Every item on this page was chosen by an editor from The Pioneer Woman. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
If you’re already starting to plan your Thanksgiving menu early, you might be thinking about which dishes you can make ahead. Pie crust? Check! Cranberry sauce? Definitely! But what about the Thanksgiving stuffing? Sure, you might consider stuffing a holiday classic, but does it actually need to be made on Thanksgiving Day? “There are several things you can do ahead thatll save you time,” Ree Drummond says. For starters, you can dry your bread cubes for stuffing in advance! Another Thanksgiving question that comes to mind is: can you freeze stuffing?
While some people might be wondering if you can freeze stuffing for their make-ahead Thanksgiving recipes, others might simply be wondering what the heck theyll do with all that extra leftover stuffing! Ahead, youll find out more about freezing stuffing for both scenarios (before and after your stuffing is cooked). So, go ahead and pick out your favorite stuffing recipe (anything from apple-cranberry stuffing to sausage stuffing to stuffing made with chorizo and poblanos), then find out how to freeze the stuffing for easy Thanksgiving prep. Or check out how long your cooked stuffing will last in the freezer for your Thanksgiving leftovers!
Can Turkey Dressing Be Frozen? A Guide to Freezing and Reheating Your Holiday Side
As Thanksgiving approaches, home cooks everywhere are gearing up for the big meal. There’s the perfectly roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, and of course – turkey dressing. Also known as stuffing, dressing is a beloved Thanksgiving side made from bread, vegetables, herbs and seasonings. It’s a staple on many holiday tables.
While dressing tastes amazing when freshly baked, the leftovers are just as good. But what’s the best way to store leftover turkey dressing? Can you freeze it? Here’s what you need to know about freezing and reheating turkey dressing.
Should You Freeze Dressing Before or After Baking?
You have two options when it comes to freezing turkey dressing – freeze it raw or cooked.
Freezing Uncooked Turkey Dressing
To freeze uncooked dressing, prepare your recipe up until the point before baking. Transfer the dressing to a baking dish or divide into smaller ramekins. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, then a layer of aluminum foil. Label and freeze.
The benefit of freezing uncooked dressing is that it helps maintain moisture and prevents drying out. Frozen uncooked dressing can go straight into the oven without thawing when you’re ready to bake. Just remove plastic wrap and bake as recipe directs, adding extra time if needed.
Freezing Leftover Cooked Turkey Dressing
Freezing already baked leftover turkey dressing is also an option. Let dressing cool completely, then divide into portion-sized containers. Good options are silicone muffin pans, ramekins or storage containers. Cover tightly and freeze.
Frozen cooked dressing will need to be thawed in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This helps prevent drying out.
How to Reheat Frozen Turkey Dressing
Thawed, cooked turkey dressing can be reheated in the oven. Preheat oven to 350°F and transfer dressing to an oven-safe baking dish. Moisten with a little broth or apple juice, then cover tightly with foil. Bake 20 minutes until heated through.
Remove foil and continue baking 10-15 minutes more until top is crispy. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Alternatively, thawed dressing can be reheated in a skillet over medium heat with a little butter or olive oil until heated through and slightly crispy on bottom.
Freezing Tips for Best Results
Here are some top tips for freezing turkey dressing:
-
Cool dressing completely before freezing to prevent moisture loss.
-
Portion into small containers or muffin tins for quick thawing and reheating.
-
Use moisture-proof packaging like heavy plastic wrap and foil. Squeeze out excess air.
-
Label containers with contents and date before freezing.
-
Freeze within 2 days of preparing for best quality and texture.
-
Freeze cooked dressing up to 2-3 months for optimal flavor.
-
Freeze uncooked dressing up to 6 months.
-
Thaw frozen cooked dressing overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What About Freezing Stuffing?
The term stuffing and dressing are sometimes used interchangeably. When it comes to freezing, the same rules apply whether you call it stuffing or dressing. Both can be successfully frozen using the tips above.
Storing Leftover Turkey Dressing
Besides freezing, leftover fresh turkey dressing will keep in the refrigerator 3-4 days. Be sure to store in airtight shallow containers within 2 hours of cooking. Reheat thoroughly to 165°F before eating.
You can also store dressing in the freezer without freezing. Simply refrigerate and seal in an airtight container, then place in the freezer. It will maintain quality up to 1 month. Thaw in fridge overnight before reheating.
Getting Creative with Leftovers
Along with enjoying leftover turkey dressing on its own, get creative with ways to use it up. Here are some delicious ideas:
-
Stuff into sandwiches or wraps
-
Top with gravy for dressing poutine
-
Mix with mashed potatoes for loaded mashed potatoes
-
Add to soup or stew
-
Saute with vegetables
-
Fold into omelets or frittatas
-
Make turkey dressing waffles
-
Use as a pizza topping
-
Make turkey dressing muffins or balls
-
Layer into a casserole or lasagna
-
Make turkey dressing croquettes
With proper freezing and storage, you can enjoy the flavors of homemade turkey dressing long after the Thanksgiving leftovers are gone. Follow these tips for freezing and reheating success.
Can You Freeze Stuffing?
The short answer is yes, you can freeze your Thanksgiving stuffing! And it actually freezes really well. Just like with freezing mashed potatoes or freezing pumpkin pie, keeping stuffing in the freezer is a great time-saving trick. Phew, now that you got that squared away, you might be wondering just how to do it.
How to Freeze Stuffing
Simply follow the steps of your stuffing recipe, but before baking it, wrap the baking dish in plastic wrap first, then aluminum foil to make it air tight. Store in the freezer until youre ready to bake.
Can You Freeze Stuffing? Or Is It A Bad Idea? ANSWERED!
FAQ
Can homemade turkey dressing be frozen?
Storage: leftover dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Is it better to freeze dressing, cooked or uncooked?
You are perfectly fine to freeze the dressing per the recipe. Just make it to the point of baking, but do not bake. Either refrigerate (up to 2 days ahead) or freeze (up to 3 weeks ahead). When ready to cook, thaw dressing in the fridge a day or two before baking, and bake @350 until bubbly. It will be perfect!!!
What is the best way to freeze stuffing?
-
Cool completely:Always let the stuffing cool fully before freezing to prevent ice crystal formation and maintain texture.
-
Portion appropriately:Divide the stuffing into serving-sized portions to thaw only what you need.
-
Wrap tightly:Use plastic wrap first, followed by a layer of aluminum foil for maximum protection.
-
Label and date:Clearly label each container with the date to track freshness.
How long does turkey dressing last in the fridge?
Stuffing/dressing: If stored properly in the fridge, stuffing or dressing is good to eat up to three to four days after you cooked it. But it’ll last about a month in the freezer.
Can you freeze turkey & dressing?
Reheat to 165°F before serving. Planning ahead helps you safely freeze Thanksgiving leftovers and cuts down on waste. Now that you know that both turkey and dressing can be frozen, you can relax and focus on creating new holiday memories. With a little forethought, you can enjoy delicious Thanksgiving flavors for months to come.
How long can you keep turkey dressing after Thanksgiving?
Pie – Most pies freeze well up to 2-3 months; thaw overnight in fridge. Rolls – Freeze baked rolls in airtight bag up to 2 months. With proper freezing and reheating, you can enjoy tasty turkey dressing for weeks after Thanksgiving.
Can you freeze leftover Thanksgiving dressing?
Storing leftover dressing from your Thanksgiving feast is also possible if done properly. Here is what you need to know about freezing dressing: Dressing can be frozen before or after baking. Freezing before baking helps maintain moisture. To freeze uncooked, wrap pan tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze up to 2 months.
Can You thaw turkey dressing?
The best way to thaw dressing is in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, you can reheat the dressing in the oven until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This will help ensure that it is safe to eat and that the flavors are as delicious as when it was first made. Can I freeze my homemade turkey dressing?
How long does frozen turkey dressing last?
Additional Considerations: Freezing time: Properly frozen turkey dressing can last for several months in the freezer. However, for optimal quality, it’s best to consume it within 3-6 months. Food safety: Always thaw frozen turkey dressing in the refrigerator and reheat it thoroughly before consumption.
Can You reheat frozen turkey dressing?
Yes, portioning the turkey dressing before freezing can be helpful if you only plan to reheat a smaller amount at a time. Just be sure to use airtight containers or bags to prevent freezer burn. What’s the best way to reheat frozen turkey dressing?