How Long Can You Keep Frozen Turkey?

For many families a frozen turkey is a staple during the holidays. Whether you picked one up at the grocery store weeks in advance or froze leftover turkey yourself, having a frozen bird on hand makes planning holiday meals easy. But how long can you safely store a frozen turkey before cooking and eating it?

Frozen Turkey Can Last Over a Year

The good news is that frozen turkey can actually be stored in the freezer for quite a long time. According to the USDA, commercially frozen and properly stored turkeys will remain safe indefinitely.

However, for optimal flavor and texture, it’s best to cook frozen turkeys within a year. The Butterball Turkey Talk Line recommends using frozen turkeys within 1-2 years for the highest quality.

So if you stock up on frozen turkeys while they’re on sale before Thanksgiving, you should have no qualms about using them for Thanksgiving next year. Just make sure to store them properly

Proper Storage Is Critical

To get the full freezer life out of your frozen turkey, proper storage is critical. Here are some tips:

• Keep frozen turkeys in a freezer set at 0°F or below. Most frost-free home freezers will maintain this temperature.

• Make sure turkeys are stored tightly wrapped to prevent freezer burn. Use the original airtight packaging.

• Don’t refreeze thawed turkey unless it was thawed in the refrigerator and was only thawed 1-2 days.

• Freeze cooked turkey leftovers within 4 days and use within 4-6 months for best quality.

• Label your turkey with the date it was stored so you know how long it’s been frozen.

Following these guidelines will ensure your frozen turkey lasts as long as possible.

Signs Your Turkey Is Past Its Prime

While frozen turkey won’t make you sick no matter how long it’s been in the freezer, you may notice degradation in taste, texture, and juiciness the longer it is frozen. Signs your frozen turkey is past its prime:

• Excess freezer burn with dry, tough patches

• Off odors, colors, or sliminess when thawing

• The turkey no longer holds its shape and falls apart

• The meat appears very dry and stringy when cooked

If you notice any of these, it’s best to discard the turkey. For peak quality, stick within that 1-2 year recommended freezer timeframe.

Thawing and Cooking Older Frozen Turkey

If you find yourself with a very old frozen turkey, there are some tricks to make it more palatable.

• Thaw it slowly over 24 hours per 4-5 lbs in the fridge, keeping it contained to prevent juices from dripping and bacteria from spreading.

• Avoid thawing at room temperature, which allows bacteria to grow.

• Cook your turkey until the internal temperature reaches 165°F to eliminate harmful bacteria. Check with a meat thermometer.

• Baste your older turkey frequently while roasting to prevent excessive dryness.

• Use broth, butter, or pan drippings to keep the meat moist.

• Slice older turkey before serving, discarding any undesirable parts, and serve with gravy.

With proper handling, even very old frozen turkey can be made delicious again.

Freeze Fresh Turkey for Later Use

You can also freeze fresh turkeys yourself to save for future use. For best results:

• Freeze fresh turkeys 1-2 days before the “sell by” date for optimal freshness.

• Wrap tightly in plastic, then foil, removing as much air as possible.

• Place in a 0°F freezer within 1-2 hours of purchasing.

• Cook within 1 year for best texture and flavor.

Freezing fresh turkeys at their peak allows you to enjoy delicious home-cooked turkey year round.

So go ahead and stock up on frozen turkey when it’s on sale—with proper freezing and storage, it will keep for many holidays to come. Follow these tips and your frozen turkey can be safely enjoyed for 1-2 years while retaining maximum freshness and taste.