and Taste
- Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Plus we’ll share plenty of tips and advice for making the most of your leftover smoked turkey even without refreezing, and how to spot signs that it has gone bad. Let’s get started!
Benefits of Freezing Smoked Turkey
Freezing smoked turkey offers several advantages:
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Preserves Freshness: Freezing slows down the chemical reactions that cause food to spoil. At 0°F frozen foods remain safe almost indefinitely.
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Saves Money Buying turkey in bulk when on sale, then freezing portions saves money No need to throw out uneaten leftovers either
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Adds Convenience: Frozen smoked turkey is ready to thaw and eat whenever you want a quick meal. It also makes holiday cooking less hectic.
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Allows Long-Term Storage: Frozen smoked turkey lasts for 3-6 months when properly stored, letting you stock up ahead of time.
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Maintains Quality: Correct freezing preserves the flavor, moisture and texture of smoked turkey.
Safety Tips for Refreezing Smoked Turkey
While refreezing smoked turkey is safe when done properly, there are some important guidelines to follow:
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Freeze it Quickly: Freeze smoked turkey as soon as possible after thawing or first freezing. Don’t leave it sitting out.
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Package Properly: Use air-tight, moisture-proof wrapping to prevent freezer burn. Consider portioning into smaller servings.
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Don’t Exceed Time Limits: Store frozen smoked turkey for no more than 3-6 months at 0°F. Discard if freezer burn is present.
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Monitor Temperature: Use a reliable freezer that maintains a consistent temperature under 0°F.
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Avoid Multiple Thaws: Refreezing smoked turkey that has been thawed and refrozen multiple times increases safety risks.
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Check for Signs of Spoilage: Do not refreeze smoked turkey if it has an off smell, appearance or texture. When in doubt, throw it out.
Following these tips will help make sure refrozen smoked turkey stays fresh and safe to eat.
Proper Thawing and Handling
Thawing and handling smoked turkey properly is also key before refreezing:
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Thaw in Refrigerator: Thaw smoked turkey slowly in the fridge, allowing 24 hours for every 5 pounds. Do not thaw at room temperature.
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Cook Thoroughly: Always cook smoked turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F before freezing or refreezing.
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Use Within Recommended Time: Store thawed smoked turkey in the fridge for no more than 2 days before refreezing.
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Avoid Contamination: Be careful to prevent cross-contamination when handling raw turkey. Never refreeze turkey with signs of spoilage.
Taking these precautions reduces the risk of dangerous bacterial growth. It also helps maintain the quality of the smoked turkey if it is refrozen.
How Long Can Smoked Turkey Be Frozen?
With proper packaging and temperature maintenance, smoked turkey that has been continuously frozen can safely stay frozen for the following time periods:
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Raw Whole Turkey: 1 year
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Raw Turkey Parts: 9 months
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Cooked Turkey: 3-4 months
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Commercial Smoked Turkey: 1-3 months
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Home Smoked Turkey: 2-3 months
The freezer storage time is shortened once turkey has been thawed. Refrozen smoked turkey should be used within 2-3 months for best quality.
Effect of Refreezing on Texture and Taste
Refreezing smoked turkey may lead to some minor changes in texture and flavor:
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The meat can become slightly drier or stringier after thawing.
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Repeated freezing makes the turkey more likely to turn mushy when cooked.
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The smoky taste may diminish somewhat compared to fresh smoked turkey.
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A very light freezer burned taste can develop after long storage.
However, if properly packaged and thawed, refrozen smoked turkey is still quite tasty. The changes are subtle compared to never-frozen turkey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some other common questions about refreezing smoked turkey:
Can you refreeze smoked turkey after cooking?
Yes, cooked smoked turkey can be refrozen, but should be used within 3-4 months for best quality. Let it cool fully before freezing.
Can smoked turkey be refrozen after being thawed in the microwave?
Microwave thawing is not recommended if you want to refreeze smoked turkey, as it can start cooking the meat. Refrigerator thawing is best.
Is it safe to refreeze turkey if power was lost temporarily?
Turkey that partially thawed then refroze when the power came back on can be safely refrozen if it never got warmer than 40°F.
Can you refreeze smoked turkey slices or pieces?
Yes, it is safe to refreeze smoked turkey slices, cutlets, pieces, etc. Package them separately before freezing.
Can you refreeze turkey burgers or turkey sausage?
Pre-cooked turkey burgers or sausage can be refrozen. It’s not recommended to refreeze raw ground turkey mixes after thawing.
How can you tell if refrozen smoked turkey has gone bad?
Signs that refrozen turkey has spoiled include an unpleasant or sour odor, sticky or slimy texture, or unusual coloration. Play it safe and throw it away if in doubt.
Tips for Enjoying Leftover Smoked Turkey
Even without refreezing, there are plenty of tasty ways to use up smoked turkey leftovers:
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Combine with BBQ sauce for sandwiches or pizza topping.
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Use in lieu of rotisserie chicken in soups, salads and wraps.
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Stir diced turkey into rice, pasta or vegetable dishes.
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layer turkey with cheese and veggies for quick nachos.
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Crumble into omelets, frittatas or breakfast burritos.
With proper freezing and thawing techniques, smoked turkey can be safely refrozen. But whether you refreeze it or use it up right away, leftover smoked turkey makes for quick, delicious meals all holiday season and beyond!
Freezer-Safe Packaging
While you can certainly wrap up the whole bird, bones and all, for the freezer, its better to divide the turkey into meal-size servings before you put it in the freezer. This will make it easier to use. Instead of having to thaw out the whole turkey, youll be able to grab just what you need. This technique will also save a lot of space in your freezer.
Be sure to wrap your turkey thoroughly so it doesnt become freezer-burned prematurely. Package it in a freezer bag or freezer paper to keep it sufficiently protected.
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When to Refreeze
Cooked or uncooked turkey can safely be refrozen, as long as you refreeze it within three days of thawing. You should only refreeze turkey if its been handled properly at every step along the way. According to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, that means it needs to have been thawed in the refrigerator and it cant have been left out at room temperature for more than two hours at any time. Turkey that has been thawed on the counter or left out for long periods shouldnt be refrozen. In fact, it shouldnt be eaten at all. Its better to waste food than to risk your health by eating something that may no longer be safe to eat.
Note that the turkey may be slightly drier when do finally defrost and cook it. Each time you heat it up, you lose a little more moisture. Just add a bit of gravy or your condiment of choice, and itll be just as good as it was the first time.