A holiday spread isn’t complete without the star of the show: the turkey. It doesn’t matter how many other dishes you make. There are a lot of different ways to cook a turkey, whether you want to grill, fry, or roast it like everyone else. The only problem with making this holiday classic is that it takes a lot of time and planning. What is the best way to thaw a turkey? How long does it stay fresh in the fridge after being thawed? Then there are questions about cooking, like how to get the turkey ready to roast and how to get the skin crispy.
Some of the most important ones are how to thaw turkey and how long it can stay in the fridge after being thawed. Your cooking plan should take into account how long your bird needs to defrost so that it can go into the oven on time, but not so early that it stays in the fridge for too long. To plan your post-Thanksgiving leftover binge, you should also know how long cooked turkey can stay in the fridge.
To help you plan your timing, we got turkey tips from Butterballs and nutritionist Toby Amidor. Now you know how to handle your frozen, thawed, cooked, and leftover meat this year.
As Thanksgiving approaches, home cooks everywhere haul frozen Butterball turkeys from the store to their fridges. But how long can you safely store that bird before cooking it? Proper refrigerator storage is key to keeping your Butterball turkey fresh and avoiding any foodborne illnesses.
Understanding the ideal storage times can give you peace of mind that your turkey will be ready for a delicious and healthy holiday meal. In this article, I’ll provide a thorough breakdown of how long a Butterball turkey can stay in the refrigerator. Let’s dive in!
An Overview of Butterball Turkey Refrigerator Life
Butterball is the most trusted and popular brand of whole frozen turkeys in the US Their pre-brined birds promise juicy, flavorful meat when cooked properly. But first, you need to thaw the turkey using a safe method.
Here are the recommended refrigerator storage times according to Butterball
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Raw whole turkey – 1 to 2 days max
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Raw turkey breast – 1 to 2 days max
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Thawed whole turkey – 4 days max
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Cooked turkey – 3 to 4 days max
The short shelf life is due to the highly perishable nature of poultry. So what exactly goes down during refrigerator storage?
Why Proper Refrigeration is Critical
To keep turkey safe and optimal, it must remain refrigerated at 40°F or below. Here’s why:
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Prevents bacterial growth – Cold temps inhibit dangerous bacteria.
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Slows spoilage – Refrigeration dramatically reduces food spoilage.
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Maintains moisture – Chilling seals in juices for a juicy meal.
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Contains odors – A closed fridge contains any odors.
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Lengthens shelf life – Refrigeration extends the useable lifespan.
Storing a Butterball turkey for too long even in the fridge allows bacteria to multiply to unsafe levels. So let’s look at storage times based on whether the turkey is raw or cooked.
Handling Raw Butterball Turkeys in the Fridge
For raw whole Butterball turkeys and turkey breasts, the fridge storage limit is just 1 to 2 days. This short window ensures top safety and quality. Here are some raw turkey refrigeration tips:
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Place the turkey on a plate or tray to catch leaks.
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Tent loosely with foil to allow air flow.
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Position on a bottom shelf away from ready-to-eat foods.
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Use an appliance thermometer to monitor fridge temp.
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Cook or freeze within 1-2 days for best flavor and texture.
Also, only thaw the turkey in the fridge 1-2 days before cooking. More on that next.
Storing a Thawed Turkey in the Refrigerator
What about storing a thawed Butterball turkey in the fridge before roasting? Safety experts recommend using a thawed turkey within 4 days max. Here are some tips:
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Thaw in the fridge, allowing 24 hours per 4-5 lbs.
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Place on a tray to catch drips as it finishes thawing.
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Roast the turkey right away, or within 4 days.
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Don’t refreeze a thawed raw turkey. Cook it ASAP.
Proper thawing is key for food safety. Never thaw at room temp longer than 2 hours.
Refrigerating Cooked Butterball Turkey
For cooked Butterball turkey, refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Store leftovers for only 3 to 4 days. Follow these cooked turkey storage guidelines:
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Let the cooked turkey cool at least 30 minutes before refrigerating.
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Carve meat from the bones before storing.
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Divide into shallow airtight containers to chill quickly.
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Use oldest leftovers within 3-4 days.
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Reheat thoroughly to 165°F until hot and steaming.
Discard any turkey that smells bad or shows signs of spoilage after refrigeration. Safety first!
Creative Ways to Use Up Leftovers Quickly
To use up fridge-stored turkey within recommended times, get creative! Whip up some yummy turkey:
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Sandwiches – Delicious any meal of the day!
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Salad – Toss with greens, veg, cheese, nuts.
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Soup – Nourishing and comforting.
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Tacos – Top with fixings like salsa and avocado.
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Casserole – Mix with veggies, pasta, rice, cheese.
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Pie – Make a turkey pot pie or empanadas.
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Dip – Make a hot artichoke and turkey dip.
With some inspiration, you can gobble up that Butterball turkey before it goes bad!
Turkey Refrigerator Storage FAQs
Here are answers to some common questions about storing Butterball turkeys:
How long can I store an unopened frozen Butterball turkey?
One year in a 0°F freezer.
Can I store a Butterball turkey in the original store packaging?
Yes, but overwrap it as well for optimal freshness.
What if my fridge temp is higher than 40°F?
Use the turkey within 1 day max for safety. Repair any issues with your fridge.
How can I check for spoilage?
Discard if the turkey has an off smell, slimy texture or strange colors.
Can I refreeze a thawed Butterball turkey?
Refreezing raw turkey that was thawed in the fridge is not recommended. Cook it ASAP.
The Takeaway on Turkey Refrigerator Life
You may need to adjust your meal planning and cooking timeline to properly store a Butterball turkey in the fridge. But following these refrigerator storage guidelines ensures your holiday bird stays fresh and delicious. Just remember – fridge life is short once that turkey is thawed and cooked. Gobble up those leftovers ASAP!
Experts Featured in This Article
For several days before you plan to cook the turkey, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) says to let it defrost in the fridge at 40°F or below. Amidor says that it takes about one day for every four pounds of turkey to thaw. This means that a 12-pound turkey will take three days to thaw, while a 20- to 24-pound turkey can take up to six days. (Butterball has a handy calculator that can tell you exactly how long youll need to thaw your bird.
Amidor says that the turkey can stay in the fridge for two more days after it has been thawed before it needs to be cooked. Let’s say you want to cook a 20- to 24-pound bird. You should put it in the fridge to thaw at least six days before you want to eat it so it has time to fully thaw, but no more than eight days before you want to eat it so you stay within that two-day window. You should put a 12-pound turkey in the fridge for at least three days and no more than five.
Put the turkey on a rimmed sheet tray or roasting pan when you’re ready to thaw it. This will keep any juices from making a mess in the fridge. It needs to defrost in the coldest part of your fridge. Even better, keep it in a spare fridge that you don’t open very often. “You can refreeze the turkey without cooking it if you thaw it in the fridge and decide not to cook it,” Amidor says. “But there will be some loss of quality.”