Every item on this page was chosen by a Womans Day editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
If youve hosted at least one holiday dinner or large family gathering, then youre probably aware of the sheer amount of leftovers that can amass post-feast. And while you can dish out leftover pumpkin pie in individual Tupperware containers for guests to take home, you may have too much of the bird remaining to fit in your refrigerator. At this point, you may want to freeze these pieces to enjoy in the future. The question thus becomes: How long is frozen turkey good for? Well, weve got all the answers, so you dont have to worry about wasting any of that delicious turkey you worked so hard to make.
All raw, frozen meat, whether its ground beef or another poultry like chicken, will last in your freezer for various amounts of time, depending on the type of protein and how it is packaged. Things become a bit more complicated when you are dealing with already cooked Thanksgiving turkey or already prepared ground turkey burgers or meatloaf. But we have outlined all the guidelines you should be aware of as well as the steps to take to guarantee you make the most of your turkey, whether you’re freezing your leftovers or buying and storing a frozen turkey to keep for next year. Turkey may just become one of those staple items you keep in your freezer for all future use.
Planning for Thanksgiving dinner often involves buying a frozen turkey in advance But is a turkey still safe to eat if it has been in the freezer for a year? This is a common question for those digging into the depths of the freezer looking for their bird
The good news is that yes, an uncooked frozen turkey can still be perfectly good even after a year in the freezer. Follow proper storage guidelines and that bird will grace your holiday table just as delicious as the day you bought it.
How Long Can a Frozen Turkey Last?
According to the USDA, commercially frozen turkeys that remain continuously frozen at 0°F or below can safely stay in the freezer for up to 1 year beyond the printed expiration date.
After 1 year, the flavor and texture quality slowly declines. But even a turkey frozen for up to 2 years is still safe to cook and eat. You just may notice the meat is drier.
For highest quality, cook frozen turkeys within a year. But never worry about the safety of a turkey within 2 years. Simply thaw and roast your bird when you’re ready.
Proper Turkey Freezer Storage
To keep your frozen turkey safe and tasty for up to a year be sure to
-
Store the turkey at 0°F or below. Set your freezer to 0°F if possible.
-
Keep the turkey in its original airtight, moisture-proof packaging. Don’t rewrap or remove it
-
Avoid any signs of freezer burn, which appear as dry, whitish patches.
-
Place the turkey on a lower freezer shelf to prevent thawing during door openings.
-
Keep the freezer door tightly closed and avoid frequent openings.
Following these guidelines prevents freezer burn and quality loss during frozen storage.
What If a Turkey Has Been Frozen Longer Than 1 Year?
It’s understandable to be hesitant about cooking a turkey that has been frozen for longer than a year. But don’t worry – safety is not a concern even after 2 years if stored properly frozen.
You may just notice some slight quality differences in an older frozen turkey:
-
The meat may be slightly drier after cooking due to some moisture loss.
-
The flavor may be mildly dull. Freezing can diminish some subtle flavor notes.
-
The texture may be a little stringier or chewier.
While not ideal, these changes are fairly minor. The turkey will still be perfectly safe to eat and can still make a delicious holiday meal. Proper seasoning and gentler reheating can help improve the quality.
How to Tell if Your Frozen Turkey Is Still Good
If you find an unmarked turkey buried way in the back of the freezer, here are some signs to tell if it is still good beyond the 1-year mark:
-
It is rock solid frozen with no signs of thawing.
-
No discoloration or freezer burn on the packaging.
-
No odor when opening the packaging.
If the turkey has any odd colors or smells, it is best to discard. But a frozen solid turkey in undamaged packaging should cook up just fine for your feast.
Tips for Cooking an Older Frozen Turkey
Here are some tips to make the most of a well-frozen turkey that is over a year old:
-
Thaw slowly in the refrigerator over several days. This helps prevent further moisture loss.
-
Avoid thawing at room temperature, which increases quality decline.
-
Season generously with salt, herbs and oil before and during roasting to boost flavor.
-
Brine the turkey if time allows to infuse moisture and flavor.
-
Cook to a lower final temperature of 145°F to prevent overdrying.
-
Let the turkey rest before carving. This allows juices to be reabsorbed.
-
Reheat leftovers with broth or sauce to add back moisture.
With proper handling, even a turkey over 2 years old can still be a delicious part of your holiday meal.
Can You Refreeze a Thawed Turkey?
What if you thawed that year-old frozen turkey only to change your plans? Fortunately, it is safe to refreeze a thawed turkey as long as it was properly thawed:
- In the refrigerator over several days
- Submerged in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes
These methods keep the turkey at safe 40°F or less temperatures during thawing.
But never refreeze a turkey left to thaw on the counter at room temperature. This allows bacteria to multiply to dangerous levels. Always discard turkeys thawed improperly at room temp.
For optimal quality, cook thawed turkey within 1-2 days. But properly thawed turkey can be safely refrozen once for up to 3-4 additional months. Prevent further moisture loss by re-wrapping tightly in freezer bags.
A frozen turkey that has been continuously kept solid frozen for up to 2 years is still entirely safe to cook and eat. While the quality may start to slightly diminish after a year, the turkey will still cook up delicious with some TLC. Use good judgement checking for signs of spoilage.
When in doubt if that long-frozen turkey is up to par, remember – safety comes first. Don’t risk eating a spoiled turkey. But an intact frozen turkey maintains both safety and quality for impressive holiday meals, even after a year or two in the freezer.
How long is frozen turkey good for?
All meat is good in the freezer indefinitely, but only if it is stored at 0°F consistently. This rule applies to meat stored at exactly 0°F without fluctuation, and it must be uniformly frozen at that temperature to keep harmful bacteria away.
If your turkey is good when you freeze it (and you properly thaw it — more on that below) then you should be able to eat it at any point after freezing it, whether that’s in two months or two or three years. Just remember to keep that temperature at 0 degrees, and you’re good to go.
However, if you’re storing cooked turkey (as opposed to raw), it should for up to two or three months, according to the Globe and Mail.
How long can you keep a turkey in the fridge?
The best way to tell if turkey is still good is smell and texture. As StillTasty.com points out, if the turkey has a sour odor and/or a slimy texture, it’s probably not good anymore — no matter what the date on the package says. So if you give your turkey a sniff and things seem a little off, then now’s the time to toss it and choose something else to cook for dinner or freeze.
If you’ve just purchased some turkey at the store and its smell/texture seems OK, you might be wondering just how long it’ll stay good in the fridge. This all depends on whether it’s cooked or not.
How long can a turkey stay frozen?
FAQ
Is a frozen turkey still good if you bought it last year?
Yes, it is safe to eat a turkey that has been kept in a deep freezer for over a year. According to the US Department of Agriculture, foods that are kept constantly frozen at 0°F or lower will remain safe indefinitely (1).
Can you use a turkey that has been frozen for 1 year?
Keep frozen until you’re ready to thaw it. Turkeys can be kept frozen in the freezer indefinitely; however, cook within 1 year for best quality.
Can you eat a 2 year old turkey?
-
Safety:As long as the turkey has been kept frozen consistently and shows no signs of spoilage (discoloration, slimy texture, foul odor), it is considered safe to eat even after two years.
-
Quality decline:The longer a turkey is frozen, the more its texture and flavor can deteriorate, making it potentially tougher and less juicy.
-
Check for freezer burn:Before cooking, carefully inspect the turkey for freezer burn, which appears as whitish patches on the meat and should be trimmed off.
-
Consider taste:If you plan to eat a very old turkey, you may want to use marinades or brining techniques to improve the flavor and texture.
How to tell if frozen turkey is bad?
- Smell: A strong, unpleasant odor, often described as rotten eggs or sulfur.
- Appearance: Slimy texture on the skin, noticeable discoloration, or large ice crystals on the surface.
- Freezer burn: Dry, leathery patches with a gray-brown color, indicating prolonged freezer storage.
How long can you keep a frozen turkey in the freezer?
So in terms of food safety, frozen turkey should pose no concerns even when stored for 12-24 months. But keeping it for the full 2 years may result in drier texture and flavor degradation. For best quality, aim to cook frozen turkeys within 1 year. To get the maximum safe freezer life out of your turkey, proper storage is key. Here are some tips
Can you eat a frozen turkey after a year?
A frozen turkey is not safe to consume after a year in the freezer. The quality and taste of the turkey will deteriorate significantly over time, making it unsuitable for consumption. It is vital to prioritize food safety and follow recommended guidelines for frozen food storage. 1. How long can a turkey be safely stored in the freezer?
Can You refreeze cooked turkey?
You can safely refreeze any cooked turkey leftovers. Make sure thawed raw turkey is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. Provided it has been stored properly at 0°F, frozen turkey can retain good flavor and texture quality for up to a year. Between 1-2 years frozen, it is still safe to eat but the meat may be drier.
Does raw turkey stay good in the freezer?
Raw turkey (and meat) will stay good in the freezer indefinitely. All meat is good in the freezer indefinitely, but only if it is stored at 0°F consistently. This rule applies to meat stored at exactly 0°F without fluctuation, and it must be uniformly frozen at that temperature to keep harmful bacteria away.
Can you eat a 2 year old frozen turkey?
Yes, a two-year-old turkey is safe to eat if stored properly, but it may not taste as good as a fresher bird. The longer it is frozen, the more its quality deteriorates. How can you tell if frozen turkey has gone bad? If the turkey smells, looks slimy, is discolored, or has a significant amount of freezer burn, it shouldn’t be eaten.
Can a cooked turkey be frozen?
Turkeys in vacuum-sealed packaging can be frozen as is, but if the package is torn, you should overwrap it for protection. If you have a lot of leftover cooked turkey, it can only be stored in the fridge for three to four days. Storing it in the freezer for another meal is a good option.