Can You Freeze Cooked Turkey Burgers? A Guide to Freezing and Thawing for Delicious Results

So, you’ve whipped up a batch of juicy turkey burgers but can’t devour them all in one go? No worries, mate! You can absolutely freeze those bad boys and enjoy them later.

Freezing Cooked Turkey Burgers: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cool it Down: Let your cooked turkey burgers cool completely before freezing. This helps prevent ice crystals from forming, which can affect the texture.
Wrap it Up: Individually wrap each burger in parchment paper or plastic wrap to prevent them from sticking together.
Bag it Up: Place the wrapped burgers in a freezer-safe bag or container, squeezing out as much air as possible.
Label it Up: Label the bag or container with the date and contents. This will help you keep track of how long your burgers have been hanging out in the freezer.
Freeze it Up: Pop those babies in the freezer and store them at a temperature of -18°C (0°F) or below.

Thawing and Reheating Your Frozen Turkey Burgers

Thawing:

Fridge Thaw: The safest method is to thaw your burgers in the refrigerator overnight. This will take about 8-10 hours for a pound of burgers.
Microwave Thaw: If you’re short on time, you can thaw your burgers in the microwave using the defrost setting. Just be sure to cook them immediately after thawing.

Reheating:

Stovetop: Heat a pan over medium heat and add a little oil. Cook the burgers for a few minutes per side, until heated through.
Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the burgers on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

How Long Can You Freeze Cooked Turkey Burgers?

Cooked turkey burgers can be safely frozen for up to 3 months. After that, the quality may start to deteriorate, and they might not taste as delicious.

Tips for Freezing Raw Turkey Burgers

Use fresh ground turkey: Don’t freeze raw turkey burgers that have been previously frozen.
Form patties: Form the patties before freezing, so you can easily thaw and cook them later.
Freeze on a baking sheet: This will help the patties freeze individually and prevent them from sticking together.

How to Tell if Frozen Turkey Burgers Have Gone Bad

Smell: If the defrosted burgers smell unpleasant or sour, they’re not good to eat.
Touch: The defrosted burgers should not be slimy or soggy. They should have a firm texture.
Sight: If you notice a color change, the problem may be freezer burn or the meat is off. Either way, it’s best to toss them out.

So, there you have it! Now you know how to freeze cooked turkey burgers like a pro. Go forth and enjoy those delicious burgers whenever the craving strikes!

COOKING 2 FROZEN JENNIE O TURKEY BURGERS IN BLUE DIAMOND PAN

FAQ

Can you freeze already cooked ground turkey?

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 do you reheat frozen turkey burgers?

Lightly spray or brush both sides of FROZEN turkey burgers with oil and place on broiler pan about 4-inch under heat. Broil burgers for 7 minutes on each side or until done and a meat thermometer inserted in center of burger registers 165°F.

Do turkey burgers go bad if frozen?

According to the Food Safety and Inspection Service of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), ground turkey is safe for consumption indefinitely if continuously frozen. That’s because freezing inactivates any microbes – i.e., bacteria, yeasts, and moulds – present in poultry until the meat is taken out to thaw.

How long can you refrigerate a cooked turkey burger?

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends using cooked turkey within three to four days as long as it is kept refrigerated at a temperature that is 40°F or lower. “Refrigeration slows but does not stop bacterial growth,” the website states.

Can you freeze cooked turkey burgers?

Place the patties in a single layer on the prepared tray or sheet. Freeze for 1 hour or until patties are firm. Wrap each patty with plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag or freezer container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or grill the frozen patties. You can also freeze cooked turkey burgers.

Can turkey burger patties be frozen?

The turkey burger patties can be frozen safely for up to three months. That’s it! To use your cooked patties, defrost them in the fridge or microwave. Reheat them in a hot frying pan or the microwave then assemble your burgers as normal. If you have frozen them raw, you will need to fry them in a little oil until cooked through first.

Can burgers be frozen?

Freeze: Once the burgers are on the baking sheet, transfer the sheet into the freezer, where they will flash freeze until firm. This will take around half an hour. You can flash-freeze them for a little longer to ensure that they’re solid.

Can you freeze uncooked Turkey patties?

To freeze uncooked turkey patties, line a tray or baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the patties in a single layer on the prepared tray or sheet. Freeze for 1 hour or until patties are firm. Wrap each patty with plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag or freezer container. Freeze for up to 3 months.