Freezing leftover turkey is a great way to save it for fast easy dinners in the future. Follow these simple steps to keep your leftover turkey for months to come.
Everyone in the country is having a smaller Thanksgiving this year, so you will probably have some turkey left over. This works great for both my Turkey Breast recipe and my Roast Turkey!
These simple and easy steps make it possible to keep turkey on hand for lots of great recipes. There is no need to get sick of turkey. Freeze your left overs and use them a month from now in leftover turkey recipes.
As we approach the holiday season, many of us will find ourselves with leftovers from large turkey dinners. While turkey sandwiches are great the day after, turkey has a short shelf life and can go bad within 3-4 days in the fridge. Freezing cooked turkey is an easy way to preserve those delicious leftovers so you can continue enjoying tasty turkey dishes all year long. In this article, I’ll explain the best practices for freezing cooked turkey and how to use your frozen turkey in future recipes.
Why Freeze Turkey?
Freezing cooked turkey has several advantages:
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Extends shelf life – Frozen turkey lasts 3-6 months in the freezer compared to just 3-4 days in the fridge. This prevents food waste.
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Saves money – Buying and cooking whole turkeys is cheaper per pound compared to buying turkey cold cuts Freezing cooked turkey lets you take advantage of those savings year-round
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Adds variety – Frozen turkey can be used in casseroles, soups, sandwiches, wraps, and more for quick and easy meals It’s a handy staple to keep on hand
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Retains flavor – Frozen turkey maintains its texture and flavor better than refrigerated turkey. It will taste freshly-cooked once reheated.
How to Freeze Turkey
Follow these simple steps for properly freezing cooked turkey:
Step 1: Let Turkey Cool
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After cooking the turkey, let it cool at room temperature for 30 minutes. This helps prevent bacteria growth.
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Then refrigerate the cooked turkey for at least 1 hour until completely cooled. Cold turkey freezes better
Step 2: Portion the Turkey
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Remove all bones, skin, and fat from the turkey. Discard or save bones for making stock.
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Cut the turkey into smaller portions or slices no more than 3 inches thick.
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Smaller portions thaw faster and let you defrost only what you need.
Step 3: Package Turkey
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Place portions in freezer-safe bags or airtight containers. Squeeze out all air.
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Leave 1/2 inch room in containers for turkey in gravy to allow for expansion.
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Label bags with contents and freeze-by date 3-6 months in the future.
Step 4: Freeze Turkey
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For quickest freezing, spread packages in a single layer on a baking sheet.
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Once solidly frozen, gather packages and store together in freezer.
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Maintain freezer temperature at 0°F or below.
Thawing Frozen Turkey
Always thaw frozen turkey safely using one of these methods:
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In the refrigerator – Allow 24 hours for every 1 pound. Place on a plate to catch drips.
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In cold water – Change water every 30 minutes until thawed. Cook immediately.
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In the microwave – Use the defrost setting and cook immediately. Pieces may be unevenly heated.
Never thaw turkey at room temperature or in hot water. This allows bacteria to grow. Cook thawed turkey within 2 days.
Recipes Using Frozen Turkey
Frozen turkey is endlessly versatile. Here are some delicious ways to use it:
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Stir into soups, stews, chili, or casseroles.
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Make turkey tetrazzini, turkey pot pie, or turkey enchiladas.
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Sauté with veggies and add to pasta, rice bowls, or frittatas.
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Use in sandwiches, wraps, and pitas for quick lunches.
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Top salads, flatbreads, or pizza with thawed turkey.
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Mix into stuffing or use as omelette filling.
So don’t toss those turkey leftovers! With proper freezing techniques, you can enjoy cooked turkey for months after the holidays are over. Follow these tips for freezing and thawing turkey safely. Thawed turkey brings a tasty dose of protein to many simple dishes.
How to Freeze Leftover Turkey
Freezing turkey to have for later recipes is really simple. It’s important to flash freeze it in a single layer so that you can take out just one cup at a time later.
Step 1: Cut the turkey into bite sized pieces.
If you want the most out of your leftovers, you should freeze them as soon as possible.
Step 2: Spread the turkey into a single layer on a parchment lined baking sheet.
Step 3: Freeze the cut up turkey for 1 hour.
This flash freezing is an important step. It will keep the turkey from clumping together when stored in the freezer. This way they freeze as individual pieces.
Step 4: Transfer the frozen turkey to a plastic bag.
It’s now safe to put the bag of frozen turkey away for up to three months.
Following these recipes (and more will be added next week) will help you figure out what to do with frozen turkey that you have left over.
With any soup or casserole recipe, you can add it to the recipe directly from the freezer. Just add a little more cooking time.
This turkey will last in the freezer in a sealed container for 3 months.
Leftover turkey will last in the refrigerator for 4 days and in the freeze for 3 months.
It depends on the recipe. If the turkey is already frozen, you can add it to soups and casseroles, but give it a little more time. For recipes like the sliders and the grilled cheese, thaw in the refrigerator overnight first.
Yes! This is exactly how I freeze rotisserie chicken as well. This is perfect for recipes like my Chicken Noodle Casserole. Follow me on social for more recipe ideas & inspiration!.
Can you freeze cooked turkey then reheat?
FAQ
Does cooked turkey freeze well?
How do you freeze a turkey and keep it moist?
How do you freeze turkey without drying it out?
Can you freeze cooked turkey in foil?
Can you freeze a frozen turkey?
Lay the meat onto a baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper. Place the sheet into the freezer for 1-2 hours or until frozen. Transfer the turkey to your preferred container, removing as much excess air as possible. Label and date the container using a permanent marker. Store in the freezer for 3-6 months.
How do you cook a frozen turkey?
To cook frozen cooked turkey, follow these steps: 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 2. Place the turkey in a baking dish. 3. Cover the turkey with foil. 4. Bake the turkey for 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Can I refreeze cooked turkey? No, you should not refreeze cooked turkey.
How do you store a frozen turkey?
Place all of the wrapped pieces into a large food storage bag. Squeeze out any excess air and then label and date the bag. Store in the freezer for 3-6 months. Wrap the turkey tightly in several layers of plastic wrap. Next, wrap it in a layer of aluminum foil or freezer paper. Label and date the turkey.
Can you freeze leftover Turkey?
Don’t use thin plastic sandwich bags with fold-over tops to freeze leftover turkey, as they allow too much air into the package. The result could be bacteria growth and freezer burn. Once you have placed the leftover turkey in the freezer bag, smooth out all of the air before sealing the zip lock. Don’t fill up the plastic freezer bags.
How long does cooked turkey last in the freezer?
Leftover cooked turkey freezes well for up to 6 months if properly handled, packed, and frozen within 3 days of the original preparation. However, I like to try and use it within 3 months for the best flavor and texture and to avoid the possibility of freezer burn. Freezer burn happens when air comes into contact with food.
Can you freeze cooked turkey breast?
Yes, you can freeze cooked turkey breast. To freeze cooked turkey breast, follow the same steps as for freezing cooked turkey. Can I freeze cooked turkey legs? Yes, you can freeze cooked turkey legs. To freeze cooked turkey legs, follow the same steps as for freezing cooked turkey. Can I freeze cooked turkey thighs?