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.
Wondering how long that sliced turkey will stay fresh and safe to eat in your fridge? As a huge turkey fan, I’ve done lots of research on this to make sure I get the most out of my deli turkey without serving up anything risky.
In this article I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to store sliced turkey correctly. We’ll cover how long it lasts in the fridge and freezer signs of spoilage to look out for, and best practices for storage, handling and freezing. My goal is to give you simple tips to keep your sliced turkey tasty and safe for as long as possible.
Why Proper Storage Matters
Keeping food at the right temperature is crucial for avoiding foodborne illness. When stored correctly, growth of dangerous bacteria like Listeria, Salmonella and E. coli is slowed or stopped. For thinly sliced meats like turkey, proper refrigeration is key, since they are more perishable than whole turkey pieces with the skin still on.
If not stored properly sliced turkey can quickly spoil take on a funky taste and smell, or even become unsafe to eat. Follow these storage guidelines to keep your sliced turkey fresh and delicious.
How Long Does Sliced Turkey Last in The Fridge?
The shelf life of sliced turkey depends on a few factors:
Pre-packaged vs. Freshly Sliced
- Unopened pre-packaged turkey: Up to 2 weeks
- Opened pre-packaged turkey: 3 to 5 days
- Freshly sliced turkey: 3 to 5 days
Pre-packaged turkey lasts longer due to preservatives like nitrates and salt. Once opened, it has the same shelf life as fresh sliced turkey.
Storage Method
- Original packaging: 5 to 7 days
- Airtight container: 3 to 5 days
- Opened: 3 to 4 days
The original packaging is designed for optimal freshness. If repackaging, use an airtight container and keep the turkey cold.
Freezing
- Fridge: 3 to 5 days
- Freezer: 1 to 2 months
Freezing sliced turkey stops bacteria growth, extending the shelf life significantly. Make sure to wrap well or use a freezer bag.
Deli Turkey Type
- Fermented (pepperoni, salami): lasts indefinitely unopened
- Dried (prosciutto): lasts indefinitely
- Other sliced turkey: 3 to 5 days opened
Fermented and dried turkey varieties last longer than other sliced turkey due to the salts and processes used.
How to Store Sliced Turkey Properly
Follow these tips for keeping your sliced turkey fresh for as long as possible:
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Refrigerate sliced turkey right away, within 2 hours of purchasing. Never leave it out for over 2 hours.
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Keep the refrigerator temperature at 40°F or below. Use a fridge thermometer to monitor.
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Place sliced turkey on a plate or in a container on the middle or top shelf, away from contaminants.
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Make sure hands, surfaces, utensils, and cutting boards are super clean before handling sliced turkey.
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Seal sliced turkey tightly in plastic wrap, airtight containers or bags, squeezing out excess air.
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Label containers with the date opened or sliced to track freshness.
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Use clean utensils and only touch what you will be eating to prevent contamination.
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Keep raw meats and other contaminants away from sliced turkey.
Following these steps protects quality and prevents bacteria growth that can make you sick.
How to Freeze Sliced Turkey
Freezing is a great way to extend the shelf life of sliced turkey for 1-2 months. Here are some tips:
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Pre-freeze the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet for 1-2 hours before packaging to prevent sticking.
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Place pre-frozen slices in a freezer bag or airtight container, removing as much air as possible.
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Label with the date and contents.
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Use frozen sliced turkey within 1-2 months for best quality.
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Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.
With proper freezing methods, you can enjoy sliced turkey for months while retaining safety and quality.
Signs Your Sliced Turkey Has Spoiled
Rely on your senses to determine if your sliced turkey has gone bad:
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Appearance: Mold, sliminess, or unnatural colors like grey, green or brown
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Texture: Extremely soft, mushy, or sticky
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Smell: Sour, rancid or “off” odors
If you notice any of these signs, err on the side of caution and throw the sliced turkey out. Don’t taste it to check if you suspect it’s gone bad.
Enjoying Leftover Sliced Turkey
Have leftover sliced turkey? Breathe new life into it with these ideas:
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Turkey sandwiches
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Turkey wraps with cheese, veggies and dressing
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Turkey salad with mixed greens, dressing and crunchy toppings
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Turkey pasta bake or casserole
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Turkey omelette or breakfast hash
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Turkey quesadillas
Reheat leftover sliced turkey in the oven at 300°F covered in foil or sauce until warmed through. The microwave can lead to uneven heating.
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.
Ask the Test Kitchen: How Long Will Meat Last in the Fridge?
FAQ
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