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 we all know, turkey is the highlight of any Thanksgiving feast. However, even after generously feeding a crowd, most households inevitably end up with plenty of tasty turkey leftovers. While having leftover turkey can be a blessing for easy sandwiches, soups, and casseroles in the days following Thanksgiving, improper storage can lead to dried-out, unsafe turkey. Follow these helpful guidelines to store turkey leftovers correctly and safely enjoy them for up to four days refrigerated or six months frozen.
Refrigerating Leftover Turkey
According to experts at Martha Stewart the USDA and Food Network, refrigerated leftover turkey stays fresh and safe to eat for up to four days after cooking. To maximize this four-day timeframe, it’s essential to promptly store turkey leftovers in the refrigerator once dinner is over. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends carving leftover meat off the bones, dividing it into smaller portions, and refrigerating within two hours of cooking.
Smaller portions placed in shallow containers cool more rapidly in the fridge, inhibiting bacteria growth. Larger portions take longer to chill to a safe temperature. Turkey stored in deep, dense containers surrounded by other leftovers may still harbor unsafe temperatures deep in the food, even when the surface feels cool.
Tightly seal leftovers in airtight containers or heavy-duty plastic bags with as much air pushed out as possible Write the date on containers for easy tracking Place leftovers on different fridge shelves rather than stacking, to allow cold air to circulate freely around each container.
Monitor refrigerated turkey for signs of spoilage like sliminess, off-odor, or mold. Cooked turkey keeps best when used within three days, but remains safe up to four days if properly stored For longer freezer storage, freeze turkey within this four day window
Freezing Leftover Turkey
Well-wrapped leftover turkey stays fresh and delicious in the freezer for up to six months, stopping bacteria growth. For best quality, eat frozen leftovers within two to three months.
As when refrigerating, promptly freeze turkey leftovers in portioned containers within two hours after cooking. Allowing the turkey time to cool before freezing helps prevent unwanted freezer burn. However, unlike refrigerating, freezer storage time is not affected by portion size. Even a large freezer-safe container filled with turkey will freeze solid within two hours.
Exclude stuffing packed in the turkey cavity when freezing leftovers, as it alters the turkey’s safe storage timeframe. Package stuffing separately before freezing.
For easiest reheating, wrap each portion of turkey meat in plastic freezer wrap or bags. Exclude bones, which can cause the turkey to freeze unevenly. Before sealing bags, press out all excess air to prevent freezer burn. Label each package with contents and freeze date.
Arrange wrapped portions in a single layer on freezer shelves until solidly frozen, then stack. Colder home freezers safely preserve leftovers longer than self-defrosting refrigerator freezers. For six-month storage, consider moving the turkey to a manual defrost deep freezer.
Thawing and Reheating Frozen Turkey
Never thaw frozen leftovers at room temperature or in hot water, which allows bacteria to multiply. The safest method is thawing in the refrigerator overnight. For quicker thawing, seal wrapped turkey in a plastic bag and submerge in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes until thawed.
Cook frozen turkey leftovers immediately after thawing. If thawed in the fridge, use within three to four days. Do not refreeze thawed turkey.
When reheating, use a food thermometer to ensure turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Bring soups, gravies, and casseroles to a full boil. Cover and stir foods frequently when microwaving to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying.
Reheat only the amount that will be immediately served and eaten. It’s fine to re-refrigerate or re-freeze any uneaten reheated turkey, but quality continues declining with each reheat.
Watch For Safety Signs
Always inspect thawed or reheated turkey before eating. Frozen turkey with freezer burn or strange colors may be safe but unappetizing. When reheating, sous vide turkey should reach 140°F internally. Refrigerated turkey develops slimy textures or rancid odors as it spoils.
By following these refrigeration, freezing, thawing, and reheating guidelines, you can safely enjoy delicious leftover turkey for up to a week refrigerated or six months frozen. With proper handling, Thanksgiving turkey leftovers will transform into convenient, hearty meals to be thankful for all season long.
What Are the Best Containers for Freezing Turkey?
I like to use freezer-proof zipper top bags for freezing turkey, because you can really press out all of the excess air before sealing them. The zipper-top bag packages marked specifically for the freezer are thicker than regular zipper-top bags and definitely better for freezing. Also consider reusable freezer-proof bags. If you want to use a freezer-proof container, that’s fine. You want to make sure the turkey is pretty well packed in, again to reduce the amount of air in the container which can cause freezer burn. Whatever container you use, please make sure to label it with a permanent marker. Write the kind of turkey you are freezing (e.g., breast meat), the date you are freezing it, and if you like, the amount in the container (e.g., 4 cups turkey or 1 pound turkey).
How Long Can Leftover Turkey Stay in the Fridge Before Freezing?
If your turkey has been properly handled, you can refrigerate and eat it for up to four days. If you are planning to freeze it, it’s best to freeze it within one day of cooking for optimal texture and taste. However, leftover turkey can be frozen after three days and it will be fine. If your turkey has been in the fridge for one, two or three days, you are good to freeze it, as long as it was in a well-sealed container and hasn’t dried out.
Storing Leftover Turkey Safely
FAQ
What is the best way to store leftover turkey?
Leftovers should be placed in the refrigerator or freezer as soon as possible, even if they still have steam or heat coming off them.Nov 23, 2018
How long can turkey leftovers stay in fridge?
How long do the turkey and trimmings stay safe in the refrigerator or freezer? The answer is simple: leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for three to four days. This means you have until the Monday after Thanksgiving to eat all those delicious leftovers or place them in the freezer to enjoy later.
How do you store and reheat a cooked turkey?
Place the carved turkey pieces back into the roasting pan, cover well, and store in the fridge. To reheat, preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Keeping the turkey in the roasting pan, pour a bit of stock (chicken, turkey, or veggie stock or broth will work) over the meat to moisten it.
How do you store leftover Turkey?
Here’s how to store leftover turkey, the right way. Resist the urge to toss the meaty turkey carcass into your fridge, and take a few minutes to store your Thanksgiving turkey correctly to preserve texture and flavor. “The best way to store leftover turkey is in a plastic bag,” suggested Yankel Polak, head chef at ButcherBox.
How long can leftover Turkey stay in the fridge?
According to Nguyen, when cooked and cooled properly, a turkey will last between three to five days under refrigeration. It’s worth keeping in mind that the drier and saltier the turkey, the longer it can last in the fridge.
How do you store a frozen turkey?
Store turkey in shallow containers to allow quick, even chilling. Refrigerate right away in an appliance thermometer reads 40°F or below. Completely cover and seal containers with tight fitting lids.
Can you freeze leftover Thanksgiving turkey?
If you won’t consume your leftover Thanksgiving turkey within a few days, your best bet is to freeze the meat. According to the USDA, cooked turkey stored in the freezer will stay good for three to four months. Better yet, plan ahead to preserve the meat, and don’t cut it up too much before freezing.
Can you eat frozen turkey leftovers after 6 months?
Eat frozen turkey leftovers within 6 months for premier quality. “Other slower changes to quality, like freezer burn, can eventually render leftovers unacceptable,” Snyder says, noting that this is not an issue of safety when it comes to frozen leftovers.
How long can you keep roast turkey in the fridge?
What’s the Best Way To Store Roast Turkey? “In general we should not be keeping turkey in the refrigerator for a long time, three to four days at most,” says Bucknavage. As long as it’s covered, it should be safe to keep eating for those days following the initial roast.