On a cold day, nothing tastes better than this simple and tasty Turkey Noodle Soup. It’s also very filling and full of good things for you. Nothing will taste better than this soup in the days after Thanksgiving.
This turkey noodle soup recipe is a classic and delicious treat. It has all the same great flavors as chicken noodle soup, but with a holiday twist. Some people think leftovers and meals made from leftovers are a gift from God. This easy turkey noodle soup is one of those meals.
I love how easy and quick this turkey noodle soup is to make. You can have a delicious meal in 30 minutes! You can also change the veggies and protein in this soup to use what you have in the fridge.
A steaming bowl of turkey noodle soup is the perfect comfort food on a chilly day. It’s also a great way to use up leftover turkey after the holidays. But can you safely freeze turkey noodle soup to enjoy later?
The answer is yes – with some simple precautions, turkey noodle soup freezes very well Read on to learn the best practices for freezing and reheating this hearty, soul-warming soup
Should You Freeze Turkey Noodle Soup?
Freezing is an excellent storage method for leftover turkey noodle soup It allows you to preserve the soup safely for a later date while retaining much of the original fresh flavor,
The low temperature prevents bacteria growth and slows down food spoilage. Frozen properly, turkey noodle soup will keep for 2-3 months in the freezer.
Freezing is ideal if you made a large batch of soup but won’t be able to eat it all before it goes bad in the refrigerator. It also gives you quick access to a home-cooked meal by keeping on hand for busy nights.
How to Freeze Turkey Noodle Soup
Follow these simple steps for successfully freezing turkey noodle soup:
1. Let the soup cool completely
Don’t add piping hot soup straight from the stove to your freezer. Allow it to cool down to room temperature first. Putting boiling soup directly into the freezer raises the temperature and can negatively affect other frozen items.
2. Transfer to freezer-safe containers
Good options for soup storage include rigid plastic containers, freezer bags, or freezer-safe jars. Make sure all containers are clean and dry before use. Leave 1-inch headspace at the top of containers to allow for expansion as the soup freezes.
3. Portion into usable amounts
Freezing soup in individual or family-sized portions makes for easier reheating. That way you can thaw just what you need for a meal.
4. Remove air and seal
Exclude as much air as possible before sealing containers. Air causes freezer burn. For bags, use a straw to suck out excess air before sealing.
5. Label and date
Write the contents and freeze date clearly on each container. Turkey noodle soup will keep for 2-3 months in the freezer.
6. Freeze right away
For food safety, don’t let soup linger at room temperature before freezing. Place it in the freezer immediately after packaging.
Tips for Freezing Turkey Noodle Soup
Follow these tips for the best results when freezing turkey noodle soup:
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Chill soup for faster freezing. Fridge-chilled soup freezes quicker, leading to smaller ice crystals and better texture.
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Use freezer-grade airtight containers. Rigid plastic freezer containers prevent leaks.
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Leave noodles slightly undercooked. Noodles absorb more liquid and soften further when frozen.
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Add any fresh herbs at reheating. Fresh herbs will blacken from freezing.
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Avoid freezing stuffed pastas. Delicate pastas like tortellini don’t hold up as well.
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Don’t freeze thicker soups more than 3 inches deep. Freeze in thinner layers for even freezing.
Thawing and Reheating Frozen Turkey Noodle Soup
Always thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight, not at room temperature. Microwaving from frozen can lead to uneven hot spots.
On the stovetop, heat thawed turkey noodle soup over medium-low, stirring occasionally, until steaming hot throughout. Add any fresh garnishes just before serving.
For food safety, reheat leftover frozen soup within 3-4 days. Discard any soup that has been thawed for over 5 days.
Storing Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup
Refrigerate any leftover thawed soup in airtight containers. Use leftovers within 3-4 days for best quality and food safety.
Don’t refreeze thawed turkey noodle soup more than once. The texture degrades with repeated freezing and thawing.
Add leftover soup to casseroles or use as part of soup and stew recipe rotation to give it new life.
Food Safety Tips for Turkey Noodle Soup
When preparing turkey noodle soup:
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Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.
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Rapidly chill in ice bath before refrigerating if thicker than 2 inches.
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Cook noodles thoroughly. Undercooked pasta can harbor bacteria.
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Reheat soups thoroughly until steaming, at least 165°F.
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Don’t leave soup at room temperature over 2 hours before freezing.
Enjoy Delicious Frozen Turkey Soup
With proper freezing, storage, and reheating, you can safely freeze leftover turkey noodle soup to enjoy for months. Follow these guidelines for flavorful soup that retains its texture and nutrients.
Freezing turkey noodle soup allows you to always have a warming, comforting meal ready in your freezer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Freezing Turkey Noodle Soup
Can you freeze turkey soup with vegetables?
Yes, turkey soup freezes well with vegetables added. Blanch hardy veggies before freezing or add delicate veggies at reheating for best quality.
What kind of noodles freeze best in soup?
Egg noodles hold up better in frozen soup compared to pasta varieties like spaghetti. Slightly undercook noodles before freezing soup.
How do you store frozen turkey soup?
Frozen turkey soup keeps for 2-3 months stored flat in rigid plastic containers or bags at 0°F or below. Avoid repeated thaws and refreezes which degrade texture.
Can you freeze cream-based turkey soup?
Cream or dairy-based soups don’t freeze as well. The dairy can separate, curdle or turn grainy. It’s best to freeze broth-based or puréed cream soups instead.
Is it safe to freeze old turkey soup?
Only freeze freshly made turkey soup, within 1-2 days. Don’t freeze old soup as bacteria may have already multiplied to unsafe levels.
Can I add pasta to soup after freezing?
Yes, you can cook pasta separately after thawing soup to retain the best noodle texture. Just make sure to reheat the soup thoroughly.
How do you thaw frozen turkey soup?
Thaw frozen turkey soup slowly in the refrigerator overnight, allowing 12-24 hours depending on volume. Don’t thaw at room temperature.
Can you refreeze thawed turkey soup?
It’s not recommended to refreeze thawed soup. Refreezing alters the texture and risks potential food safety issues. Use within 3 days.
How Long Does Turkey Noodle Soup Keep?
It should last up to 5 days in the fridge if you store it in a container that doesn’t let air in.
Ingredients Needed for Turkey Noodle Soup
- Olive Oil: Use this for sautéing your veggies. If you want to, you can use a different kind of oil or fat. It won’t change the taste much.
- This is what I always think of when I hear the word “noodle soup”: onions, celery, and carrots. But not everyone likes those, and you might not always have them in your fridge. You can swap these out for any other vegetables you have on hand that you love.
- Garlic: I like things that are easy, and did you know that you can buy garlic already minced? If you can’t find it, make small cracks in the garlic with the flat side of your knife. It makes the skin peel off so much more easily.
- Chicken Broth: Chicken broth or turkey broth. You can use either one, but chicken broth is usually easier to find. This turkey bone broth recipe can be made at home with a turkey carcass that you have saved.
- For this recipe, you’ll need dried herbs, but you can use fresh herbs instead if you have them on hand. But don’t forget to change the amount because fresh herbs need more and dried herbs need less.
- Salt and Pepper: Table salt, sea salt, Himalayan salt. There are a lot more kinds of salt now than there were when I was a kid. There is no right or wrong way to use it. If the turkey has already been brined, don’t add the salt. There will be too much.
- Turkey: I always make more turkey than I need for Thanksgiving. You know it’s better to have more than less, right? If that’s the case, this turkey noodle soup has everything you need. Chopped or shredded is best.
- Egg noodles: I like wide egg noodles best in this recipe, but you can use any noodles you have on hand or what you like. I love the flexibility of this recipe. If you want to make this gluten-free, you could even use rice instead of the noodles.
Pro Tips:
- You can make this soup with chicken instead of turkey if you have chicken left over.
- Some people prefer more or less liquid in their soups. You can adjust the amount of broth to your taste, but make sure it’s enough to cook the noodles, since they will soak up a lot of liquid.
- If the broth has a lot of salt in it, make sure you taste it before you add any salt.
