If you’re looking to extend the life of some turkey you’ve stocked up on, you might be wondering: how long does turkey last in the fridge, and how long does turkey last in the freezer? Read on to learn the basics of storing turkey for later use.
Planning a holiday meal or dinner party often starts with getting a frozen turkey to thaw in the refrigerator But how long can you safely store that bird in the fridge before cooking it? This complete guide covers everything you need to know about fridge storage times for frozen turkey
Overview of Fridge Storage Guidelines
The general rule of thumb is allow 1-2 days of fridge storage per 4-5 pounds of frozen turkey. So a 12 pound turkey will need 3-4 days, while a 20 pound turkey may need 5-6 days.
Here is a quick overview of recommended fridge thawing times:
- 4-12 lbs: 1-3 days
- 12-16 lbs: 3-4 days
- 16-20 lbs: 4-5 days
- 20-24 lbs: 5-6 days
The fridge temperature should be set at or below 40°F. Monitor the thawing progress occasionally and keep the turkey contained on a rimmed plate or pan.
Can Frozen Turkey Be Stored Longer?
It’s possible but not recommended to keep frozen turkey in the fridge longer than the recommended timeline per pound. Going over the suggested storage duration increases the risk of bacterial growth.
Many people want to get their turkey in the fridge as far in advance as possible. But err on the side of thawing for the minimum recommended days rather than the maximum.
What About After Thawing?
Once fully thawed, raw turkey can safely be kept in the fridge 1-2 additional days before cooking. But the USDA recommends cooking within 1-2 days for best quality.
Do not refreeze a thawed turkey more than once. This compromises food safety. If needed, a turkey can be refrozen just once if it hasn’t thawed more than a couple days.
For food safety, follow post-thaw fridge storage guidelines:
- 4-12 lbs: 1-2 days max
- 12-16 lbs: 1-2 days max
- 16-20 lbs: 1-2 days max
- 20-24 lbs: 1-2 days max
Storing Turkey Parts vs. Whole Turkey
Thawing times are slightly different for whole turkeys compared to just breasts or other parts:
- Whole turkey: 24 hours per 4-5 lbs
- Turkey breast: 24 hours per 3-4 lbs
Thawed uncooked turkey breast only lasts 1-2 days maximum in the fridge before cooking. For food safety, cook thawed turkey parts sooner rather than later.
Signs Turkey Has Spoiled
Discard turkey if it has an off odor, slimy texture, or other signs of spoilage:
- Slimy skin
- Discolored meat
- Dull or faded appearance
When in doubt, throw it out. Don’t risk eating spoiled turkey.
Quick Thaw Methods
For quicker thawing, place the wrapped turkey in a leak-proof bag submerged in cold water. Change water every 30 minutes. Estimate 30 minutes thawing time per pound.
Thawing in the microwave is another faster option but compromises texture and quality. Follow appliance guidelines for timing. Cook immediately after microwave thawing.
Proper Food Safety
Follow these tips when handling and storing frozen, thawed, and cooked turkey:
- Refrigerate at 40°F or below
- Cook to an internal temperature of 165°F
- Don’t leave turkey at room temperature over 2 hours
- Store leftovers within 2 hours of cooking
- Avoid cross-contamination
Carefully monitoring fridge times for frozen, thawed, and cooked turkey is important for food safety.
Key Takeaways
- Allow 1-2 days of fridge thawing per 4-5 lbs of frozen turkey
- Cook thawed turkey within 1-2 days
- Don’t exceed recommended fridge times
- Discard if signs of spoilage
- Store properly at 40°F or below
Following proper fridge storage guidelines will ensure your turkey stays fresh until it’s time to cook!
Freezing Cooked Turkey and Raw Turkey
If you have enough turkey leftovers to last more than a few days, you might want to consider freezing cooked turkey instead of refrigerating it. The same is true if you’re stocked up on raw turkey that you don’t plan to cook right away. Luckily, the process for storing turkey in the freezer — whether it’s cooked or raw — is really simple.
Create an airtight seal around each individual piece of turkey using Glad® Press’n Seal®, then put them into an airtight bag, such as Glad® FLEXN SEAL™ Freezer Quart Bags, making sure to squeeze out any extra air before sealing. If you’re freezing a whole turkey, just wrap your bird in several layers of Glad® Clingn Seal™ or Glad® Press’n Seal®. In both cases, you’ll want to store the turkey in the deepest part of the freezer. When properly stored, raw turkey pieces should stay good in the freezer for up to 9 months, while whole raw turkeys last for a year when frozen. Cooked turkey pieces last in the freezer for 4–6 months.
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Per the USDA’s guidelines, you should never thaw frozen turkey on the counter or in hot water, nor should you leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
The best way to thaw turkey (whole or in pieces) is to move the frozen package from the freezer onto a plate and into the fridge, and then let it thaw gradually. Depending on the size of what you’re thawing, this method can take a full day. If raw frozen turkey is thawed in the refrigerator, the defrosted turkey can last in the fridge for 1–2 days before it needs to be cooked or refrozen.
If you’re in a hurry to thaw your turkey, there’s a faster method you can use. Ensure the turkey is in an airtight bag — like Glad® FLEXN SEAL™ Food Storage Quart Bags — then submerge it in cold tap water, changing the water every 30 minutes so it continues to thaw. You can also thaw frozen turkey pieces in the microwave, but if you want to use that method, you should plan to cook it immediately after thawing to prevent bacteria from growing.
You can learn more about how to store meat and how long meat can last in the fridge or freezer with our meat storing tips.
For safe meat preparation, reference the USDA website.
Storing Turkey in the Fridge
Unsure of the best process for storing turkey in the fridge? Don’t worry — it’s pretty simple! Raw pieces of turkey can be wrapped in Glad® Press’n Seal®, then stored in an airtight bag like Glad® FLEXN SEAL™ Food Storage Quart Bags. Sliced cold cuts can be stored in a food storage bag, with any extra air squeezed out before it’s sealed. Be sure to wash your hands before and after handling turkey, especially if it’s raw.
If properly stored, raw turkey can last in the fridge for 1–2 days, while cold cuts last up to 5 days. How long does cooked turkey last in the fridge? If you have leftovers that include cooked turkey, you can expect those to last in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
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How long can you keep a thawed turkey in the refrigerator before cooking?
FAQ
Can I leave a frozen turkey in the fridge for 5 days?
You should be fine. According to charts, you’re supposed to start thawing an 18lb bird 4-5 days ahead of Thanksgiving & then it can keep in fridge 24-48 hours after complete thaw. It’s a block of ice in the middle, you’re OK. Just put it in the fridge until Thursday.
Is 7 days too long to thaw a turkey?
Whole turkey: 4 to 12 pounds — 1 to 3 days. 12 to 16 pounds — 3 to 4 days. 16 to 20 pounds — 4 to 5 days.
How long can you keep a thawed butterball turkey in the fridge?
A thawed turkey may be kept in the refrigerator (40 degrees F or below) up to 4 days before cooking. Frozen Whole Turkeys and Frozen Whole Turkey Breasts need to be thawed before cooking. Thaw Fully Cooked Baked and Smoked Turkeys via the refrigerator method.
How long can turkey stay in the refrigerator before it goes bad?
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 can a frozen turkey stay in the fridge?
Thawing in the Refrigerator In a refrigerator set to 40 degrees F or below, it generally takes one day for every 4 pounds to thaw a fully frozen turkey. Once thawed, your turkey will keep in the fridge for up to two days. How long can defrosted ground turkey stay in the fridge?
How long can you keep a frozen turkey after thawing?
Once your frozen turkey is thawed in the refrigerator, it can be safely stored there for 1-2 days before cooking or refreezing. Remember, it’s always best to cook the turkey as soon as possible after thawing to ensure the best quality and food safety.
Can you store a Turkey in a refrigerator?
It is safe to store the turkey in a refrigerator with other foods as long as it is properly packaged to prevent leakage. However, it is recommended to keep raw poultry separate from other foods to avoid cross-contamination. What temperature should the refrigerator be set for storing the turkey?
Can you freeze a cooked turkey?
Yes, you can freeze a previously cooked turkey. Ensure it has cooled down before placing it in the freezer, and store it in airtight freezer bags or containers. 12. How long can a cooked turkey be stored in the refrigerator? Cooked turkey can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
How do you keep a frozen turkey in the fridge?
To safely maximize frozen turkey fridge life, be sure to: Store turkey on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator, away from ready-to-eat foods. Use an appliance thermometer to ensure your fridge maintains a temperature of 40°F or below. Check the turkey daily during thawing. Cook immediately if you detect spoilage.
How long does a 12 pound turkey last in the fridge?
For a 12-pound turkey, youll want to put it in the fridge for a minimum of three days and a maximum of five. When youre ready to thaw, keep the turkey in its plastic wrap and place it on a rimmed sheet tray or roasting pan to keep any juices from making a mess in your fridge.