You just wrapped up your Thanksgiving dinner (or are reading this to prep for it—consider us impressed!) and you’re wondering just what to do with that leftover turkey carcass staring back at you. If you’re anything like us, you hate being wasteful, so you’re probably asking yourself… is this thing still good for anything?
The answer is a resounding YES. Making turkey stock is the perfect way to use every bit of that bird. Not only does it help you cut down on food waste, but it makes for a rich, flavorful foundation for turkey soup, turkey pot pie, or whatever other cozy recipes you might decide to whip up in the near future.
Now that that’s taken care of, the next question you’re asking yourself is… how long will that turkey stock actually last in the freezer? Let’s talk about it!
How Long Does Turkey Stock Last in the Freezer?
Turkey stock, when properly frozen, can last up to 4-6 months without declining in quality. If you want to preserve the best flavor and avoid freezer burn, be sure to store your turkey stock in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. These will protect it from the getting icey and preserve that rich flavor you worked so hard to make. Whether you made your stock using leftover turkey bones, necks, or even wing tips, knowing how to store it correctly will ensure none of it goes to waste.
How to Store Turkey Stock
To keep that flavorful broth fresh, cool it to room temperature before freezing. Then, ladle it into airtight containers or large zipped lock freezer bags. If you’re tight on freezer space, you can even pour that stock into ice cube trays, which provides you with perfect portions for future soups, sauces, or gravies. Small containers can also keep you from having to thaw a more than you need in the moment.
Why Freezing Turkey Stock Works
Freezing prevents bacterial growth and preserves the flavor of your stock for an extended period of time. Turkey stock doesn’t last nearly as long in the fridge (only 3-4 days before it risks turning sour). But by freezing it, you can extend its shelf life and avoid food waste.
Freezing Tips
- Cool Completely: Let your stock cool fully before putting it into containers. This will help prevent condensation forming inside the container, which often leads to freezer burn.
- Label Everything: Use a piece of tape or a label with the date to keep track of when you stored it. That way, you’ll never again have to ask the age-old question: “How long has this been in here?”
- Choose the Right Container: The best way to keep freezer burn at bay is to use airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. These will also help you to maintain a clearer stock and reduce the chance of unwanted ice crystals forming (which will kill the flavor).
- Don’t Forget Portions: Freeze your stock in portions that make sense for how you want to use it in the near future. For example, 1-cup portions are perfect for turkey soup or turkey noodle soup recipes, while smaller amounts work great for enhancing sauces or gravies.
Making Turkey Stock for Freezing
If you’re starting from scratch, this process couldn’t be simpler. Just throw your leftover turkey carcass into a large stock pot with enough water to cover it. Then throw in a bay leaf, some fresh herbs, and even some fresh vegetables if you want. Let it simmer for a few hours to draw out all that flavor from the bones. You can also use a slow cooker, instant pot, or even a pressure cooker for a more hands-off approach. Looking to make a homemade turkey stock recipe with a bit of a twist? Consider adding a splash of lemon juice or olive oil to give it even more depth.
How to Use Frozen Turkey Stock
When you’re ready to use your stock, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight, or if you’re in a rush, run the sealed container under cold water until it loosens up enough to transfer to a pot for heating. Turkey stock is super versatile. You can use it in turkey pot pie, turkey tetrazzini, or even as a base for turkey gravy. The possibilities are literally endless, and the flavor of the stock will add a rich base to almost any meal.
Follow our freezing tips, and you’ll have flavorful turkey stock ready for your favorite recipes long after the big holiday. And, bonus! You can feel great about minimizing food waste and maximizing the value of your Thanksgiving dinner leftovers.
Ready to “Stock” Up?
Now that you’ve got a freezer stocked with that liquid gold, you’re ready to whip up soups, gravies, and all kinds of hearty recipes for the winter. Not only does freezing your turkey stock extend its shelf life and save you a little freezer space for other goodies, but it also brings the cozy flavors of Thanksgiving turkey into your meals as you transition into the next season. And you can be confident knowing exactly what to do with those leftover turkey bones or whole turkey after the big day.
How will you be using your turkey stock? We’d love to know! Tell us you’re favorite recipes using turkey stock in the comments below!
And if you want more great tips on making and using turkey stock…
Check Out These Steamy Recipes
- Vietnamese Turkey Pho Recipe (Using Leftover Turkey Bones!)
- Leftover Turkey Miso Ramen Recipe
- My Favorite Way to Remove Excess Oil from Stock and Sauces
- Slow Cooker Bone Broth – Asian Style
- How to Make Bone Broth
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