Can You Freeze Turkey Burgers? The Complete Guide

Turkey burgers have become an increasingly popular alternative to beef burgers in recent years Not only are they leaner and healthier, but they are also versatile and easy to prepare With their rising popularity, many home cooks find themselves with leftovers and wonder – can you freeze turkey burgers?

The good news is yes you absolutely can freeze turkey burgers! When stored properly frozen turkey burgers maintain quality and taste for 2-3 months in the freezer.

In this complete guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about successfully freezing turkey burgers at home. I’ll share tips on freezing raw or cooked patties, how long they last, how to thaw and cook them, and more. Follow these simple instructions for enjoying delicious turkey burgers even when they’re frozen.

Can You Freeze Raw or Cooked Turkey Burgers?

Both raw and fully cooked turkey burgers can be frozen, but there are some differences to consider:

• Raw turkey burgers – These maintain quality better when frozen. Freeze raw uncooked patties in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to airtight freezer bags.

• Cooked turkey burgers – While you can freeze fully cooked patties, they tend to dry out more when reheated. For best results, it’s better to slightly undercook them before freezing.

Either way, properly frozen turkey burgers last 2-3 months in the freezer before quality suffers. Make sure raw or cooked patties are completely cooled before freezing. Flash freezing first on a baking sheet prevents them from sticking together.

How to Freeze Turkey Burgers

Follow these simple steps for perfectly frozen turkey burgers every time:

1. Shape ground turkey into patties of desired thickness and season as desired.

2. Arrange patties in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with wax or parchment paper.

3. Freeze until hard, about 1-2 hours. Quick freezing prevents sticking.

4. Once frozen, wrap each patty tightly in plastic wrap or foil to prevent freezer burn.

5. Place wrapped patties in a freezer bag or airtight container, removing excess air. Label with date.

6. Freeze for up to 2-3 months at 0°F or below. Store in the coldest part of the freezer.

Tips for Freezing Turkey Burgers

Keep these tips in mind when freezing turkey burgers for best quality:

• Avoid overhandling the meat when shaping patties to prevent dense texture.

• Freeze uncooked patties when possible for best flavor, texture, and juiciness.

• Use impermeable wrap like plastic wrap or foil to prevent freezer burn.

• Remove as much air as possible from freezer bags and seal tightly.

• Flash freeze on baking sheets first so patties don’t stick together.

• Always thaw in the fridge before cooking for food safety.

Following proper freezing methods will result in turkey burgers that taste freshly made when cooked!

How Long Do Turkey Burgers Last in the Freezer?

When properly stored at 0°F, frozen turkey burgers maintain optimal quality and flavor for 2-3 months.

For best taste and texture, cook frozen turkey burgers within 2 months of freezing. Burgers stored longer than 4 months run a higher risk of suffering moisture loss and freezer burn.

Portioning patties and freezing them flat helps maximize freezer life. Minimize air exposure during freezing and storage.

How to Thaw Frozen Turkey Burgers

Always thaw frozen turkey burgers slowly in the refrigerator. Leave them wrapped and allow 24 hours in the fridge for full thawing before cooking.

Never thaw turkey burgers at room temperature or in the microwave, as this can lead to bacterial growth.

Once fully thawed, cook as you normally would. Turkey burgers can go straight from fridge to grill or skillet. They don’t necessarily need to sit out and completely reach room temp before cooking.

Cooking Frozen Turkey Burgers

While you can technically cook frozen turkey burgers straight from the freezer, it is not recommended. Frozen centers take much longer to cook through, resulting in dry, overcooked exteriors.

For food safety, turkey burgers must reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Achieving this temp when frozen is difficult.

Always thaw turkey burgers fully in the refrigerator before cooking for even cooking and food safety.

Can You Refreeze Thawed Turkey Burgers?

Once thawed, it is unsafe to refreeze turkey burgers. Refreezing introduces the risk of bacteria growth and foodborne illness.

Only refreeze turkey burgers if they are still partially frozen or thawed for less than 2 days in the fridge. Even then, quality will decrease with each freeze-thaw cycle.

For best quality and safety, cook thawed turkey burgers within 1-2 days and do not refreeze.

Freezing Turkey Burger Meat Before Forming Patties

Instead of pre-shaping patties, you can freeze raw ground turkey in bulk before forming burgers.

• Measure ground turkey into usable portions and flatten in freezer bags.
• Remove air and seal bags tightly.
• Thaw in fridge before shaping into patties as needed.

This saves time prepping individual patties for freezing. You can also mix in seasonings or binders before freezing bulk turkey. Ensure even distribution when shaping patties later.

Storing Cooked Turkey Burgers

• Leftover cooked turkey burgers last 3-4 days tightly wrapped in the refrigerator. Use airtight containers.

• For longer freezer storage, wrap cooked patties in foil or plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.

• Frozen cooked turkey burgers maintain optimal quality for 2-3 months at 0°F. Reheat fully to 165°F before eating.

Tips for Freezing Turkey Burgers with Toppings

• It’s best to freeze plain turkey patties without buns or toppings. Breads don’t freeze well.

• Top cooked burgers with perishable items like cheese, lettuce, and tomato after reheating. Don’t let sit out over 2 hours.

• Only add toppings to dressed burgers after fully reheating for food safety. Never eat partial cooked turkey.

Freezing Homemade Turkey Burgers

You can definitely freeze homemade turkey burgers! Follow the same steps for flash freezing patties on baking sheets as you would store-bought.

For best homemade burgers to freeze:

• Choose high-quality lean ground turkey. Excess fat can turn mushy.

• Thoroughly mix in breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings to bind and distribute flavor.

• Avoid overworking the meat when shaping patties. This creates dense texture.

• Portion into 4-6 oz patties based on desired size. Flatten to 3/4 – 1 inch thick.

• Freeze raw patties wrapped well for up to 2 months maximum for ideal texture and moisture.

Cooking Frozen Turkey Burgers on the Grill

It’s best not to put frozen turkey burgers directly on the grill. The high heat can burn the outside before the inside thaws.

Instead, fully thaw patties in the refrigerator first. You can then successfully grill previously frozen turkey burgers for delicious flavor.

Cook over medium heat, flipping once, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Brush with barbecue sauce during the last few minutes if desired. Grill thawed turkey burgers uncovered for optimum results.

Frozen patties run a higher risk of foodborne illness on the grill. Always thaw before grilling for safety.

Freezing is an easy way to enjoy healthy and delicious turkey burgers anytime. Follow proper freezing, thawing, and cooking methods for best results with frozen turkey burgers. With proper freezer storage, you can keep turkey burgers on hand for fast meals or summer grilling.

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