If you’re looking to extend the life of some turkey you’ve stocked up on, you might be wondering: how long does turkey last in the fridge, and how long does turkey last in the freezer? Read on to learn the basics of storing turkey for later use.
The holidays often mean leftover turkey, whether from a whole roasted bird or just the breast. But how long does cooked turkey last in the refrigerator? Properly storing leftovers ensures safety and preserves texture and flavor
As a lover of turkey sandwiches and casseroles I’ve researched storage times to enjoy my leftovers as long as possible. Here’s what I found on fridge times for cooked turkey.
USDA Recommendations
The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service recommends consuming refrigerated leftovers within 3 to 4 days. This applies to cooked turkey and other poultry like chicken.
After 4 days, bacteria can multiply to unsafe levels. While refrigeration slows growth, it doesn’t completely stop it. Keep the fridge at 40°F or below to maximize storage time.
Factors Affecting Duration
How long turkey stays fresh depends on several factors:
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Preparation – Whole birds keep longer than pieces. Remove stuffing and store separately.
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Quantity – Small portions chill faster than large amounts. Divide meat into smaller containers.
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Temperature – Consistent fridge coldness is key. Don’t open the door frequently.
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Packaging – Air-tight storage prevents drying out. Use containers or resealable bags.
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Handling – Clean utensils and hands avoid contamination. Don’t touch meat unnecessarily.
Signs of Spoilage
Rely on your senses to determine if turkey is past its prime:
- Unpleasant odors or sliminess
- Discoloration or dry, tacky texture
- Mold growth
When in doubt, throw it out! Don’t taste questionable turkey.
Storage Tips
Follow these tips for safely storing leftovers:
- Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.
- Allow turkey to cool before refrigerating.
- Use shallow containers for quick chilling.
- Remove stuffing and store separately.
- Wrap tightly or use airtight containers.
- Label with date and contents.
- Place newer leftovers behind older ones.
- Avoid overcrowding the fridge.
Freezing For Long-Term
For enjoying turkey longer than 3-4 days, freeze it. Portion meat into recipes beforehand like casseroles, soups, etc. Or freeze in usable amounts for later use.
The USDA says frozen turkey maintains quality for 3-4 months. Although safe indefinitely when frozen, quality can diminish over longer storage:
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Freezer burn develops from air exposure. Use airtight packaging.
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Flavor dulls due to moisture loss. Wrapping tightly prevents this.
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Texture toughens if frozen too long. Use within 4 months for best texture.
Thawing Frozen Turkey
Always thaw frozen turkey in the refrigerator, not on the counter. This safer method takes about 24 hours per 5 pounds.
For quicker thawing, place turkey in a leakproof bag and submerge in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes. Cook immediately after thawing.
Enjoying Leftovers
Beyond sandwiches, get creative with leftover turkey. Try these tasty options:
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Stir into pasta, rice dishes or ramen.
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Make turkey pot pie, enchiladas, pizza or empanadas.
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Toss with mayo, cranberries, pecans for salad.
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Simmer in soups, chilis or stews.
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Dice for omelets, breakfast hash or fried rice.
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Layer on flatbread with pesto, veggies and cheese.
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Grill or pan-fry slices for quick tacos or wraps.
The Takeaway
Follow the 3-4 day guideline for enjoying fresh, flavorful leftover turkey. Freeze additional amounts for extending storage. With proper refrigeration and freezing, you can continue savoring your holiday bird for weeks after!
Storing Turkey in the Fridge
Unsure of the best process for storing turkey in the fridge? Don’t worry — it’s pretty simple! Raw pieces of turkey can be wrapped in Glad® Press’n Seal®, then stored in an airtight bag like Glad® FLEXN SEAL™ Food Storage Quart Bags. Sliced cold cuts can be stored in a food storage bag, with any extra air squeezed out before it’s sealed. Be sure to wash your hands before and after handling turkey, especially if it’s raw.
If properly stored, raw turkey can last in the fridge for 1–2 days, while cold cuts last up to 5 days. How long does cooked turkey last in the fridge? If you have leftovers that include cooked turkey, you can expect those to last in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
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Freezing Cooked Turkey and Raw Turkey
If you have enough turkey leftovers to last more than a few days, you might want to consider freezing cooked turkey instead of refrigerating it. The same is true if you’re stocked up on raw turkey that you don’t plan to cook right away. Luckily, the process for storing turkey in the freezer — whether it’s cooked or raw — is really simple.
Create an airtight seal around each individual piece of turkey using Glad® Press’n Seal®, then put them into an airtight bag, such as Glad® FLEXN SEAL™ Freezer Quart Bags, making sure to squeeze out any extra air before sealing. If you’re freezing a whole turkey, just wrap your bird in several layers of Glad® Clingn Seal™ or Glad® Press’n Seal®. In both cases, you’ll want to store the turkey in the deepest part of the freezer. When properly stored, raw turkey pieces should stay good in the freezer for up to 9 months, while whole raw turkeys last for a year when frozen. Cooked turkey pieces last in the freezer for 4–6 months.
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Per the USDA’s guidelines, you should never thaw frozen turkey on the counter or in hot water, nor should you leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
The best way to thaw turkey (whole or in pieces) is to move the frozen package from the freezer onto a plate and into the fridge, and then let it thaw gradually. Depending on the size of what you’re thawing, this method can take a full day. If raw frozen turkey is thawed in the refrigerator, the defrosted turkey can last in the fridge for 1–2 days before it needs to be cooked or refrozen.
If you’re in a hurry to thaw your turkey, there’s a faster method you can use. Ensure the turkey is in an airtight bag — like Glad® FLEXN SEAL™ Food Storage Quart Bags — then submerge it in cold tap water, changing the water every 30 minutes so it continues to thaw. You can also thaw frozen turkey pieces in the microwave, but if you want to use that method, you should plan to cook it immediately after thawing to prevent bacteria from growing.
You can learn more about how to store meat and how long meat can last in the fridge or freezer with our meat storing tips.
For safe meat preparation, reference the USDA website.
How long is leftover turkey good for in the fridge?
FAQ
Is turkey still good after 6 days in fridge?
Can I keep a fresh turkey in the fridge for a week?
How long can raw turkey meat stay in the fridge?
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Food
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Type
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Refrigerator [40°F (4°C) or below]
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Fresh poultry
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Chicken or turkey, whole
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1 to 2 days
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Chicken or turkey, pieces
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1 to 2 days
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Fin Fish
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Fatty Fish (bluefish, catfish, mackerel, mullet, salmon, tuna, etc.)
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1 – 3 Days
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Lean Fish (cod, flounder, haddock, halibut, sole, etc.)
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How do you tell if a turkey has gone bad?
How long can you keep a thawed Turkey in the fridge?
A fully thawed turkey can keep in the fridge for up to two days. To thaw frozen turkey, transfer it from the freezer to the fridge several days before cooking it to allow for sufficient thawing time. After thawing frozen turkey, keep it refrigerated at a temperature of 40°F or below and use it within two days to ensure optimal freshness and safety.
How long does a cooked turkey last in the fridge?
When stored in the refrigerator, turkey does not last as long. Snyder points to the USDA FoodKeeper app for best guidance: The tool notes that refrigerated, cooked turkey should be eaten within 4 days. Eat frozen turkey leftovers within 6 months for premier quality.
How long can you keep leftover Turkey?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that your leftover turkey should be sliced or divided into small quantities and stored within 2 hours. This allows for the leftovers to cool quickly and evenly in the refrigerator and freezer. Be aware of any signs that your turkey is past its prime.
Can you freeze cooked turkey?
Yes, you can freeze leftover turkey. The USDA states that turkey can be frozen for three to four months. “Although safe indefinitely, frozen leftovers can lose moisture and flavor when stored for longer times in the freezer,” the USDA website states . How Long Is A Frozen Turkey Good For? Can Cooked Turkey Go Bad?