One of the best parts of Thanksgiving is the leftovers. We do a fairly traditional Thanksgiving meal – turkey (raised on our farm in Vermont!), stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce, massaged kale salad, and gravy – but what we really look forward to is the meal we make with the leftovers. However, my husband and I prefer different Friday meals. He is all about the turkey sandwich piled high with stuffing and with a generous slathering of cranberry aioli, while I’m making creamy turkey and wild rice soup with the bones, turkey meat, green beans, gravy, and remaining kale. It might not be the most conventional way to eat leftovers, but after 10 years working in a test kitchen, I am the queen of repurposing bits and pieces left in the fridge into new meals.
Since we all get tired of eating the same thing over and over, using your Souper Cubes to freeze your leftovers means you can enjoy stuffing later. Freezing food in individual portions means you dont have to deal with leftovers twice. Read below to learn what freezes well and for how long.
For many families, turkey and dressing are essential parts of the Thanksgiving feast. After spending hours preparing these iconic dishes, hosts are often left with ample leftovers. Freezing the remaining turkey and dressing ensures these holiday favorites don’t go to waste.
But can you safely freeze both leftover turkey and dressing? Will they maintain quality after being frozen and reheated? This comprehensive guide provides tips for properly freezing turkey and dressing to enjoy your holiday dishes beyond the main event.
Overview of Freezing Turkey and Dressing
Freezing is an excellent way to preserve cooked turkey and dressing after Thanksgiving. Both dishes freeze well for 2-4 months when stored at 0°F. Freezing prevents bacterial growth that causes spoilage. Portioning leftovers into smaller containers also allows you to thaw only what you need at a time.
However, freezing does affect texture and moisture content Reheating frozen dishes requires some additional care to restore quality. Follow proper freezer storage times and use suitable freezer-safe packaging to prevent freezer burn.
Can You Freeze Leftover Turkey?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze leftover roasted turkey, both white and dark meat According to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, cooked turkey maintains optimal quality when frozen for up to 4 months at 0°F.
To freeze turkey:
- Allow cooked turkey to cool completely, then carve meat from the bones.
- Portion turkey into meal-size servings in freezer bags or airtight containers.
- Remove as much air as possible and seal bags/containers tightly.
- Label packages with contents and freeze date.
- Freeze at 0°F for up to 4 months.
Frozen cooked turkey is safe indefinitely, but the texture declines after prolonged freezing. For best moistness and flavor, use within 4 months.
Once thawed, leftover turkey retains its quality for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. It can be served cold in sandwiches and salads or reheated in soups, casseroles and other turkey dishes.
Step-by-Step Guide to Freezing Dressing
Both cooked and uncooked dressing can be frozen for Thanksgiving leftovers. Follow these simple steps:
To Freeze Uncooked Dressing
- Prepare dressing ingredients according to recipe up until ready to bake.
- Transfer dressing to a freezer-safe baking dish.
- Cover dish tightly with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface.
- Wrap the dish again with foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Label package with name and freeze date.
- Freeze for up to 3 months at 0°F.
To Freeze Cooked Dressing
- Allow baked dressing to fully cool.
- Portion into freezer bags or airtight containers in 1-2 cup servings.
- Remove as much air as possible and seal containers tightly.
- Label each bag or container with name and freeze date.
- Freeze for up to 3 months at 0°F.
Tips for Freezing Turkey and Dressing
Follow these best practices when freezing turkey and dressing:
- Allow all foods to fully cool before freezing to prevent moisture loss.
- Portion turkey and dressing into smaller containers or bags rather than freezing large blocks.
- Package tightly in freezer-safe wrap to protect from ice crystals.
- Label all packages with contents and freeze date.
- Freeze turkey and dressing within 2 hours of preparation.
- Use frozen turkey and dressing within recommended time frames for optimal quality.
Thawing and Reheating Frozen Turkey and Dressing
Thaw frozen turkey and dressing properly before reheating and serving:
To thaw turkey:
- Place frozen turkey in the refrigerator 1-2 days before needed to thaw.
- Change wrapping if freezer burn is present.
- Cook within 3-4 days.
To reheat turkey:
- In the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes for slices.
- On the stovetop over medium-low heat with a bit of broth or sauce.
To reheat uncooked frozen dressing:
- Keep dressing in original baking dish, remove plastic wrap.
- Bake at 350°F from frozen for 50-60 minutes until hot and browned.
To reheat cooked frozen dressing:
- Thaw dressing overnight in the fridge in a casserole dish.
- Cover and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
- Uncover and bake 10 more minutes to brown top.
Always reheat turkey and dressing thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Storing Thawed Turkey and Dressing
To properly store turkey and dressing after thawing:
- Refrigerate thawed turkey and fully reheat within 3-4 days for optimal safety and quality.
- Refrigerate cooked, thawed dressing for 3-4 days.
- Discard any turkey or dressing that smells unpleasant or is moldy.
- Do not refreeze thawed turkey or dressing. Cook or reheat fully then refrigerate leftovers.
Enjoy Delicious Leftovers!
With proper freezing, thawing and reheating, leftover Thanksgiving turkey and dressing can be just as delicious the second time around. Refer to this guide for storing, freezing and reheating times and technique. Follow food safety guidelines and only freeze high-quality leftovers. Then relax and enjoy your holiday dishes well beyond Thanksgiving!
Ideas for Leftover Mashed Potatoes & Sweet Potatoes
Refreezing Previously Frozen Food
Previously frozen raw and cooked food that has been cooked can be frozen again, however, the quality may not be ideal again because of the moisture loss. Previously frozen raw meat, poultry, or fish should only be refrozen if it was defrosted and kept cold in the fridge.
Can You Freeze Stuffing? Or Is It A Bad Idea? ANSWERED!
FAQ
Can you freeze cooked turkey and stuffing?
Stuffed turkey breast can be frozen after being cooked. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Allow to defrost at room temperature before heating in the oven at 350 degrees for about 10-15 minutes.
Is it better to freeze stuffing, cooked or uncooked?
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Safety:Freezing uncooked stuffing is considered safe as long as you follow proper food handling practices and cook it thoroughly before serving.
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Texture:Uncooked stuffing will likely have a better texture after freezing and thawing because the bread won’t become as dry and crumbly.
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Convenience:Freezing uncooked stuffing allows you to prepare it ahead of time and simply cook it when needed.
Does turkey dressing freeze well?
There are two ways to go about it: You can prepare the recipe up until the point of baking, then freeze. Or bake the dressing according to the recipe, allow it to cool completely, and freeze. Whichever method you choose, remove the dressing from the freezer the night before you plan to serve it.
Can you freeze stuffing with meat in it?
Freeze – The sausage meat stuffing is also freezer friendly. You can either freeze the stuffing baked or unbaked. If freezing unbaked, defrost in the fridge overnight, add the butter on top, and then cook as directed.
Can you freeze Thanksgiving dressing?
That way, when the big day comes, all you have to do is thaw the casserole in the fridge overnight and pop it in the oven the next morning. Yes, you can freeze dressing in advance of the Thanksgiving feast. There are two ways to go about it: You can prepare the recipe up until the point of baking, then freeze.
Should you freeze turkey dressing before or after baking?
With proper freezing and reheating, you can enjoy tasty turkey dressing for weeks after Thanksgiving. Just remember to thaw, reheat thoroughly to 165°F and add a splash of liquid when serving to refresh leftover dressing. Should You Freeze Stuffing Before or After Baking?
How long can you keep turkey dressing after Thanksgiving?
Pie – Most pies freeze well up to 2-3 months; thaw overnight in fridge. Rolls – Freeze baked rolls in airtight bag up to 2 months. With proper freezing and reheating, you can enjoy tasty turkey dressing for weeks after Thanksgiving.
Can You thaw turkey dressing?
The best way to thaw dressing is in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, you can reheat the dressing in the oven until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This will help ensure that it is safe to eat and that the flavors are as delicious as when it was first made. Can I freeze my homemade turkey dressing?
Can You reheat frozen turkey dressing?
Yes, portioning the turkey dressing before freezing can be helpful if you only plan to reheat a smaller amount at a time. Just be sure to use airtight containers or bags to prevent freezer burn. What’s the best way to reheat frozen turkey dressing?
Can you freeze turkey stuffing?
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. Label packages with name and date. Don’t freeze dressing stuffing inside the turkey. Use within 3 months for best quality and taste. Add a splash of broth or juice before reheating to restore moisture.