Asking Google “how-to freeze turkey” this holiday season? Katie Workman, the creator behind The Mom 100, created a guide to prepping your extra turkey for the freezer. Use it over the holidays or any time of year when turkey is on the menu and leftovers are on the to-do list.
As Thanksgiving approaches home cooks everywhere are gearing up to prepare the big holiday feast. For many families turkey and dressing are essential components of the traditional menu. But with the large quantities involved, leftovers are inevitable. This leads many to wonder – can you freeze turkey and dressing after the holiday meal?
The good news is that yes, both turkey and dressing can be frozen to enjoy later. With proper storage methods, you can keep these holiday favorites fresh for months after Thanksgiving. Read on for a complete guide to freezing leftover turkey and dressing.
Can You Freeze Turkey?
Leftover roasted turkey is ideal for freezing. It will maintain quality in the freezer for 3 to 4 months. Here are some tips for freezing turkey after Thanksgiving:
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Allow the cooked turkey to cool completely before packing for the freezer.
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Portion the turkey meat off the bones into meal-size servings Place in freezer bags or airtight containers
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Turkey can be frozen whole or cut into parts like breast leg, and thigh.
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Remove as much air as possible and seal the containers tightly.
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Label the packaging with the name and freeze date.
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Freeze at 0°F or below for best preservation.
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Once thawed, leftover turkey keeps in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
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Add leftover turkey to soups, casseroles, sandwiches, salads, and more!
How Should You Thaw Frozen Turkey?
Thaw frozen turkey safely using one of these methods:
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In the refrigerator – Allow 1 day for every 4-5 pounds. Place on a tray to catch drips.
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In cold water – Submerge turkey in its packaging in cold tap water. Change water every 30 mins. Allow 30 mins per pound.
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In the microwave – Follow microwave oven instructions for defrosting. Cook immediately after thawing.
Can You Freeze Dressing?
Both cooked and uncooked dressing can be frozen for Thanksgiving leftovers. Here is a step-by-step guide for each method:
To Freeze Uncooked Dressing
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Prepare dressing according to recipe up to the point before baking.
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Transfer to a casserole dish and cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil.
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Label and freeze for up to 3 months.
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When ready to use, bake straight from frozen until heated through, about 60 minutes.
To Freeze Cooked Dressing
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Allow cooked dressing to fully cool after baking.
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Portion into freezer bags or airtight containers in 1-2 cup servings.
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Remove air, seal, and label with name and date.
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To reheat, thaw dressing overnight in the fridge then bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until hot.
Tips for Freezing Turkey and Dressing
Follow these tips for best results when freezing turkey and dressing:
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Cool turkey within 2 hours of cooking and dressing within 1 hour before freezing.
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Portion meats and sides into smaller containers or bags rather than freezing large blocks.
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Use freezer-safe materials like plastic, aluminum, or heavily waxed paper.
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Apply tight seals and remove excess air to prevent freezer burn.
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Use frozen turkey and dressing within 2-6 months for optimal freshness and quality.
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Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
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Add broth, juice, or gravy to dressings and meats when reheating to restore moisture lost in freezing.
The Benefits of Freezing Leftovers
Freezing turkey, dressing, and other leftovers offers many benefits:
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Saves Money – Reduces food waste by preserving extras
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Adds Variety – Enjoy holiday flavors long after Thanksgiving
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Saves Time – Quick meals from frozen ingredients
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Provides Portions – Thaw only what you need
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Prevents Waste – Use every last bit of your holiday meal
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Simplifies Entertaining – Have ready-to-eat dishes on hand
Frequently Asked Questions About Freezing Turkey and Dressing
How long does cooked turkey last in the freezer?
Cooked turkey keeps well in the freezer for 3 to 4 months. For best quality, use frozen leftovers within 2-3 months.
Can you freeze and reheat turkey twice?
It’s best to only freeze and reheat cooked turkey once. The texture tends to degrade with multiple cycles of freezing and thawing.
Can you freeze turkey dressing inside the turkey cavity?
No, do not freeze raw or cooked dressing stuffed in the turkey. Only cook it immediately for food safety.
Does cooked dressing freeze better dry or moist?
Moist dressings made with lots of stock tend to freeze a bit better than very dry bread cube dressings.
Can you get sick from eating freezer burned turkey?
While freezer burned spots or dried out areas won’t make you sick, the quality is diminished. Avoid by sealing tightly.
Enjoy Thanksgiving Favorites Long After the Holiday
With proper freezing and reheating methods, leftover turkey and dressing can be enjoyed for many meals even months after Thanksgiving dinner. Portioning dressings and meats into smaller airtight containers prior to freezing ensures you can thaw just what you need.
Follow these tips for freezing turkey and dressing to reduce waste, save time, and add variety to your menus throughout the holiday season.
How to Freeze Turkey Parts?
If you have some leftover legs, wings or thighs that you want to freeze on the bone, just make sure to wrap them very well in plastic wrap. Then slide them into a freezer-proof zip-top bag, press out any excess air, label the bag and freeze. I prefer bags for this as it’s easier to press out extra air. But do make sure to wrap them tightly first. To do this, get thicker plastic wrap specially designed for the freezer if you are a regular freezer of food!
How Do You Prevent Freezer Burn?
Freezer burn happens when air gets into contact with food. Make sure you leave as little extra room as possible in the container or bag.