A holiday spread isn’t complete without the star of the show: the turkey. It doesn’t matter how many other dishes you make. There are a lot of different ways to cook a turkey, whether you want to grill, fry, or roast it like everyone else. The only problem with making this holiday classic is that it takes a lot of time and planning. What is the best way to thaw a turkey? How long does it stay fresh in the fridge after being thawed? Then there are questions about cooking, like how to get the turkey ready to roast and how to get the skin crispy.
Some of the most important ones are how to thaw turkey and how long it can stay in the fridge after being thawed. Your cooking plan should take into account how long your bird needs to defrost so that it can go into the oven on time, but not so early that it stays in the fridge for too long. To plan your post-Thanksgiving leftover binge, you should also know how long cooked turkey can stay in the fridge.
To help you plan your timing, we got turkey tips from Butterballs and nutritionist Toby Amidor. Now you know how to handle your frozen, thawed, cooked, and leftover meat this year.
The holidays are fast approaching, and for many families, that means it’s almost time to pull a frozen Butterball turkey out of the freezer. But once thawed and refrigerated, how long does a Butterball turkey stay fresh and safe to cook? Proper refrigeration is key to preventing foodborne illness and ensuring your holiday centerpiece makes it from the fridge to the table in prime condition.
As a holiday cook, you want to keep your Butterball turkey refrigerated for the optimal timeline – not too long that it goes bad, but not too short that you risk thawing and refreezing Follow these guidelines so your turkey stays deliciously fresh
How Long Can a Raw Butterball Turkey Be Refrigerated?
According to Butterball and food safety recommendations a fresh. raw whole Butterball turkey can be stored in the refrigerator safely for
- 1-2 days after purchase if not frozen
- Up to 4 days once fully thawed from frozen
These timelines help prevent bacterial growth like salmonella. Always refrigerate the turkey promptly after bringing it home, and cook within the recommended window after thawing.
Should You Refrigerate a Thawed Turkey Before Cooking?
Yes, you should absolutely refrigerate a thawed Butterball turkey before cooking. Never leave a thawed turkey sitting out at room temperature. Refrigeration is necessary to keep the turkey safe even when thawed.
Other tips for fridge storage of thawed turkey:
- Place the turkey breast-side up on a tray or pan to contain leaks
- Do not refreeze a thawed turkey – it must be cooked within the 4 day timeline
- Cook thawed turkey immediately for best quality
Can You Refrigerate a Cooked Butterball Turkey?
Leftover cooked turkey also needs quick refrigeration. Follow the FDA recommendation to refrigerate cooked turkey and all leftovers within 2 hours after cooking.
To maximize freshness and flavor of cooked turkey:
- Let the cooked turkey rest for 30 minutes before carving
- Carve turkey into smaller portions to chill quickly
- Store leftovers in shallow containers for fast cooling
- Use leftover turkey within 3-4 days for safety and quality
Signs Your Refrigerated Turkey Has Spoiled
Always rely on your sense of sight and smell to determine if refrigerated turkey has gone bad. If you notice:
- Sliminess or sticky texture
- Discoloration or graying meat
- Off odors
…the turkey is likely spoiled and should be discarded. When in doubt, throw it out to avoid foodborne illness.
Turkey Storage Tips for Holiday Meals
When handling your Butterball turkey this holiday season, be sure to follow proper refrigeration guidelines. Quickly store raw or cooked turkey at 40°F or below. Use these turkey storage tips:
- Refrigerate raw turkey within 2 hours of purchase
- Cook refrigerated raw turkey within 1-2 days, or freeze for longer storage
- Thaw frozen turkey in the fridge, allowing 24 hours per 4-5 lbs
- Cook thawed turkey within 4 days for food safety
- Refrigerate cooked turkey and leftovers within 2 hours after serving
- Discard turkey if it has an off smell or appearance
Properly storing your Butterball turkey is key to delicious and safe holiday meals. Follow these fridge storage timelines to keep your festive centerpiece fresh. Focus on creating holiday memories, not worrying about turkey spoilage!
Experts Featured in This Article
For several days before you plan to cook the turkey, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) says to let it defrost in the fridge at 40°F or below. Amidor says that it takes about one day for every four pounds of turkey to thaw. This means that a 12-pound turkey will take three days to thaw, while a 20- to 24-pound turkey can take up to six days. (Butterball has a handy calculator that can tell you exactly how long youll need to thaw your bird.
Amidor says that the turkey can stay in the fridge for two more days after it has been thawed before it needs to be cooked. Let’s say you want to cook a 20- to 24-pound bird. You should put it in the fridge to thaw at least six days before you want to eat it so it has time to fully thaw, but no more than eight days before you want to eat it so you stay within that two-day window. You should put a 12-pound turkey in the fridge for at least three days and no more than five.
Put the turkey on a rimmed sheet tray or roasting pan when you’re ready to thaw it. This will keep any juices from making a mess in the fridge. It needs to defrost in the coldest part of your fridge. Even better, keep it in a spare fridge that you don’t open very often. “You can refreeze the turkey without cooking it if you thaw it in the fridge and decide not to cook it,” Amidor says. “But there will be some loss of quality.”
How long can you keep a fresh Butterball turkey in the fridge?
FAQ
Can I keep a fresh turkey in the fridge for a week?
How long can I keep a thawed turkey in the fridge?
How long can you keep a precooked turkey in the refrigerator?
How to find the expiration date on a Butterball turkey?
How long can you keep a Butterball turkey in the fridge?
A whole turkey can be stored in the freezer for up to 12 months. Turkey pieces are best consumed within nine months. Ground turkey can be stored for up to three to four months. How long can you keep a frozen Butterball turkey in the fridge?
How long does a thawed Butterball turkey last?
A thawed Butterball turkey can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days before cooking. Keep thawed turkey in its original packaging or place in a container on a tray to catch any juices. Use right away for best quality. The takeaway is that a frozen Butterball turkey remains safe indefinitely if stored continuously at 0°F or below.
How do you store a Butterball turkey?
To store a Butterball turkey in the refrigerator, follow these steps: 1. Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey. The giblets and neck can be stored in a separate container in the refrigerator for up to two days. 2. Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water. Be sure to remove any visible dirt or debris. 3.
How long does a thawed Turkey last?
Thaw in refrigerator (not at room temperature). Place unopened roast on a tray in refrigerator for 1½ to 2 days, or until thawed. To thaw faster, place unopened roast in cold tap water for 3 to 5 hours. Change water every 30 minutes to keep turkey cold. When thawed, keep in refrigerator until ready to cook. Cook within 4 days of thawing.
How long does a Butterball turkey last?
* Temperature: The ideal temperature for storing a Butterball turkey is 40 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature, the turkey will stay fresh for up to two weeks. If the temperature is higher, the turkey will spoil more quickly. * Moisture: The turkey should be stored in a covered container to prevent it from drying out.
Can a frozen Butterball turkey be roasted without thawing?
Yes, a whole frozen Butterball turkey can be roasted without thawing. The cooking time may be significantly longer compared to thawed. Refer to instructions for proper oven temperature and approximate cooking times based on turkey size. Use a food thermometer to ensure the center of the stuffing and thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F.