After all of the time and preparation of cooking a turkey, most of us can’t wait until the moment we can take the bird out of the oven with its wonderful aromas and crisp golden-brown skin. And everyone wants to be sure to save the leftovers (there always are some) for turkey soup. How can you be sure your leftovers are safe?
A turkey can sit out for a maximum of two hours in the temperature danger zone of 40 to 140 degrees F. If the room temperature is above 90 degrees, limit the time that turkey sits out to only one hour. After that time, it must be put away in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent the overgrowth of harmful bacteria on the surface.
Before you let your cooked turkey sit out in the temperature danger zone for too long, read on to learn about food safety and how to safely store your delicious leftovers.
The holidays often mean enjoying a hearty turkey dinner with family and friends. But not everyone can gather to eat the turkey hot out of the oven. Is it safe to cook your turkey ahead of time and refrigerate the whole bird?
Proper storage is crucial to prevent harmful bacterial growth on perishable foods like poultry. In this article, I’ll provide guidance on refrigerating and reheating whole cooked turkeys. Follow these turkey storage tips to safely enjoy delicious leftovers without the risk of foodborne illness
Overview of Refrigeration Guidelines
Before refrigerating any cooked food it’s important to understand proper food safety principles. The “danger zone” for bacterial growth is between 40°F and 140°F. Cooked foods must pass through this temperature range quickly.
Hot foods should be refrigerated within 2 hours, or 1 hour if the temperature is above 90°F. Leftovers should be stored in shallow containers no more than 2-3 inches deep This allows heat to escape and the food to cool quickly.
Once cooled below 40°F, leftovers can be safely stored for 3-4 days. It’s crucial to reheat them thoroughly to 165°F before eating. Freezing can extend shelf life considerably.
Can You Refrigerate a Whole Cooked Turkey?
Yes, it is generally safe to refrigerate a whole cooked turkey. However, extra care should be taken due to its large size and shape. Remove stuffing from the cavity and refrigerate it separately.
Slice breast meat from the bone and refrigerate in shallow containers. Keep the rest of the turkey whole if possible, as this helps retain moisture compared to shredding all of the meat initially.
Ideally, carve the turkey just before serving time. But if you need to refrigerate the entire bird, follow these tips:
- Allow to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate within 2 hours.
- Use a deep tray or roasting pan. Avoid cramming it into too small of a space.
- Cover the pan completely with foil to block air exposure and prevent drying out.
- Refrigerate on the bottom shelf at 40°F or below. Use a refrigerator thermometer.
- Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and food safety.
Step-by-Step Guide to Refrigerating a Whole Turkey
Follow this straightforward process for properly refrigerating your roasted whole turkey:
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After removing the turkey from the oven, let it stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. This allows heat to evenly distribute for more efficient cooling.
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Remove any stuffing from the cavity and place it in a separate shallow storage container. Cover and refrigerate it immediately.
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Transfer the whole turkey in the roasting pan to the refrigerator. Tent the pan tightly with aluminum foil to seal in moisture.
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Place the pan on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator. Don’t overcrowd the refrigerator or airflow will be blocked.
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Allow the turkey to refrigerate for 2-3 hours until the interior temperature drops below 40°F.
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Use the refrigerated turkey within 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly to 165°F until hot and steaming before consuming.
Can You Refrigerate a Stuffed Turkey?
Stuffing cooked inside the turkey cavity should always be removed and stored separately. The stuffing takes longer to cool and is more prone to bacterial growth.
Transfer cooked stuffing to shallow containers no more than 2 inches deep. Allow it to rapidly cool down before covering and refrigerating it immediately.
Reheat the stuffing to 165°F alongside sliced turkey meat when ready to serve. Never attempt to re-stuff a cooked turkey.
Key Tips for Refrigerating Turkey
Keep these safe turkey refrigeration tips in mind:
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Use a thermometer to verify the refrigerator is below 40°F. Monitor the internal temperature of the turkey.
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Allow airflow in the refrigerator. Don’t overcrowd the shelves.
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Store in shallow layers less than 2 inches deep so the turkey cools quickly.
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Prevent drying out by sealing the wrapped turkey tightly with foil or an airtight container.
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Use refrigerated turkey within 3-4 days for safety and quality.
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Discard if mold or an unpleasant odor develops. This signals spoilage.
Should You Cook Turkey Ahead of Time?
Cooking your turkey in advance allows you to relax with guests instead of slaving in the kitchen on the big day. But is it the best method?
Some people insist that a fresh, hot roasted turkey is ideal and worth the effort. Others find cooking ahead more practical for their gatherings.
Here are some pros and cons to consider when deciding whether to refrigerate cooked turkey:
Pros:
- Make-ahead approach allows more time to focus on side dishes and other preparations
- No need to wake up extremely early to start cooking
- Turkey can be carved as needed instead of sitting out for long periods
Cons:
- Some moisture is lost through refrigeration
- Skin may be less crispy when reheated
- Timing additional dishes may be tricky with pre-cooked turkey
- Fridge space is required for the large bird
Ultimately, the choice depends on your timing, oven space, refrigerator room, and personal preferences. Both methods can yield delicious holiday turkeys when food safety guidelines are followed.
How to Reheat a Refrigerated Cooked Turkey
The proper way to reheat leftover turkey is slow and gentle. This prevents drying out the meat while allowing it to heat all the way through.
Here are some recommended reheating methods:
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Oven: Preheat to 325°F. Cover the turkey with foil and heat until it reaches 165°F internally.
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Microwave: Cover slices and heat at 50% power in 30 second increments, checking the temperature.
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Stovetop: Heat the turkey in broth, gravy, or sauce over low heat until fully warmed through.
Bring all meat, stuffing, sides and gravy to 165°F. Heating thoroughly kills any bacteria and makes the meal safe to enjoy.
Can You Refreeze Turkey Leftovers?
Freezing is an excellent way to preserve cooked turkey longer term. Sliced meat can be frozen for 4-6 months. Turkey coated with gravy or broth lasts up to 1 year in the freezer.
However, refreezing previously frozen turkey is not recommended for safety and quality. Only freeze leftovers one time.
Thaw frozen turkey in the refrigerator overnight before reheating it. Never thaw meat at room temperature, as this allows bacteria to multiply rapidly.
Enjoy Your Leftovers Safely
Refrigerating a whole cooked turkey not only provides wonderful leftovers, but frees up oven space and allows you to focus on side dishes when serving a crowd. Just be sure to follow proper food safety guidelines.
Allow the turkey to cool quickly, refrigerate it within 2 hours, maintain a temperature below 40°F, and reheat it thoroughly. With safe storage and handling, you can continue enjoying delicious cooked turkey for 3-4 days after the big meal.
How Long Can Turkey Sit Out at Room Temperature?
The exact time period cooked turkey can sit out depends on a few different factors. As a rule of thumb, if your meat has been out in the temperature danger zone for more than two hours, even after being refrigerated, throw it out.
If the turkey was just cooked and is cooling down, try to put it away within two hours. If the turkey had previously been in the fridge, it can still only stay out for two hours.
The timing isn’t about what temperature the turkey meat was, to begin with – instead, it’s all about how long the turkey sits within the temperature range where bacteria grow readily.
To be safe, store your cooked turkey as soon as possible to eliminate the chance for bacterial growth.
Important Tips for Handling Cooked Turkey Safely
While knowing how long you can keep the cooked turkey on your countertop is very important, the food safety aspect of taking care of your post-meal leftovers doesn’t end there. How you handle your turkey and what you use to prepare it for storage is critical.
How long is leftover turkey good for in the fridge?
FAQ
Can you refrigerate a whole turkey after cooking?
Cooked turkey can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days before it should be frozen. To ensure the best quality and safety, make sure to store it in an airtight container or tightly wrapped to prevent moisture loss and contamination. If you plan to keep it longer than that, it’s best to freeze it.
How do you store a whole cooked turkey overnight?
Place turkey in shallow containers; limit depth to less than 2 inches. Metal containers cool faster than glass-type pans or plastic containers. Refrigerate turkey, loosely covered to help cool faster. Cover tightly when food is completely cooled.
How long can you keep a fully cooked turkey in the refrigerator?
USDA recommends using cooked turkey within 3 to 4 days, kept refrigerated (40°F or less). Refrigeration slows but does not stop bacterial growth. Turkey can be frozen for 3 to 4 months. Although safe indefinitely, frozen leftovers can lose moisture and flavor when stored for longer times in the freezer.
Can you put a cooked turkey straight in the fridge?
Cooked turkey can be safely stored in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container or tightly wrapped to maintain its freshness. If you need to keep it longer, consider freezing it, where it can last for several months.
Can You refrigerate cooked turkey?
The general guideline for refrigerating cooked turkey is to consume it within 3 to 4 days. This timeframe ensures that the turkey remains safe to eat and maintains its quality. It is important to remember that these guidelines are for refrigeration only, and freezing cooked turkey can extend its shelf life significantly. 1.
Can You reheat refrigerated cooked turkey?
Yes, you can reheat refrigerated cooked turkey. Take out the desired portion and reheat it in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This helps eliminate any potential bacteria and ensures it is safe to eat. 5. How can I tell if refrigerated cooked turkey has gone bad?
Can you freeze cooked turkey?
In short, no. The USDA recommends using cooked turkey within 3–4 days, kept refrigerated (40°F or less). If you do want to keep it for longer, consider freezing it, ideally as soon as it has cooled down, on the day of cooking. Can I freeze leftover turkey? How long can you keep leftover Turkey in the freezer?
How long can you keep leftover Turkey in the freezer?
Leftover turkey can be kept in the freezer for up to 6 months, according to the USDA. The rule with reheating turkey — or any Thanksgiving leftover — is simple: Heat up food until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the USDA. Use a food thermometer to check the temperature.
Can You Refrigerate a stuffed turkey?
After cooking, allow the turkey to cool for approximately 30 minutes at room temperature before refrigerating it, ensuring it doesn’t stay at room temperature for longer than two hours. 2. Can I refrigerate a stuffed turkey? It is not recommended to refrigerate a whole turkey with stuffing inside.
Should you Refrigerate a turkey breast?
Slice breast meat from the bone and refrigerate in shallow containers. Keep the rest of the turkey whole if possible. This helps retain moisture compared to shredding all of the meat initially. Ideally, carve the turkey just before serving time.