This holiday season, are you searching Google for “how to freeze turkey”? The Mom 100’s creator, Katie Workman, has produced a guide on how to prepare your extra turkey for freezing. Use it for leftovers during the holidays or any other time of year when turkey is served.
Deli meat, also known as lunch meat is a convenient and versatile food that can be enjoyed in sandwiches, salads, and other dishes. However its short shelf life can be a challenge. If you’ve ever found yourself throwing away slimy deli meat just a few days after purchasing it, you may be wondering: can you freeze deli meat?
The answer is yes! You can safely freeze deli meat to extend its shelf life for up to two months In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about freezing deli meat, including:
- Which deli meats can be frozen
- How to properly freeze deli meat
- How to defrost frozen deli meat
- How long frozen deli meat will last
- Tips for using frozen deli meat
Can You Freeze Deli Meat?
Yes, you can freeze deli meat. In fact, freezing is a great way to extend the shelf life of deli meat and prevent it from spoiling. Deli meat can be frozen for up to two months without compromising its quality or safety.
Which Deli Meats Can Be Frozen?
All deli meats can be frozen, including:
- Cured meats: Sausage, bologna, bacon, and ham
- Roasted meats: Turkey, chicken, roast beef
- Other deli meats: Salami, pastrami, corned beef
Cured meats tend to freeze better than roasted meats, as their denser texture and lower water content help them retain their moisture and flavor after thawing. However, roasted meats can still be frozen and enjoyed later.
How to Freeze Deli Meat
There are two ways to freeze deli meat:
1. Freezing pre-packaged deli meat:
- If the deli meat is pre-packaged, simply place the unopened package in the freezer.
- For extra protection, wrap the package in a layer of plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help prevent freezer burn.
2. Freezing opened deli meat:
- If the deli meat is from an opened package, you’ll need to wrap it properly before freezing.
- Lay individual slices of deli meat on pieces of waxed paper or paper towels.
- Stack the slices in an airtight freezer bag, pressing out as much air as possible.
- Label the bag with the contents and the date it was frozen.
How to Defrost Frozen Deli Meat
The best way to defrost frozen deli meat is to transfer it to the refrigerator and let it thaw slowly overnight. This will help preserve the texture and flavor of the meat.
If you’re in a hurry, you can defrost frozen deli meat by placing the wrapped package in a bowl of cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes until the meat is thawed.
Do not thaw frozen deli meat at room temperature. This can increase the risk of bacterial growth.
How Long Does Frozen Deli Meat Last?
Frozen deli meat will last for up to two months in the freezer. After that, the quality of the meat may start to deteriorate. Cured meats, such as sausage and bologna, can last for up to three months in the freezer.
Here’s a table summarizing the shelf life of frozen deli meat:
| Deli Meat | Opened in Fridge | Opened in Freezer | Unopened in Freezer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh Meat | 3-5 days | 1-2 months | 1-2 months |
| Packaged Meat | 3-5 days | 1-2 months | 2 months |
| Cured Meat | 2 months | 3 months | 3 months |
Tips for Using Frozen Deli Meat
- Pat the defrosted deli meat with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
- Use frozen deli meat in dishes where it will be cooked, such as casseroles, pizzas, or stir-fries.
- Avoid using frozen deli meat in sandwiches or salads, as the texture may be affected.
- If you’re not sure how to use frozen deli meat, check out the recipe section below for some ideas.
Recipe Ideas for Using Frozen Deli Meat
- Italian Brunch Torte: This impressive breakfast bake is perfect for a crowd and can be made with frozen turkey or ham.
- Ham and Swiss Sliders: These easy sliders are perfect for a quick lunch or snack.
- Low-Carb Lasagna: This lasagna uses frozen ground beef and deli meat to create a hearty and satisfying dish.
- Kilbourn Sandwich: This fun take on a Monte Cristo is made with frozen turkey, ham, and Swiss cheese.
- Air-Fryer Ham and Brie Pastries: These elegant appetizers are surprisingly easy to make with frozen ham and Brie cheese.
- Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders: These sliders are a fun twist on the classic Kentucky Hot Brown sandwich and can be made with frozen turkey or ham.
- Chiles Rellenos Croque-Madame: This playful dish combines the flavors of a croque-madame with the heat of chiles rellenos.
- Philly Cheesesteak Sliders: These sliders are a great way to use leftover roast beef or frozen deli meat.
- Smoked Gouda & Roast Beef Pinwheels: These pinwheels are a delicious and easy appetizer that can be made with frozen roast beef.
- Hot Italian Party Sandwiches: These sandwiches are packed with flavor and can be made with a variety of deli meats, including ham, salami, and pastrami.
Freezing deli meat is a great way to extend its shelf life and prevent waste. By following the tips in this guide, you can safely freeze deli meat and enjoy it for weeks or even months later.
How to Freeze Turkey Parts?
Just make sure to wrap any leftover thighs, wings, or legs tightly in plastic wrap before freezing them on the bone. After that, put them in a freezer-safe zip-top bag, remove any extra air, seal the bag, and freeze. For this, I like to use bags since it’s simpler to remove excess air. But do make sure to wrap them tightly first. To do this, if you regularly freeze food, purchase thicker plastic wrap made specifically for freezers!
What Are the Best Containers for Freezing Turkey?
For freezing turkey, I prefer to use freezer-proof zipper top bags since you can really press out all of the extra air before sealing them. Packages of zipper-top bags labeled “freezer” are thicker than ordinary zipper-top bags and are unquestionably superior for freezing. Also consider reusable freezer-proof bags. If you want to use a freezer-proof container, that’s fine. To prevent freezer burn, you should make sure the turkey is fairly firmly packed inside the container to minimize the amount of air inside. Please make sure to label any container you use with a permanent marker. Write the kind of turkey you are freezing (e. g. , breast meat), the time you plan to freeze it, and, if desired, how much is inside the container (e.g. g. , 4 cups turkey or 1 pound turkey).
Can I freeze leftover turkey breast?
Can you freeze a Sliced turkey breast?
Place the tray on an empty freezer shelf and allow the dish to set for a few hours. Once frozen, you will be ready to package the turkey! This is the optimal method for freezer storage. Using a FoodSaver machine (or something similar), place the sliced turkey breast in the plastic and vacuum seal the meat.
How do you freeze a Sliced turkey?
1. Place the sliced turkey in a single layer on a baking sheet. This will help to prevent the slices from sticking together. 2. Freeze the baking sheet in the freezer for at least 2 hours, or until the slices are solid.
Can you freeze a frozen turkey?
Place all of the wrapped pieces into a large food storage bag. Squeeze out any excess air and then label and date the bag. Store in the freezer for 3-6 months. Wrap the turkey tightly in several layers of plastic wrap. Next, wrap it in a layer of aluminum foil or freezer paper. Label and date the turkey. Freeze for 3-6 months.
How long can you keep cooked turkey breast in the freezer?
Properly stored, cooked turkey breast can be kept in the freezer for up to 3-4 months without significant loss of quality. When ready to use, thaw the turkey breast in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days for optimal taste and safety.” Similarly, slices of deli turkey meat should layered in between pieces of parchment paper.