Asking Google “how-to freeze turkey” this holiday season? Katie Workman, the creator behind The Mom 100, created a guide to prepping your extra turkey for the freezer. Use it over the holidays or any time of year when turkey is on the menu and leftovers are on the to-do list.
The holidays often mean enjoying a hearty turkey dinner with family and friends. But not everyone can gather to eat it hot out of the oven. Is it safe to cook your turkey ahead of time and refrigerate the whole bird?
Proper storage is crucial to prevent harmful bacterial growth on perishable foods like poultry. In this article, I will provide guidance on refrigerating and reheating whole cooked turkeys. Follow these turkey storage tips to safely enjoy delicious leftovers without the risk of foodborne illness.
Understanding Refrigeration Guidelines for Cooked Turkey
Before refrigerating any cooked food, it’s important to understand proper food safety principles. The “danger zone” for bacterial growth is between 40°F and 140°F. Cooked foods must pass through this temperature range quickly.
Hot foods should be refrigerated within 2 hours, or 1 hour if the temperature is above 90°F. Leftovers should be stored in shallow containers no more than 2-3 inches deep. This allows heat to escape and the food to cool quickly.
Once cooled below 40°F, leftovers can be safely stored for 3-4 days. It’s crucial to reheat them thoroughly to 165°F before eating. Freezing can extend shelf life considerably.
Can a Whole Cooked Turkey Be Refrigerated?
Yes, it is safe to refrigerate a whole cooked turkey. However, extra care should be taken due to its large size and shape. Remove stuffing from the cavity and refrigerate separately.
Slice breast meat from the bone and refrigerate in shallow containers Keep the rest of the turkey whole if possible. This helps retain moisture compared to shredding all of the meat initially.
Ideally carve the turkey just before serving time. But if you need to refrigerate the entire bird follow these tips
- Allow to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate within 2 hours.
- Use a deep tray or roasting pan. Avoid cramming into too small of a space.
- Cover pan completely with foil to block air exposure and prevent drying out.
- Refrigerate on the bottom shelf at 40°F or below. Use a refrigerator thermometer.
- Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and food safety.
Step-by-Step Guide to Refrigerating a Whole Turkey
Follow this straightforward process for properly refrigerating your roasted whole turkey:
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After removing turkey from oven, let stand at room temperature 30 minutes. This allows heat to evenly distribute for more efficient cooling.
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Remove any stuffing from cavity and place in a separate shallow storage container. Cover and refrigerate immediately.
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Transfer whole turkey in the roasting pan to the refrigerator. Tent pan tightly with aluminum foil to seal in moisture.
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Place pan on bottom shelf of refrigerator. Don’t overcrowd refrigerator or airflow will be blocked.
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Allow turkey to refrigerate for 2-3 hours until interior temperature drops below 40°F.
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Use refrigerated turkey within 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly to 165°F until hot and steaming before consuming.
Can You Refrigerate a Stuff Turkey?
Stuffing cooked inside the turkey cavity should always be removed and stored separately. The stuffing takes longer to cool and is more prone to bacterial growth.
Transfer cooked stuffing to shallow containers no more than 2 inches deep. Allow it to rapidly cool down before covering and refrigerating immediately.
Reheat stuffing to 165°F alongside sliced turkey meat when ready to serve. Never attempt to re-stuff a cooked turkey.
Key Tips for Refrigerating Turkey
Keep these safe turkey refrigeration tips in mind:
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Use a thermometer to verify the refrigerator is below 40°F. Monitor the internal temperature of the turkey.
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Allow airflow in the refrigerator. Don’t overcrowd shelves.
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Store in shallow layers less than 2 inches deep so the turkey cools quickly.
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Prevent drying out by sealing the wrapped turkey tightly with foil or an airtight container.
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Use refrigerated turkey within 3-4 days for safety and quality.
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Discard if mold or an unpleasant odor develops. This signals spoilage.
Should You Cook Turkey Ahead of Time?
Cooking your turkey in advance allows you to relax with guests instead of slaving in the kitchen on the big day. But is it the best method?
Some people insist that a fresh, hot roasted turkey is ideal and worth the effort. Others find cooking ahead more practical for their gatherings.
Here are some pros and cons to consider when deciding whether to refrigerate cooked turkey:
Pros:
- Make-ahead approach allows more time to focus on sides and other dishes
- No need to wake up extremely early to start cooking
- Turkey can be carved as needed instead of sitting out for long periods
Cons:
- Some moisture is lost through refrigeration
- Skin may be less crispy when reheated
- Timed additional dishes may be tricky with pre-cooked turkey
- Fridge space is required for large bird
Ultimately the choice depends on your timing, oven space, refrigerator room, and personal preferences. Both methods can yield delicious holiday turkeys when food safety guidelines are followed.
How to Reheat a Refrigerated Cooked Turkey
The proper way to reheat leftover turkey is slow and gentle. This prevents drying out the meat while allowing it to heat all the way through.
Here are some recommended reheating methods:
- Oven: Preheat to 325°F. Cover turkey with foil and heat until it reaches 165°F internally.
- Microwave: Cover slices and heat at 50% power in 30 second increments until hot, checking temperature.
- Stovetop: Heat turkey in broth, gravy, or sauce over low heat until fully warmed through.
Bring all meat, stuffing, sides and gravy to 165°F. Heating thoroughly kills any bacteria and makes the meal safe to enjoy.
Can You Refreeze Turkey Leftovers?
Freezing is an excellent way to preserve cooked turkey longer term. Sliced meat can be frozen for 4-6 months. Turkey coated with gravy or broth lasts up to 1 year.
Refreezing previously frozen turkey is not recommended. Only freeze leftovers one time for safety and quality.
Thaw frozen turkey in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Never thaw or marinate meat at room temperature. This allows bacteria to multiply rapidly.
Enjoy Your Leftovers Safely
Refrigerating a whole cooked turkey not only provides wonderful leftovers, but frees up oven space and allows you to focus on side dishes when serving a crowd. Just be sure to follow proper food safety guidelines.
Allow the turkey to cool quickly, refrigerate within 2 hours, maintain a temperature below 40°F, and reheat thoroughly. With safe storage and handling, you can continue enjoying delicious cooked turkey for 3-4 days after the big meal.
How to Freeze Turkey Parts?
If you have some leftover legs, wings or thighs that you want to freeze on the bone, just make sure to wrap them very well in plastic wrap. Then slide them into a freezer-proof zip-top bag, press out any excess air, label the bag and freeze. I prefer bags for this as it’s easier to press out extra air. But do make sure to wrap them tightly first. To do this, get thicker plastic wrap specially designed for the freezer if you are a regular freezer of food!
What Are the Best Containers for Freezing Turkey?
I like to use freezer-proof zipper top bags for freezing turkey, because you can really press out all of the excess air before sealing them. The zipper-top bag packages marked specifically for the freezer are thicker than regular zipper-top 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, again to reduce the amount of air in the container which can cause freezer burn. Whatever container you use, please 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).
How long is leftover turkey good for in the fridge?
FAQ
Can you refrigerate a whole turkey after cooking?
Cooked turkey can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days before it should be frozen. To ensure the best quality and safety, make sure to store it in an airtight container or tightly wrapped to prevent moisture loss and contamination. If you plan to keep it longer than that, it’s best to freeze it.
How do you store a whole cooked turkey overnight?
You don’t want the meat to dry out while it sits overnight, so you will need to cover it with a liquid. Spoon some chicken broth or the drippings from the roasting pan (and the cutting board) over the turkey so it stays moist. Cover snugly and refrigerate overnight.
How long can you keep a fully cooked turkey in the refrigerator?
USDA recommends using cooked turkey within 3 to 4 days, kept refrigerated (40°F or less). Refrigeration slows but does not stop bacterial growth. Turkey can be frozen for 3 to 4 months. Although safe indefinitely, frozen leftovers can lose moisture and flavor when stored for longer times in the freezer.
How long should a turkey cool before refrigerating?
Once your turkey is cooked and cooled to room temp, you want to refrigerate the bird at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or eat well within two hours of removing the bird from the oven. For hot, juicy meat, you want your turkey to be ready 15 to 20 minutes before you begin your feast.
Can You Refrigerate a cooked turkey?
If necessary, rearrange the contents of your refrigerator to make room for the turkey without overcrowding, as proper air circulation is vital. While refrigerating a whole cooked turkey is generally safe, it is recommended to consume it within three to four days to maintain its quality and flavor.
How do you store a Turkey in the fridge?
Here are some fridge storage tips: Make sure your refrigerator is set to 40°F or below. Use a thermometer to verify. Refrigerate turkey within 2 hours of cooking. Cut whole turkeys into smaller pieces first so they can chill quickly. Place turkey in shallow airtight containers to allow for rapid cooling.
Can thawed turkey stuffing be refrigerated?
It is generally safe to refreeze a thawed turkey if it still contains ice crystals and has been stored for less than 2 days in the refrigerator. However, the quality and taste may be compromised. 11. How long can I refrigerate cooked turkey stuffing? Cooked turkey stuffing can be safely refrigerated and consumed within 3-4 days.
Can you freeze cooked turkey?
In short, no. The USDA recommends using cooked turkey within 3–4 days, kept refrigerated (40°F or less). If you do want to keep it for longer, consider freezing it, ideally as soon as it has cooled down, on the day of cooking. Can I freeze leftover turkey? How long can you keep leftover Turkey in the freezer?
How long does a Turkey last in the fridge?
Once home, store the turkey in the coldest part of the refrigerator, usually the bottom shelf. Keep the turkey in its original wrapping until ready to cook. For raw turkey parts like breasts, chops, legs, or wings, the fridge life is a bit longer at 3 to 5 days. Turkey cutlets and ground turkey last only 1 to 2 days.
How long can you keep a thawed Turkey in the fridge?
Cooked turkey that has been thawed in the fridge can be kept for an additional 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator before cooking; turkey that was thawed in the microwave or in cold water should be eaten immediately. How do you store a Turkey in the freezer?