A festive holiday spread is incomplete without the star of the show—the turkey—no matter how many inventive side dishes you prepare. There are countless recipe options available, whether you want to fry, barbecue, or roast the bird the old-fashioned way. The only drawback to preparing the holiday mainstay is that it requires a lot of preparation and time. Then the cooking questions begin: how to prepare a turkey for roasting, how to get crispy turkey skin, etc. How long does it take to defrost a turkey? How do you thaw it? How long can a thawed turkey stay in the fridge?
Among these, the most important ones are how to thaw turkey and how long it keeps in the refrigerator. Your cooking schedule should be designed to ensure that your bird defrosts in time to go into the oven, but not too early to allow it to remain in the refrigerator longer than is safe. In order to organize your post-Thanksgiving leftover extravaganza, it’s also critical to know how long cooked turkey keeps in the refrigerator.
Hey there, fellow foodies! Planning a Thanksgiving feast or just looking to enjoy a delicious Butterball turkey? Wondering how long you can keep that bird fresh and safe in your fridge? Well, you’ve come to the right place!
The Answer:
The recommended safe storage time for an uncooked Butterball turkey in the refrigerator is 1 to 2 days. This time frame ensures that the turkey remains fresh and safe to consume.
Why Refrigeration Matters:
Refrigeration plays a crucial role in preventing bacterial growth that can lead to foodborne illnesses. After cooking the turkey, it’s crucial to refrigerate the leftovers promptly to maintain their quality and safety.
Additional Tips for Safe Handling:
- Store the turkey properly: Ensure it’s covered to prevent cross-contamination. Place it in the coldest section of the fridge, usually on the bottom shelf.
- Original packaging: While the original packaging provides some protection, transferring the turkey into an airtight container or wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap is best. This helps maintain freshness and prevent odors in the fridge.
- Refrigerate promptly: It’s recommended to refrigerate the Butterball turkey within two hours of purchase to maintain its quality and safety.
- Freezing: If you don’t plan to use the turkey within 1-2 days, freezing is advisable. Freezing helps retain its freshness for a longer period.
- Frozen turkey storage: A frozen Butterball turkey can be safely stored in the freezer for up to one year. However, for the best quality, it’s recommended to consume it within 4 to 6 months.
- Refrigerating cooked turkey: Yes, you should refrigerate a cooked Butterball turkey within 2 hours after it has been removed from the oven. Make sure to carve and store the leftovers in shallow airtight containers for optimal freshness.
- Discarding old turkey: It’s not recommended to consume a Butterball turkey that has been refrigerated for more than 2 days, as it may no longer be safe to eat. It’s best to follow the recommended storage time.
- Spoilage signs: If you notice any strange odors, sliminess, or discoloration on the turkey’s skin, it’s an indication that it has spoiled and should not be consumed.
- Room temperature limit: To maintain its safety and quality, it’s important not to leave a Butterball turkey at room temperature for more than two hours. Bacterial growth can occur in the temperature danger zone (40°F – 140°F).
- Thawing and storing: You can store a Butterball turkey in the refrigerator after thawing it, but ensure it is properly cooked within 1-2 days of thawing.
- Hygiene practices: When handling a Butterball turkey, it’s crucial to wash your hands thoroughly before and after touching the turkey to avoid cross-contamination. Ensure that all utensils and surfaces are properly cleaned as well.
- Refreezing: Refreezing a Butterball turkey that has been thawed is not recommended. Once a turkey has been thawed, it should be cooked promptly or stored in the refrigerator for a short period before cooking.
Fresh Butterball Turkey: A Delicious Choice:
Butterball Fresh Whole Turkey is all-natural, never frozen, gluten-free, and raised without hormones on American farms. Every fresh turkey is pre-brined before packaging for meat that’s always tender and juicy.
Where to Find Butterball Turkeys:
Use the Butterball product locator to find delicious Butterball turkey products available in your area.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your Butterball turkey stays fresh, safe, and ready to become the star of your Thanksgiving feast or any delicious meal. Remember, proper storage and handling are key to enjoying a delicious and safe turkey.
Happy Thanksgiving and happy cooking!
How Long Can a Frozen or Thawed Turkey Stay In the Fridge?
Before cooking, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) advises defrosting turkey for a few days at 40°F or lower in the refrigerator. According to Amidor, thawing a turkey requires one day for every four pounds of turkey. This implies that a 12-pound turkey will take three days to thaw, while a larger turkey weighing between 20 and 24 pounds may require up to six days. (Butterball has a handy calculator that can tell you exactly how long youll need to thaw your bird. And if you dont have that much time, heres how to defrost turkey more quickly. ).
According to Amidor, the turkey can be refrigerated for a further two days after it has thawed before cooking.
For instance, if you’re cooking a 20–24-pound bird, you should put it in the refrigerator to thaw at least six days in advance of eating it so it has time to do so completely, and no later than eight days in advance so you don’t go over the two-day window. It’s best to refrigerate a 12-pound turkey for at least three days and up to five days.
To prevent any juices from creating a mess in your refrigerator when you’re ready to thaw, keep the turkey wrapped in plastic wrap and place it on a rimmed sheet tray or roasting pan. To defrost, place it in the coldest section of your refrigerator; alternatively, store it in a spare refrigerator that isn’t used frequently. Additionally, according to Amidor, “you can refreeze the turkey without cooking, but there will be some loss of quality if you thaw it in the refrigerator and choose not to cook it.”
How long can you keep a fresh Butterball turkey in the fridge?
FAQ
How long can you keep a fresh Butterball turkey in the refrigerator before cooking?
Can I keep a turkey in the fridge for a week?
How long can a 14 pound turkey stay in the fridge?
Is it OK to thaw turkey in the fridge for 5 days?
How long can you keep a Butterball turkey in the fridge?
After you’ve cooked a Butterball turkey, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Q: What are some tips for thawing a Butterball turkey?
How do you store a Butterball turkey?
To store a Butterball turkey in the refrigerator, follow these steps: 1. Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey. The giblets and neck can be stored in a separate container in the refrigerator for up to two days. 2. Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water. Be sure to remove any visible dirt or debris. 3.
How long does a thawed Turkey last?
Thaw in refrigerator (not at room temperature). Place unopened roast on a tray in refrigerator for 1½ to 2 days, or until thawed. To thaw faster, place unopened roast in cold tap water for 3 to 5 hours. Change water every 30 minutes to keep turkey cold. When thawed, keep in refrigerator until ready to cook. Cook within 4 days of thawing.
How long does a Butterball turkey last?
* Temperature: The ideal temperature for storing a Butterball turkey is 40 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature, the turkey will stay fresh for up to two weeks. If the temperature is higher, the turkey will spoil more quickly. * Moisture: The turkey should be stored in a covered container to prevent it from drying out.