It doesnt matter how many unique side dishes you make, a festive holiday spread just isnt complete without the star of the show: the turkey. Whether you want to barbecue or fry the bird or go the traditional route with roasting, the recipe options are endless. The only caveat with cooking the holiday staple is that the process takes a lot of time and planning. How long does it take to defrost turkey? How do you thaw it? And how long can a thawed turkey stay in the fridge? Then the cooking questions start — how to prep turkey for roasting, how to get crispy turkey skin, etc.
Of these questions, some of the most essential are how to thaw turkey and how long thawed turkey can stay in the fridge. You need to build your cooking schedule around making sure your bird is defrosted early enough for it to get into the oven on time — but not so early that it sits in the fridge for longer than is safe. Also important is knowing how long cooked turkey can stay in the fridge, so you can plan your post-Thanksgiving leftover bonanza.
Wondering how long that leftover Butterball turkey will last in the fridge? With the holidays over, you may find yourself with bountiful leftovers and uncertainty around how long they will stay fresh and delicious. As a turkey lover myself, I’ve done extensive research to provide the definitive guide on Butterball turkey refrigerator shelf life
Overview
The short answer is that a thawed Butterball turkey will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator while a fresh uncooked turkey will last 1-2 days. Frozen Butterballs can last significantly longer at 4-6 months in the freezer. However, there are a few factors that determine just how long your turkey can stay fresh in the fridge or freezer.
In this article, I’ll cover everything you need to know, including:
- Optimal refrigerator temperature
- Proper storage methods
- Signs of spoilage
- Freezer shelf life
- Thawing tips
My goal is to arm you with the knowledge to safely store your Butterball turkey avoid waste, and enjoy delicious leftovers for days to come!
Optimal Refrigerator Temperature
The fridge temperature plays a critical role in food safety and how long your turkey will last. The ideal temperature range is 34-40°F. Butterball recommends keeping the fridge at 40°F or below. The closer to 34°F, the longer your turkey will stay fresh.
I recommend investing in an inexpensive refrigerator thermometer. This allows you to easily monitor the temperature and make adjustments as needed. The back of the fridge, away from the door, provides the coldest zone for turkey storage.
Proper Storage Methods
Safe storage is also essential for maximizing shelf life. Here are some tips:
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, ensuring no air pockets. This prevents drying out.
- Use airtight containers for cut turkey pieces or leftovers. This retains moisture and contains odors.
- Never store at room temperature more than 2 hours. Bacteria grows rapidly above 40°F.
- Use oldest leftovers first and keep track of storage dates. Follow “first in, first out” protocol.
- Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw turkey separate from cooked. Store raw turkey on bottom shelf.
Following proper storage methods allows you to safely extend Butterball turkey fridge life.
Signs of Spoilage
Despite best efforts, turkey won’t last forever. Be on the lookout for the following signs of spoilage:
- Slimy texture or sticky, tacky feel
- Grayish color or unnatural hues
- Off odors described as sour, rancid, or rotten
- Mold growth – fungi and black/green spots
- Discharge or slime on raw turkey
If you notice any of these cues, it’s time to say goodbye to the turkey. Don’t risk getting sick by eating spoiled turkey. Remember, “When in doubt, throw it out.”
Freezer Shelf Life
For longer term storage, the freezer is your friend. A whole frozen Butterball turkey can last 4-6 months in the freezer at 0°F. Turkey pieces or leftovers can keep for 3-4 months.
Follow these tips for freezing success:
- Double wrap turkey in plastic wrap and foil. Exclude air and moisture.
- Use freezer-safe, airtight containers for leftovers. Leave 1⁄2 inch headspace.
- Label bags and containers with contents and dates. Track freeze times.
- Avoid freezer burn by limiting air exposure. Use oldest turkey first.
With proper freezing techniques, you can enjoy delicious Butterball turkey for months.
Thawing Tips
Frozen Butterball turkeys require thawing prior to cooking. Here are some safe methods:
- Refrigerator: Allow 24 hours for every 4-5 lbs. Place on tray to catch drips.
- Cold water: Submerge sealed turkey and change water every 30 mins. Approx. 30 mins per lb.
- Microwave: Follow manufacturer recommendations for partial thawing. Use immediately.
Avoid thawing at room temperature. Pathogens can multiply rapidly in the “danger zone” between 40-140°F.
For the freshest flavor, cook thawed turkey within 1-2 days. You can safely refreeze thawed turkey if uncooked, but quality may decline slightly.
The Takeaway
With proper refrigerator temperatures, storage methods, freezing protocols and thawing techniques, you can safely keep Butterball turkey on hand for meals and leftovers. Follow the guidelines above as a tasty turkey reference.
The next time you’re left wondering “how long is this turkey still good?”, consult this handy guide. I hope these tips help you reduce waste, cut costs and enjoy your Butterball’s fantastic flavor for maximum days. Just remember to trust your senses to determine when it’s time to toss out turkeys past their prime. Happy leftover eating!
How Long Can a Frozen or Thawed Turkey Stay In the Fridge?
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends defrosting turkey in the refrigerator at 40°F or below for several days before you plan on cooking it. Thawing a turkey takes about one day per four pounds of turkey, Amidor says, which means a smaller 12-pound turkey will take three days, whereas the largest turkey of 20-24 pounds can take up to six days to defrost. (Butterball has a handy calculator that can tell you exactly how long youll need to thaw your bird. And if you dont have that much time, heres how to defrost turkey more quickly.)
Once its thawed, the turkey can stay in the refrigerator for an additional two days before it needs to be cooked, Amidor says.
So, for example, if youre cooking a 20-24-pound bird, you need to stick it in the fridge to thaw at least six days before youll be eating it (so it has time to fully thaw), and no more than eight days before youll be eating it (to stay within that two-day window). For a 12-pound turkey, youll want to put it in the fridge for a minimum of three days and a maximum of five.
When youre ready to thaw, keep the turkey in its plastic wrap and place it on a rimmed sheet tray or roasting pan to keep any juices from making a mess in your fridge. Put it in the coldest part of your fridge to defrost, or better yet, store it in a spare fridge that isnt opened often. And “if you thaw the turkey in the refrigerator and choose not to cook it, you can refreeze it without cooking, but there will be some loss of quality,” Amidor says.
FAQ
How long can an uncooked Butterball turkey stay in the refrigerator?
Can I keep a fresh turkey in the fridge for a week?
How long can you keep a precooked turkey in the refrigerator?
How long can you keep turkey in the fridge before cooking?
How long can you keep a thawed Butterball turkey in the fridge?
You can keep a thawed, uncooked turkey in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days before cooking. If you purchase a fresh (not frozen) turkey, be sure to use it before the date on the label. Also, how do you store a fresh Butterball turkey? Storing: Fresh turkey should be refrigerated at 35 degrees – 40 degrees F. The lower temperature is preferred.
How do you store a Butterball turkey?
To store a Butterball turkey in the refrigerator, follow these steps: 1. Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey. The giblets and neck can be stored in a separate container in the refrigerator for up to two days. 2. Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water. Be sure to remove any visible dirt or debris. 3.
How long does a Butterball turkey last?
* Temperature: The ideal temperature for storing a Butterball turkey is 40 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature, the turkey will stay fresh for up to two weeks. If the temperature is higher, the turkey will spoil more quickly. * Moisture: The turkey should be stored in a covered container to prevent it from drying out.
Can you freeze a Butterball turkey?
If you are not planning on cooking the turkey within two weeks, you can freeze it instead. To freeze a Butterball turkey, follow these steps: 1. Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey. The giblets and neck can be stored in a separate container in the freezer for up to two months. 2. Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water.