You may be wondering, “Can I freeze lunch meat?” because you have a lot of different kinds of meat in your fridge. It would be a shame for them to go to waste, and buying in bulk when lunch meats are on sale could save you money on groceries.
Deli meat goes bad very quickly in the fridge, so it makes sense to wonder if you can freeze lunch meat that comes in a package or if you can freeze deli lunch meat from the butcher counter in the same way. While it’s best fresh, you can freeze lunch meat. To enjoy those tasty cold cuts for as long as possible, here’s what you need to know about freezing lunch meat.
Turkey lunch meat is a refrigerator staple for many families. With its versatility for sandwiches, wraps, snacks, and more, it’s easy to always have deli turkey on hand. But like all fresh meats, it has a relatively short shelf life.
Freezing is an excellent way to extend the life of turkey lunch meat while preserving taste and texture. Here is a comprehensive guide to properly freezing and thawing turkey lunch meats.
Benefits of Freezing Deli Turkey
Freezing offers many advantages for storing turkey lunch meat:
- Extends shelf life for months
- Allows buying in bulk when on sale
- Prevents waste from spoilage
- Maintains quality when properly frozen
- Lets you defrost only what you need
- Provides ingredients for meals anytime
With the convenience of the freezer, you can enjoy delicious turkey when you want it.
How to Freeze Turkey Lunch Meat
Follow these tips for successfully freezing turkey lunch meats:
- Freeze promptly after purchasing for best quality.
- Slice or portion deli meat before freezing for easier use.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in airtight bags, removing air.
- Use freezer bags or foil as an additional protective barrier.
- Label bags clearly with contents and date.
- Freeze deli meat up to 2 months for optimal freshness.
Proper freezing methods prevent freezer burn and moisture loss.
Thawing Frozen Turkey Lunch Meat
Always thaw turkey lunch meat safely
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for slow thawing.
- Place freezer bag in cold water if thawing quickly. Change water often.
- Microwave defrosting is okay for homemade cooked turkey.
- Use thawed deli meat within 3 days for food safety.
- Discard thawed deli meat with an off color or odor.
Slow thawing in the fridge preserves texture best. Enjoy thawed lunch meat in sandwiches, wraps, salads and more.
Different Types of Turkey to Freeze
Many varieties of packaged and fresh turkey lunch meats can be frozen:
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Packaged sliced turkey – Freeze unopened up to 2 months Opened can be frozen up to 2 months if properly wrapped,
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Deli-counter turkey – Tightly wrap slices or portions. Freeze up to 2 months.
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Whole deli turkey breast – Wrap well and slice before freezing. Use within 2 months.
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Cooked turkey – Cool completely before freezing sliced or portioned. Use within 2-3 months.
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Seasoned turkey – Most seasoned turkey can be frozen but may lose some flavor.
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Lunchable kits – Freeze unopened packages up to 2 months.
All turkey lunch meats can be frozen for long-term storage.
Using Frozen Turkey After Thawing
Previously frozen turkey lunch meat is perfectly safe to eat but should be used promptly. Here are some great ways to use thawed turkey:
- Sandwiches and subs
- Wraps
- Tacos
- Salads
- Omelets or breakfast sandwiches
- Casseroles or soups
- Snacks with cheese or crackers
- Pizza topping
- Quesadillas or nachos
Get creative with thawed turkey meat in your favorite recipes!
Tips for Freezing Lunch Meat
Follow these top tips for freezing success:
- Double wrap deli meat in plastic and bags.
- Portion into smaller packets for easy thawing.
- Freeze sliced meats flat in a single layer.
- Avoid refreezing previously thawed deli meat.
- Label bags clearly with contents and date.
- Use oldest frozen meats first.
- Store deli meats towards the back of the freezer.
- Defrost slowly in refrigerator overnight.
- Use thawed meats within 3 days.
Proper freezing and thawing ensures your turkey lunch meat stays fresh and delicious.
Freezer Storage Times
Here are approximate freezer storage times for different turkey lunch meats:
- Packaged sliced turkey – 2 months
- Deli-counter turkey slices – 2 months
- Whole deli turkey breast – 2 months
- Cooked sliced turkey – 2-3 months
- Turkey lunchable kits – 2 months
Store frozen meats at 0°F or below. Use thawed meat within 3 days.
Food Safety Tips
Always practice food safety when handling and storing turkey lunch meats:
- Freeze before spoiled or before “use by” date.
- Defrost in the refrigerator, not at room temperature.
- Cook frozen meats thoroughly to safe temperatures.
- Do not refreeze thawed deli turkey.
- Discard turkey with an off smell or appearance after thawing.
- Avoid cross-contamination when handling raw meats.
Properly freezing deli meats prevents bacterial growth for long term storage.
Enjoy the Benefits of Frozen Turkey
Freezing turkey lunch meats makes it easy to enjoy sandwiches, salads, and snacks anytime. Follow these guidelines for freezing and thawing success. With proper handling, frozen turkey will retain its fresh look, taste and texture for months. Keep your freezer stocked with turkey lunch meat for quick, delicious meals!
Can You Freeze Lunch Meat?
Definitely, you can freeze lunch meat! This could help you save money on groceries or store leftovers when you buy more than you can eat.
Can you freeze deli lunch meat? Yes, you can. You can freeze both packaged lunch meat and cold cuts from the deli counter. Because they have less water, cured meats like pepperoni, pastrami, and bologna tend to do very well in the freezer. Lunch meats like ham, turkey, chicken, and roast beef can be frozen just as easily, but the texture may change more when they’re thawed.
How To Freeze Lunch Meat
How should you freeze lunch meat so that it stays fresh? If the lunch meat is already packaged, you can just put any unopened packages in the freezer without doing anything else.
If you have already opened the lunch meat package or are freezing deli slices, you’ll need to do a few extra steps to make sure they stay fresh. Put a piece of wax paper between each slice of deli meat to keep them from touching. Then, put the meat in a plastic freezer bag or wrap it in plastic wrap and press out all the air before putting it in the freezer.
Put the lunch meat in the fridge and let it thaw for a few hours or overnight before you use it. Never thaw the lunch meat at room temperature, as this can allow illness-causing bacteria to bloom. It’s also not a good idea to defrost lunch meat in the microwave because it might thaw unevenly and change the texture of the meat. A little patience will pay off and have you enjoying those cold cuts in no time!.
How I Freeze Lunch/Deli Meat to Keep the Taste/Texture Good (see part 2 got cut off)
FAQ
Is it okay to freeze turkey lunch meat?
Can you freeze boar’s head turkey lunch meat?
Can you refreeze deli lunch meat?
How long does turkey deli lunch meat last in the fridge?
Can you freeze deli meat?
Freezing roasted turkey, ham, chicken and other deli meats is still possible, but the meat may be slightly wet upon defrosting. (Tips on that below!) You can freeze lunch meat in a large piece or in slices. For the best results, eat meat immediately after thawing.
Can you freeze cooked lunch meat?
It is generally not recommended to freeze lunch meat that has already been cooked, as it may affect the texture and quality. It is best to freeze lunch meat when it is still in its uncooked state for optimal results. In conclusion, freezing packaged lunch meat is a convenient way to extend its shelf life and reduce waste.
How long can packaged lunch meat be frozen?
When stored properly in the freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or below, packaged lunch meat can typically be stored for up to 2 to 3 months without a significant loss in quality. 3. Can I freeze opened packaged lunch meat? Yes, opened packaged lunch meat can be frozen as long as it has not exceeded its expiration date.
Can a turkey ham be frozen?
If you cook a turkey, chicken or ham for homemade sandwich supplies, these can be frozen as well. Be sure to let the meat cool completely before wrapping and freezing. It’s also best to remove the meat from the bone and cut or slice it into smaller pieces for freezing—slices and smaller pieces will defrost more easily, too.
How do you freeze a bag of lunch meat?
Squeeze as much air as possible from the bag. Seal the bag. Place the bag of lunch meat into the freezer and lay flat so that they will freeze flat. Use good quality freezer bags (this doesn’t necessarily mean name brand). Just check to make sure that the bag feels heavy and thick in your hand and that the seal works very well.
What can you do with frozen deli meat?
Pat the defrosted meat with a paper towel to remove any excess water. Rather than using previously frozen deli meat to make a sandwich, chop turkey into a casserole, toss ham into a pasta dish or use any lunch meat to top a pizza. Like using frozen cheese, a bit of heat brings frozen meat back to life.