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!

Leftover turkey is a Thanksgiving staple, but what do you do when you have more than you can eat? Freezing it is a great option, but it’s important to do it correctly to ensure the best quality and taste. This guide will walk you through the process of freezing leftover turkey, from slicing and chilling to packaging and labeling.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

  • The best way to store cooked turkey
  • How long leftover turkey can stay in the fridge
  • The best containers for freezing turkey
  • How long you can freeze leftover turkey
  • How to freeze turkey parts
  • How to defrost frozen cooked turkey safely
  • How to reheat leftover turkey

The Best Way to Store Cooked Turkey:

  • Slice the meat from the bones: This will allow you to pack it more compactly and reduce the amount of air inside the container.
  • Use the bones to make stock: This is a great way to use up the leftover bones and create a delicious base for soups and stews.
  • Seal and refrigerate within 2 hours: This will help prevent bacteria growth.

How Long Can Leftover Cooked Turkey Stay in the Fridge?

  • Up to 4 days: If handled and refrigerated properly.
  • Freeze within 1 day for optimal texture and taste: If you plan to freeze it.

The Best Containers for Freezing Turkey:

  • Freezer-proof zipper top bags: These allow you to press out excess air.
  • Reusable freezer-proof bags: These are a more eco-friendly option.
  • Freezer-proof containers: Make sure to pack the turkey tightly to reduce air exposure.

How Long You Can Freeze Leftover Turkey:

  • Up to 6 months: If properly handled, packed, and frozen within 3 days of the original preparation.
  • Try to use it within 3 months: For the best flavor and texture.
  • Freezer burn: Make sure to leave as little extra room as possible in the container or bag to prevent freezer burn.

How to Freeze Turkey Parts:

  • Carve the turkey before freezing: The carcass takes up too much space and isn’t ideal for freezing in portions.
  • Wrap whole legs, wings, or thighs in plastic wrap: Then slide them into a freezer-proof bag and press out excess air.

How to Defrost Frozen Cooked Turkey Safely:

  • Thaw in the fridge: This is the best method, allowing 1-2 days for larger quantities.
  • Microwave defrosting: Only if the container is small enough to rotate on the carousel tray.
  • Never thaw turkey at room temperature: This can lead to bacteria growth.

How to Reheat Leftover Turkey:

  • Oven method: Place the turkey in a baking pan, add a small amount of broth, cover with foil, and heat at 300°F until warmed through.
  • Microwave method: Use a microwave-safe container, add a bit of broth, and cover the turkey with a damp paper towel. Make sure the tray can rotate in the microwave.

Additional Tips:

  • Label your containers: Write the type of turkey, date, and amount.
  • Chill the turkey before freezing: This helps the slices or cubes stay separate.
  • Don’t refreeze thawed turkey: This can compromise its quality and safety.

Freezing leftover turkey is a great way to enjoy it later. By following these tips, you can ensure that your frozen turkey is safe, flavorful, and ready to be enjoyed in a variety of delicious dishes.

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 Do You Defrost (or Thaw) Frozen Cooked Turkey Safely?

The best way to defrost cooked turkey is to refrigerate the bag or container for at least one day, or two days if there is a larger quantity.

If the container is small enough to spin on the carousel tray, you can also use the microwave to safely and evenly defrost turkey. Since every microwave is unique, you should double-check that you are using the defrost setting correctly. Some microwaves let you plan your defrosting according to weight, while others have more specific settings.

Avoid thawing turkey or any other meat at room temperature as this can lead to the formation of bacteria, which can be harmful, particularly to the elderly or those with weakened immune systems.

You might not need to thaw the turkey if you plan to use it in a casserole, stew, or soup. Read the recipe, and see if it makes sense to add it still frozen. This will also possibly help keep it moist and juicy. For example, when the turkey is defrosting and heating through, the liquid and other ingredients will help keep it moist.

how do you freeze cooked turkey

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

FAQ

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.

How do you freeze a turkey and keep it moist?

Place the turkey in a compact freezer-safe bag or container. A freezer-safe bag is best because you can squeeze out all of the excess air easily to prevent freezer burn. A storage container works as well, but choose one that’s just big enough to hold the amount of turkey you’re storing.

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 freeze leftovers?

Freeze large batch recipes in smaller, sensibly-portioned containers for easy cooling, freezing and defrosting. Use bags to save space. Freeze soups, sauces and other leftovers in reseable bags, then lay flat until frozen. These flat, frozen sheets can be stacked horizontally or vertically to maximize storage capacity.

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 do you store a frozen turkey?

Place the sheet into the freezer for 1-2 hours or until frozen. Transfer the turkey to your preferred container, removing as much excess air as possible. Label and date the container using a permanent marker. Store in the freezer for 3-6 months. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place all of the wrapped pieces into a large food storage bag.

Can you freeze leftover Turkey?

Don’t use thin plastic sandwich bags with fold-over tops to freeze leftover turkey, as they allow too much air into the package. The result could be bacteria growth and freezer burn. Once you have placed the leftover turkey in the freezer bag, smooth out all of the air before sealing the zip lock.

How long does cooked turkey last in the freezer?

Leftover cooked turkey freezes well for up to 6 months if properly handled, packed, and frozen within 3 days of the original preparation. However, I like to try and use it within 3 months for the best flavor and texture and to avoid the possibility of freezer burn. Freezer burn happens when air comes into contact with food.

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