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.
Freezing cooked turkey is a great way to save leftover holiday bird or prepare turkey in advance for future meals With a few simple steps, you can easily freeze turkey for up to 9 months Read on to learn everything you need to know about freezing turkey after it’s already cooked.
Why Freeze Turkey?
Freezing cooked turkey offers several advantages
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Saves money by reducing food waste. Turkey is expensive, so freezing leftovers prevents having to throw it away.
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Saves time since frozen turkey is ready to just heat and eat later. No need to cook a whole bird again.
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Lets you enjoy turkey any time, not just holidays. Pull frozen turkey out months later for sandwiches, casseroles, soups, etc.
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Allows preparing turkey in advance for meals later. Cook a turkey now and freeze portions to use over the next couple months.
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Lets you buy turkey when on sale and freeze for later. Stock up on budget-friendly turkey ahead of time.
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Keeps turkey fresh for up to 9 months in the freezer. Freezing prevents spoilage.
How Long Does Frozen Turkey Last?
Properly frozen cooked turkey lasts in the freezer for up to 9 months before losing quality. For best flavor and texture, aim to eat frozen turkey within 3-6 months.
Turkey that has been continuously frozen at 0°F or below should remain safe to eat for the full 9 months, though the taste declines over time. Monitor for freezer burn and other signs of freezer damage.
Can You Refreeze Turkey?
Previously frozen turkey can be safely refrozen provided it was thawed in the refrigerator and was never left at room temperature for over 2 hours.
Refreezing turkey that was thawed using the cold water method or left out at room temperature too long is not recommended, as bacteria may start multiplying. Play it safe and try to only freeze turkey once.
How to Freeze Cooked Turkey
Follow these simple steps for freezing cooked turkey perfectly every time:
1. Let Turkey Cool
After roasting or cooking turkey, allow it to cool down to room temperature, about 20-30 minutes. This helps lock in moisture and flavor.
Once cooled, cover and refrigerate the turkey. Chilling it further prevents bacteria growth. Leave in the fridge up to 2 days before freezing.
2. Portion Turkey
Cut cooled turkey off the bone into smaller pieces. Remove skin and slice or cube meat into portions no more than 3 inches thick.
Portioning the meat makes it easier to reheat later. Consider dividing into meal-sized portions, like 1 breast per bag.
3. Use Freezer Bags
Place turkey pieces and slices into freezer-safe bags. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing to reduce freezer burn.
Heavy-duty plastic freezer bags are ideal for freezing turkey. Make sure there are no rips or tears before filling.
4. Label Bags
Write the date and contents on each bag using a permanent marker. Include the type of turkey and date it was originally cooked and frozen.
Labelling ensures you know what’s inside and lets you use the oldest turkey first when reheating.
5. Fill Weight
Try to pack similar turkey portion sizes together in each bag, such as:
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1 pound packages for sandwiches or casseroles
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1 breast or leg per bag for individual meals
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Shredded or diced turkey in recipe-sized packages
Matching portion sizes to planned uses makes thawing and cooking easier.
6. Freeze Flat
Lay filled turkey bags flat in a single layer in the freezer. Avoid stacking bags or overfilling freezer shelves.
Freezing flat helps the turkey freeze faster and more evenly. Arrange bags so cold air can circulate freely.
7. Freeze Below 0°F
Set your freezer to 0°F or below. Use a thermometer to verify the temperature if unsure. Colder freezing preserves texture and flavor better.
Quickly freezing at subzero temps also inhibits bacteria growth and extends shelf life. Don’t risk freezing turkey above 0°F.
Thawing Frozen Turkey
Always thaw frozen turkey in the refrigerator or with the cold water method. Never thaw turkey at room temperature.
Refrigerator Thawing
For safety and best quality, thaw turkey in the fridge. Place frozen bags on a plate or pan to catch leaks.
Allow about 24-48 hours for a pound of frozen turkey to thaw in the refrigerator. A 12 lb turkey takes 3-4 days.
Cold Water Thawing
For faster thawing, submerge bags of turkey in a bowl of cold tap water, changing water every 30 minutes. Avoid using hot water.
Thawing in cold water takes about 30 minutes per pound. A 12 lb turkey will be ready in 6-8 hours. Cook turkey immediately after thawing.
Room Temperature Thawing
It is unsafe and unwise to thaw frozen turkey at room temperature or in warm water. Bacteria multiply rapidly above 40°F.
Thawing on the counter can also result in uneven thawing and outer areas becoming warm while the inner core remains frozen and cold.
Cooking Previously Frozen Turkey
Frozen turkey is perfectly safe to cook as long as it was thawed properly. Cook thawed turkey to an internal temp of 165°F.
Previously frozen turkey may cook slightly faster than fresh since freezing helps tenderize meat. Watch closely and reduce oven temp if browning too quickly.
Expect thawed turkey to have a slightly different texture and moisture content compared to fresh. Reheating with broth or gravy can help add back moisture. Enjoy your delicious frozen turkey!
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?