Lucky you, with leftover cooked turkey! That means you made sure to have enough for everyone to have a great meal (and hopefully some next-day sandwiches) and STILL had extra. Smart. I always plan to make a larger turkey than necessary. There are so many recipes to make with leftover cooked turkey, from split pea soup to hash; it’s a great planned leftover! These are the best ways to freeze turkey to preserve freshness, texture, and flavor.
Cooked turkey freezes very well. You can freeze it in slices, cubes, or whole pieces. You can freeze it in large quantities, or for easier and faster defrosting, freeze it in bags or containers with the amount you think you will need for a particular recipe, like a turkey pot pie.
With the holiday season in full swing, many of us will soon be cooking a delicious turkey feast for family and friends And with a large turkey comes plenty of leftovers! While it’s great to get a few extra meals out of your holiday bird, proper storage is key to prevent spoilage So can you freeze cooked turkey slices?
The short answer is yes, freezing cooked turkey slices is a great way to preserve your leftover roasted turkey to enjoy later. According to food safety experts, properly frozen cooked turkey slices can last 3-4 months in the freezer while maintaining quality and taste.
In this article, we’ll provide a simple, step-by-step guide to freezing cooked turkey slices, covering proper storage methods, freezing timelines, thawing instructions, and important safety tips. With the right techniques, you can easily freeze leftover turkey slices after your holiday meal and enjoy delicious turkey sandwiches, casseroles, and more for months to come!
Overview of Freezing Cooked Turkey Slices
Freezing cooked turkey slices allows you to safely preserve your roasted bird to use in future recipes and meals. Here are some key points on freezing turkey
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Cook and cool the turkey properly – Let the cooked turkey cool completely in the fridge before freezing to prevent bacteria growth.
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Portion into slices – Cut cooked turkey meat off the bone into slices or cubes for easier freezing Pieces should be no more than 3 inches thick
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Use freezer bags or airtight containers – Remove air and seal turkey tightly in bags or containers to prevent freezer burn.
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Label packages – Include the turkey type, quantity, and freeze date so you can track shelf life.
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Freeze at 0°F or below – Quick freezing at optimal temperature maintains quality and taste.
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Thaw in fridge overnight – Slow thawing in the refrigerator keeps turkey safe to eat.
Following proper freezing, storage, and thawing methods allows cooked turkey slices to stay fresh in the freezer for 3-4 months.
Step-by-Step Guide to Freezing Cooked Turkey Slices
Follow these simple steps for perfect frozen turkey every time:
Let Turkey Cool Completely
After roasting and carving your turkey, allow it to cool at room temperature for 20 minutes. Then refrigerate the cooked meat for at least 2 hours or overnight before freezing. Proper cooling stops the cooking process, ensuring the best taste and texture. It also prevents harmful bacteria growth.
Remove Bones, Skin, and Slice Meat
Once thoroughly chilled, remove any bones, skin, and slice the turkey meat into smaller portions if desired. Cutting turkey into smaller pieces allows for quicker, more even freezing. Turkey slices should be no more than 3 inches thick.
Package Slices in Freezer Bags or Wraps
Place the cooled turkey slices in airtight freezer bags, plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or freezer-safe containers. Remove as much excess air as possible and seal the packages tightly. This prevents freezer burn which can dry turkey slices out.
Label Packages with Date and Contents
Clearly label each freezer package with the contents (turkey slices), quantity, and freeze date. Use a permanent marker so the labels last in the freezer. Proper labeling allows you to track shelf life and use older packages first.
Freeze at 0°F or Colder
Arrange the wrapped turkey slices in a single layer in your freezer. Freezing in a single layer allows food to freeze evenly and solidly. Store cooked turkey at 0°F or below. Turkey stored at a constant 0°F or colder can safely stay frozen for 3-4 months.
Thaw in Refrigerator Overnight
When you’re ready to eat the turkey, thaw it slowly in the refrigerator overnight or for 24 hours. Microwave defrosting is quicker but can lead to uneven cooking. Never thaw turkey slices at room temperature.
How Long Does Frozen Turkey Last?
When stored properly at 0°F, cooked turkey slices will last 3-4 months in the freezer before quality loss occurs. Frozen uncooked whole turkeys can last even longer – up to a year when constantly frozen.
Here are some of the factors that affect frozen turkey’s shelf life:
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Freezer temperature – Colder freezers (0°F or below) extend shelf life. Keep freezers full for better temperature regulation.
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Packaging – Airtight, freezer-safe packaging prevents freezer burn and moisture loss leading to texture and flavor changes.
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Preparation – Sliced or cubed turkey won’t last as long as a whole frozen turkey.
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Freezer organization – Use oldest packages first and label clearly to track shelf life.
While frozen turkey may still be safe to eat after 3-4 months, flavor, juiciness, and texture can degrade over longer storage. Use frozen turkey within the recommended timeline for optimal taste and quality.
Thawing Frozen Turkey Safely
It’s important to properly thaw frozen turkey to avoid foodborne illness. Here are some recommended safe methods:
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Refrigerator – Thaw slowly in the fridge for 24 hours per 4 lbs turkey. Place on a plate or pan to catch drips.
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Cold water – Submerge airtight wrapped turkey in cold water, changing water every 30 mins. Cook immediately after thawing.
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Microwave – Use the defrost setting and check frequently for even thawing. Cook turkey right after microwave thawing.
Never thaw turkey at room temperature or in hot water. This puts turkey in the “danger zone” between 40-140°F where bacteria multiply quickly. After thawing, cook or refreeze the turkey immediately and avoid refreezing more than once for food safety.
Tips for Freezing Turkey Slices
Follow these tips for the best results when freezing turkey slices:
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Chill cooked turkey within 2 hours of roasting to prevent bacteria growth.
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Portion turkey into meal-sized servings for easier thawing and use.
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Use airtight freezer bags, plastic wrap, or foil to prevent freezer burn and frost.
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Flatten packages to freeze faster. Arrange neatly in single layers for even freezing.
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Avoid overpacking the freezer to allow proper air circulation.
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Label packages clearly with contents and freeze dates using a permanent marker.
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Track shelf life and use oldest packages first. Don’t exceed recommended 3-4 month storage.
Food Safety Tips for Frozen Turkey
Take these food safety precautions when freezing cooked turkey:
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Refrigerate cooked turkey promptly after roasting, within 2 hours. Never let turkey sit at room temp before freezing.
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Handle raw poultry carefully to avoid cross-contamination with utensils, cutting boards, etc.
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Only thaw frozen turkey in the refrigerator, cold water, or microwave. Never thaw at room temperature.
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Cook or refreeze thawed turkey right away, and avoid refreezing more than once.
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Discard any turkey stored beyond the recommended 3-4 month frozen shelf life.
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Reheat thawed turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a food thermometer to verify it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.
Following proper freezing, thawing, and handling guidelines will keep frozen turkey slices safe to enjoy in casseroles, sandwiches, soups and more for months after the big holiday meal!
Frequently Asked Questions About Freezing Turkey
Freezing turkey may seem simple, but many common questions come up. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:
Can you freeze cooked turkey twice?
It’s not recommended to refreeze thawed turkey more than once. Refreezing leads to further moisture loss, affecting texture and flavor.
Can you freeze turkey in broth or gravy?
Turkey broth or gravy should be frozen separately in airtight containers, leaving headspace for expansion. Avoid freezing poultry submerged in liquid.
How long will an uncooked turkey last in the freezer?
Whole raw uncooked turkeys can be frozen for up to one year when stored constantly at 0°F or below. Handle carefully to prevent contamination.
Can cooked turkey be frozen without packaging?
No, cooked turkey should always be tightly wrapped or stored in airtight containers before freezing to prevent freezer burn.
Can you freeze stuffing with turkey?
It’s not recommended. Freezing can ruin the texture of stuffing. Prepare and freeze stuffing separately, adding to turkey just before heating.
Can thawed turkey be refrozen?
It’s best to avoid refreezing thawed turkey more than once. Refreezing leads to further moisture loss, affecting quality and safety.
Can you use frozen turkey slices for sandwiches?
Yes, frozen turkey slices can be used for sandwiches after thorough thawing in the refrigerator. They’ll maintain quality in the freezer for up to 4 months.
The Takeaway
Freezing is an excellent way to preserve and extend the life of your leftover roasted turkey. Follow proper cooling, packaging, labeling, freezing, and thawing guidelines, and cooked turkey slices can
The Best Container to Freeze Leftover Turkey
I like to use freezer-proof zipper top bags when freezing turkey because you can really press out all of the excess air before sealing them. Zipper-top bag packages marked specifically for the freezer are thicker than regular 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, reducing the amount of air in the container, which can cause freezer burn.
If you have a vacuum sealer, this is a great place to use it!
Whatever container you use, definitely 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). This will help you keep track of the time. We don’t want to end up eating leftover turkey from five years ago.
How Do You Defrost (or Thaw) Frozen Cooked Turkey Safely?
The best way to thaw cooked turkey is to place the bag or container in the fridge for at least 1 day; up to 2 days for larger quantities.
You can also defrost turkey in the microwave if the container is small enough to rotate on the carousel tray, which will allow it to defrost safely and evenly. Every microwave is different, so you should check your defrost setting to make sure you are doing it correctly. Some microwaves let you plan your defrosting according to weight, while others have more specific settings.
DO NOT thaw turkey or any meat at room temperature! This can allow bacteria to form, which can be dangerous, especially for people who are very young, very old, or immunocompromised in any way.
If you are using the turkey in a soup, stew, or casserole, you might not have to defrost it first. Read the recipe and see if it makes sense to add it while still frozen. This will also possibly help keep it moist and juicy. If it is heating up in a chili, for instance, the liquid and other ingredients will help moisten the turkey as it defrosts and heats through.
