Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and of course, delicious food. But what happens when you have leftover turkey? Can you safely refreeze it? The answer is yes, but there are some important things to keep in mind.
When Can You Refreeze a Turkey?
Cooked or uncooked turkey can be safely refrozen as long as it has been handled properly and refrozen within three days of thawing This means the turkey needs to have been thawed in the refrigerator and not left out at room temperature for more than two hours at any time,
Here are some additional guidelines for safe refreezing:
- Don’t refreeze turkey that has been thawed on the counter or left out for long periods. This turkey should not be eaten at all.
- Divide the turkey into meal-size servings before freezing. This will make it easier to use and save space in your freezer.
- Wrap the turkey thoroughly in freezer bags or freezer paper to prevent freezer burn.
How to Thaw a Frozen Turkey
When you’re ready to use your leftover turkey, thaw it in the refrigerator for one day for every four pounds of meat.
What to Do with the Bones
Turkey bones make excellent broth, so don’t throw them away! You can freeze the carcass for later use or make a pot of turkey stock right away.
Can You Refreeze Other Meats?
The rules for refreezing other meats are similar to those for turkey However, it’s always best to check with the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service for the most up-to-date information
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about refreezing turkey:
- Can I refreeze turkey that has been cooked and then sliced? Yes, you can refreeze cooked and sliced turkey. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in freezer bags or freezer paper.
- Can I refreeze turkey that has been marinated? Yes, you can refreeze marinated turkey. Just be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before cooking.
- Can I refreeze turkey that has been smoked? Yes, you can refreeze smoked turkey. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in freezer bags or freezer paper.
- How long can I keep refrozen turkey in the freezer? Refrozen turkey can be kept in the freezer for up to four months.
Refreezing turkey is a safe and convenient way to preserve leftovers. Just be sure to follow the guidelines above to ensure the turkey is handled properly and remains safe to eat.
Food Safety for the Holidays: Preparing the Turkey
People purchase turkeys during the holiday season in preparation for large family meals. Finding the ideal bird is a goal shared by all, but cooking it correctly is even more crucial. These pointers can assist you in preparing a tasty and safe meal.
The cooking and storage times of fresh and frozen birds vary, but not their flavor or quality. Consider buying a frozen turkey if you prefer to purchase yours in advance. A fresh turkey might be preferred if you don’t have a lot of storage space.
Estimate that each person will need one pound of turkey when purchasing a whole bird.
Only one or two days is enough time to store fresh turkeys in the refrigerator before they need to be cooked or frozen. A fresh turkey should be kept refrigerated in a pan until you’re ready to cook it. (Always keep raw animal products separated from ready-to-eat food products. ).
Until you’re ready to cook it, keep the turkey frozen and in its original packaging. You cannot refreeze the turkey once it has thawed unless you thaw it in the fridge.
For optimal quality, frozen turkeys should be cooked within a year.
Do not buy pre-stuffed fresh turkeys. These turkeys can contain harmful bacteria if handled improperly. If pre-stuffed turkey is what you want, then buy a frozen pre-stuffed turkey with state or USDA inspection seals on it.
Do not thaw pre-stuffed frozen turkeys before cooking.
Refrigerating a frozen turkey is the most secure method of defrosting it. To catch any drips, keep the turkey in its original packaging and place a pan underneath.
For each four to five pounds of turkey, allow it to thaw for a full day. The turkey can be refrigerated for one to two days after it has thawed.
In the Kitchen Sink
You can thaw your turkey more quickly by immersing it in the kitchen sink. Tightly seal the heavy freezer bag containing the turkey. After placing it in a sanitized sink, pour cold water into the sink until the turkey is fully submerged.
Change the water every half hour to keep it cool. The turkey should thaw for about 30 minutes per pound.
Cook your turkey as soon as it thaws if you do it in the sink. It cannot be refrigerated or refrozen.
You can quickly thaw the turkey in the microwave if it fits. For information on the recommended power level and time per pound, consult the microwave owner’s manual. Take off the packaging and put the bird in a dish that is safe to microwave.
Cook the turkey immediately after thawing. Refrigerating or freezing a turkey that has been microwave-thawed is not safe.
Open any packaging that may have been covering the turkey carefully, and discard it immediately. Clean any surfaces—including freezer or refrigerator shelves—that the meat, juices, or packaging may have come into contact with.
Make sure to drain and sanitize the kitchen sink right away if you use it to thaw the turkey. Make sure to sanitize any raw meat that you thaw in the microwave.
Wash your hands, utensils, dishes, and kitchen surfaces often with hot, soapy water when handling raw meat, both fresh and frozen. When prepping the stuffing and turkey, use different cutting boards and knives.
Some people like to prepare their turkeys one or two days ahead of time. After the bird is cooked, carve it and store the meat in small, shallow containers in the refrigerator. The wings, legs, and thighs may be left whole. The juices that gather at the bottom of the pan while cooking can also be chilled.
Reheat the turkey in an oven preheated to at least 325°F on the day you intend to eat it.
You can prepare the stuffing ingredients ahead of time to save time. Until right before cooking the stuffing, keep the wet and dry ingredients apart and the wet ingredients chilled.
Cooking the stuffing outside of the turkey rather than inside is the safest method. If you decide to stuff the turkey, make sure the stuffing is loosely packed and cook the bird right away. After the turkey has finished cooking, remove the stuffing from it. This should take about 20 minutes.
A frozen turkey can be cooked without needing to be thawed beforehand. Cooking a frozen turkey will take half as long as cooking a fresh or thawed one. While the turkey is cooking, remove the giblets using tongs or a fork.
Remember: Do not thaw pre-stuffed frozen turkeys before cooking.