How Long Can You Freeze a Fresh Turkey?

The holidays are a time for enjoying delicious meals with family and friends. For many, the star of the table is a roasted turkey. If you plan to serve turkey this holiday season, you may be wondering – how long can I freeze a fresh turkey to make sure it stays safe and tasty?

Freezing a turkey allows you to take advantage of great sales or bulk discounts and lock in your bird for the big day. But there are some guidelines to follow for proper freezing and storage. Read on for tips on freezing turkey and how long a fresh bird will last in the freezer.

Should You Freeze a Fresh Turkey?

Freezing a fresh turkey has several advantages:

• You can buy turkeys when they go on sale leading up to the holidays. Stock up if you find a great bulk discount.

• It allows you to roast your turkey ahead of time. Thaw, cook, carve and freeze slices or portions to simply reheat later.

• Leftover cooked turkey keeps longer in the freezer vs. refrigerator. Freeze within 3-4 days.

• You can prep side dishes or recipes using turkey ahead of time and freeze.

• Allows more flexibility if plans change or you need to reschedule your holiday meal.

There are also a few potential drawbacks to freezing whole raw turkeys:

• Requires large amounts of freezer space for thebirds. A freezer without room may mean defrosting something else first.

• Can lead to freezer burn if not properly sealed. Use freezer bags and remove air.

• May result in drier texture. Thaw carefully in fridge to minimize moisture loss.

• Needs to be thawed safely before cooking. Plan ahead so it’s fully defrosted in time.

How to Safely Freeze a Fresh Turkey

Follow these steps for properly freezing a fresh whole turkey:

• Make sure turkey is not expired. Check the “sell by” or “use by” date on package.

• Place turkey in a freezer bag, pressing out all excess air. This prevents freezer burn which dries out meat.

• Seal bag tightly. Consider double bagging for extra protection.

• Label bag with contents, amount, and freeze date. Include thaw date/use by date.

• Freeze immediately at 0°F or below. Use coldest part of freezer.

• Avoid overstuffing freezer. Air needs to circulate freely for optimal freezing.

• Store turkey on a tray or pan to keep flat shape. Makes defrosting easier.

How Long Does a Frozen Turkey Last?

A whole frozen turkey that was properly packaged can safely stay frozen for a full year without quality loss. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends using frozen turkeys within one year for optimal freshness and taste.

For the highest quality bird, most experts recommend using frozen turkeys within 9 months. Cook within 3-4 months for best moistness. After 6 months, texture and flavor may start to decline.

If keeping frozen turkey longer than 12 months, it’s especially important to seal bags very tightly with all air pressed out. This prevents unwanted freezer burn.

Defrosting Your Frozen Turkey

Turkeys need ample time to fully thaw before cooking. Here are safe ways to defrost your frozen bird:

• Place in refrigerator 2-3 days before cooking (24 hours per 4-5 lbs).

• Submerge sealed turkey in cold water, changing water every 30 minutes. About 30 minutes per pound.

• Defrost in microwave if cooking immediately. Follow oven manufacturer guidelines.

Do not leave turkey at room temperature over 2 hours while thawing. Bacteria multiply rapidly above 40°F. Defrost in the fridge for a slow, safe thaw.

Check turkey often while defrosting. Once defrosted, cook within 2 days. If not cooking immediately, place back in fridge.

For full food safety guidance, see the USDA’s recommendations on handling and cooking turkey. Follow proper protocols when thawing, preparing, and storing turkey to protect you and your guests.

Cook Your Turkey ASAP After Thawing

Once thawed, it’s best to cook your turkey right away for food safety. USDA guidelines recommend cooking thawed turkey within 1-2 days.

If you thawed your turkey but plans changed, you have a couple options:

• Cook it anyway then refrigerate just the carved meat portions you plan to eat within 3-4 days. Freeze the rest.

• Immediately refreeze the turkey if it was thawed in the refrigerator and hasn’t been left out over 2 hours.

Never refreeze turkey meat that was left at room temperature for over 2 hours after thawing. This allows harmful bacteria like salmonella to multiply to dangerous levels.

Freezing Cooked Turkey

Cooked turkey will last 3-4 days refrigerated. But you can extend the shelf life by freezing leftovers or prepared dishes. Here are some tips:

• Let turkey cool completely before freezing to prevent moisture loss.

• Portion into small airtough containers or bags. Remove air to prevent freezer burn.

• Use freezer-safe wraps like aluminum foil or plastic to line containers if needed.

• Label bags with contents and freeze date. Sharpie on foil works.

• Freeze within 3-4 days of cooking for maximum freshness and quality.

• Frozen cooked turkey pieces last 4-6 months. Whole cooked turkeys can be frozen up to a year.

You Can Safely Freeze Turkey for the Holidays

Freezing a fresh turkey allows you to get ahead on holiday meal prep. By following proper storage guidelines, you can safely freeze turkey for up to one year and defrost it when you’re ready to roast. Monitor your thawed turkey closely and cook it soon after defrosting for the best results. With some planning, your frozen turkey can become the delicious centerpiece of your festive feast.