How To Freeze Thanksgiving Turkey Leftovers

Maybe you’re prepping for Thanksgiving, or you’ve just finished it up, and now you’re wondering what to do with all that leftover turkey. No one wants that delicious bird to go to waste! So what do you do? Can you freeze it? Absolutely, you can freeze leftover turkey! And yes, doing it right can save you both from food waste and from an overload of turkey sandwiches for the next week. (You can only eat so many.) Here’s a guide on how to freeze that Thanksgiving turkey properly and safely, so that your leftovers will stay delicious well beyond the holiday season.

The Best Way to Freeze Leftover Turkey

Freezing turkey is one of the easiest ways to stretch those Thanksgiving leftovers into meals for weeks to come. Here’s how you do it right:

• Cool It Down First
  Make sure your leftover Thanksgiving turkey is at room temperature before you start freezing (but don’t leave it out for hours like this!). Leaving turkey at room temperature for too long can encourage bacterial growth, so aim to get it into the fridge or freezer within two hours from the time you cooked it.
• Portion for Convenience
  Freezing a whole turkey might sound like the right call, but breaking it into smaller portions is a good idea. This way, you’ll only have to defrost what you need in the moment for a new meal without committing to an entire bird. Breast meat, legs, and even leftover turkey sandwiches are all fair game for freezing.
• Wrap It Right
  Wrapping is the key to avoiding freezer burn, which can ruin that precious turkey meat. Start with a layer of plastic wrap around each large piece (pack smaller bits close together before wrapping), making sure to squeeze out any excess air. Then, add a layer of aluminum foil or put it in a freezer-proof zip-top bag. Remember, squeezing out as much air as possible will keep the turkey fresh and avoid freezer burn or any unwanted flavor changes.
• Use Freezer-Safe Containers
  If you prefer to avoid plastic wrap, freezer-proof containers or reusable freezer bags are also great choices. Just make sure they’re tightly sealed! An airtight container can be a game-changer for preserving the best flavor.
• Label and Date Everything
  Even the most organized of us need a little reminder of what’s what when it comes to the freezer. Label each container with the date to keep track of your frozen turkey stash.

 

How Long Does Turkey Last in the Freezer?

According to the USDA, freezing turkey is the best way to extend its life, but that all depends on what kind of turkey your freezing. When stored continuously at 0°F or below, all turkey products will stay safe indefinitely, but the flavor and texture may decline over time. Here’s a breakdown of freezer storage times to help you enjoy your turkey at its best:

• Fresh Whole Turkey: Best quality for up to 12 months
• Fresh Turkey Parts: Holds well for 9 months
• Ground Turkey and Giblets: Maintains quality for 3 to 4 months
• Cooked Turkey: Ideal within 4 months
• Cooked Turkey Dishes (like casseroles or pot pies): Best used within 4 to 6 months
• Turkey Broth and Gravy: Should be used within 2 to 3 months
• Lunch Meat: Good for 1 to 2 months

 

Leftover Turkey: Freezing Side Dishes, Too?

If you’ve also got leftover gravy, cranberry sauce, or even a few green beans, you can freeze those right along with the turkey! Here’s how:

• Gravy: Freeze it in ice cube trays for easy portioning.
• Cranberry Sauce: Scoop it into individual portions for quick sides.
• Vegetables: Most can be frozen, but keep in mind they might lose some texture when reheated.

 

How to Safely Thaw Frozen Turkey

When it’s time to thaw your frozen turkey, safe thawing is a must to keep it fresh and free from harmful bacteria. The USDA recommends three safe methods for defrosting: refrigerator thawing, cold water thawing, and microwave thawing. Whatever you do, never thaw turkey on the counter, as it can lead to dangerous bacteria growth.

1. Refrigerator Thawing (Best Way for Whole Turkey)

For the best quality and safest results, thaw your turkey in the fridge. This method requires planning since it’s a slow process, but it’s worth it to prevent spoilage bacteria from forming. Here’s a general guide:

• Allow 1 day per 4-5 pounds of turkey.
• This method is ideal for whole turkeys as well as larger turkey cuts, and it keeps the turkey at a consistent, safe temperature.

2. Cold Water Thawing (Good for Smaller Portions)

If you’re short on time, the cold water method works well for turkey parts or smaller portions. Just make sure the turkey is in a leak-proof bag or airtight container to avoid water getting in, which can lead to texture changes.

• Submerge the turkey completely in cold water.
• Change the water every 30 minutes to keep it cold.
• Cook immediately after thawing to maintain food safety.

3. Microwave Thawing (Quickest Option for Small Amounts)

Using the defrost setting on your microwave is the fastest method but should only be used for small portions, as microwaves can cause parts of the turkey to start cooking. This can create warm spots where bacteria could grow if left to sit.

• Check your microwave’s manual for specific thawing times.
• Always cook immediately after microwave thawing—never store partially defrosted turkey back in the fridge.

 

Ideas for Using Frozen Leftover Turkey

Once thawed, transform your turkey leftover into some seriously delicious meals with these ideas:

• Shepherd’s Pies: Layer turkey and leftover vegetables with mashed potatoes for a hearty dish.
• Soups and Stews: Turkey stock made from turkey bones will make your soups rich and flavorful. Add chopped-up frozen turkey for extra protein.
• Next-Day Sandwiches: Nothing beats a classic turkey sandwich—especially with a little leftover cranberry sauce and gravy.
• New Meals: Turkey tacos, casseroles, or even individual pies are all on the table when you have a freezer stocked with turkey portions.

 

How Will You Use Your Leftover Turkey?

Freezing your Thanksgiving turkey leftovers is a great way to enjoy that holiday flavor long after Thanksgiving! Plus, you can feel good about reducing food waste in the process.

​What are some of your favorite ways to use turkey leftovers? We’d love to hear about it! Leave us a comment letting us know. 

 

Looking for More Tips on Thanksgiving Leftovers?

• No Waste November: A 7-Day Meal Plan for Thanksgiving Leftovers
• Meal Ideas For Turkey Day Leftovers
• What To Do With Thanksgiving Leftovers: Turn THIS into THAT
• Leftover Turkey: “The Bobbie” Thanksgiving Sandwich

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