How to Freeze Leftover Turkey: A Comprehensive Guide

You’re so lucky to have leftover cooked turkey! It means you made sure there was enough for everyone to enjoy a delicious dinner (and maybe some sandwiches the following day) and you still had extra! Smart. I always plan to make a larger turkey than necessary. Cooked turkey can be used for so many different things, such as hash or split pea soup; it makes a fantastic planned leftover!

Ah Thanksgiving. A time for family, friends, and of course, mountains of delicious food. But what happens to all those leftovers? Don’t worry we’ve got you covered. This guide will show you how to freeze leftover turkey, so you can enjoy those Thanksgiving flavors all year round.

Best Practices for Freezing Leftover Turkey

1. Slice It Up:

First things first, slice the meat from the bone. This will make it easier to pack and thaw later. You can also dice the meat if you know you’ll be using it in recipes that call for smaller pieces.

2. Chill It Out:

Place the sliced or diced turkey on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil Freeze for about an hour, until the turkey is firm This will prevent the pieces from sticking together when frozen.

3. Pack It Tight:

Transfer the chilled turkey to freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing This will help prevent freezer burn.

4. Label It Clearly:

Use a permanent marker to label the bag or container with the type of turkey (e.g., breast, dark meat), the date it was frozen, and the amount. This will help you keep track of your frozen treasures.

5. Freeze It Fast:

Place the labeled bags or containers in the freezer as quickly as possible. This will help maintain the quality of the turkey.

How Long Can You Freeze Leftover Turkey?

Leftover turkey can be frozen for up to 6 months for optimal quality and taste. However, it’s best to use it within 3 months to avoid freezer burn.

Thawing and Reheating Leftover Turkey

Thawing:

The safest way to thaw frozen turkey is in the refrigerator. Place the bag or container in the fridge for 1-2 days, depending on the quantity.

Reheating:

There are two main ways to reheat frozen turkey:

Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the turkey in a baking dish with a small amount of broth or water. Cover the dish with foil and heat until the turkey is warmed through.
Microwave: Place the turkey in a microwave-safe container with a bit of broth or water. Cover the container with a damp paper towel and heat on low power until the turkey is warmed through.

Pro Tip: To prevent the turkey from drying out, add a little broth or water during the reheating process.

Leftover Turkey Recipes

Now that you know how to freeze and reheat leftover turkey, here are some delicious recipes to inspire you:

Turkey Tetrazzini: A creamy casserole with turkey, mushrooms, and a cheesy breadcrumb topping.
Turkey Pot Pie: A comforting classic with tender turkey, vegetables, and a flaky crust.
Turkey Hash: A hearty breakfast dish with crispy potatoes, onions, and peppers.
Turkey Picadillo: A flavorful Latin American dish with ground turkey, tomatoes, and spices.
Turkey Reuben Sandwiches: A twist on the classic Reuben, with turkey instead of corned beef.

With these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to enjoy your Thanksgiving turkey all year long. So go ahead and freeze those leftovers!

How Long Can Leftover Cooked Turkey Stay in the Fridge?

Your turkey can be stored and consumed for up to four days if it is handled carefully and chilled soon after serving. For the best texture and flavor, freeze it within a day of cooking if you intend to freeze it.

However, leftover turkey can be frozen after 3 days, and it will be fine. You can freeze a turkey that has been refrigerated for up to three days. Just make sure to store it in a well-sealed container so it doesn’t dry out.

what is the best way to freeze cooked turkey

How to Freeze Turkey Parts

Before freezing, you will want to carve your turkey. It won’t be possible to remove the turkey carcass from the freezer and reheat it in batches as needed because it will take up far too much space.

If you have some leftover whole 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 — and get thicker plastic wrap specially designed for the freezer if you are a regular freezer of food!

How to Freeze Turkey Meat – Thanksgiving Day Leftover Turkey – FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer – HomeyCircle

FAQ

How do you freeze cooked turkey without drying it out?

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.

Does cooked turkey freeze well?

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.

Can you cook turkey freeze and reheat it?

Once your turkey is cooked and cooled, slice and then batch it into portions to store in the freezer. You can then take out what you need when you need it. Just remember that meat previously cooked and frozen should only be reheated once.

What is the best way to store leftover turkey?

Divide leftovers into smaller portions and refrigerate or freeze them in covered shallow containers so they cool quickly. A large container or whole turkey will take too long to cool down to a safe temperature, which gives bacteria a chance to multiply.