Leftover Turkey Heaven: Can You Freeze Roasted Turkey? You Bet!
What To Know
- In this blog post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about freezing and thawing roasted turkey, including how to properly store it, how long it will last in the freezer, and how to reheat it safely.
- Once the turkey is thawed, you can reheat it in the oven or in the microwave.
- To reheat the gravy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or in the microwave on low power.
Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and of course, turkey. But what do you do with all the leftovers? If you’re like most people, you probably end up freezing some of the turkey to enjoy later. But does roasted turkey freeze well?
The answer is a resounding yes! Roasted turkey freezes very well and can be enjoyed for months to come. In this blog post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about freezing and thawing roasted turkey, including how to properly store it, how long it will last in the freezer, and how to reheat it safely.
How to Freeze Roasted Turkey
1. Let the Turkey Cool Completely: Before you freeze the turkey, let it cool completely to room temperature. This will help prevent the growth of bacteria.
2. Remove the Bones: Once the turkey is cool, remove the bones. This will make it easier to store and reheat the turkey.
3. Cut the Turkey into Pieces: Cut the turkey into pieces that are about 1-inch thick. This will help the turkey freeze more quickly and evenly.
4. Place the Turkey in Freezer Bags: Place the turkey pieces in freezer bags. Be sure to remove as much air from the bags as possible.
5. Label the Bags: Label the bags with the date and the type of turkey. This will help you keep track of how long the turkey has been frozen.
How Long Does Roasted Turkey Last in the Freezer?
Roasted turkey can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months. However, it is best to use it within 2-3 months for the best quality.
How to Thaw Roasted Turkey
There are two ways to thaw roasted turkey: in the refrigerator or in a cold water bath.
To thaw roasted turkey in the refrigerator:
1. Place the frozen turkey in a covered container in the refrigerator.
2. Allow the turkey to thaw for 24-48 hours, or until it is completely thawed.
To thaw roasted turkey in a cold water bath:
1. Fill a sink or large bowl with cold water.
2. Place the frozen turkey in a sealed plastic bag.
3. Submerge the bag in the cold water.
4. Change the water every 30 minutes.
5. The turkey will thaw in about 2-3 hours.
How to Reheat Roasted Turkey
Once the turkey is thawed, you can reheat it in the oven or in the microwave.
To reheat roasted turkey in the oven:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Place the turkey in a roasting pan.
3. Cover the turkey with foil and bake for 1-2 hours, or until the turkey is heated through.
To reheat roasted turkey in the microwave:
1. Place the turkey in a microwave-safe dish.
2. Cover the turkey with plastic wrap.
3. Microwave the turkey on high for 2-3 minutes per pound, or until the turkey is heated through.
Tips for Freezing and Thawing Roasted Turkey
- Use freezer-safe bags or containers to store the turkey.
- Remove as much air as possible from the bags or containers before freezing.
- Label the bags or containers with the date and the type of turkey.
- Thaw the turkey in the refrigerator or in a cold water bath.
- Reheat the turkey in the oven or in the microwave.
Can You Freeze Gravy?
Yes, you can freeze gravy. To freeze gravy, let it cool completely to room temperature. Then, place the gravy in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat the gravy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or in the microwave on low power.
Can You Freeze Stuffing?
Yes, you can freeze stuffing. To freeze stuffing, let it cool completely to room temperature. Then, place the stuffing in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat the stuffing, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or in the microwave on low power.
Creative Ways to Use Leftover Roasted Turkey
There are many creative ways to use leftover roasted turkey. Here are a few ideas:
- Turkey sandwiches: Leftover roasted turkey makes delicious sandwiches. Simply slice the turkey and add it to your favorite bread with your favorite toppings.
- Turkey soup: Leftover roasted turkey can be used to make a delicious and hearty soup. Simply add the turkey to a pot with some broth, vegetables, and seasonings.
- Turkey pot pie: Leftover roasted turkey can be used to make a delicious and comforting pot pie. Simply add the turkey to a pot with some vegetables, gravy, and a pie crust.
- Turkey tacos: Leftover roasted turkey can be used to make delicious and easy tacos. Simply shred the turkey and add it to your favorite taco toppings.
- Turkey salad: Leftover roasted turkey can be used to make a delicious and healthy salad. Simply shred the turkey and add it to your favorite salad ingredients.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: Can I freeze roasted turkey with the skin on?
A: Yes, you can freeze roasted turkey with the skin on. However, the skin may become tough and leathery after freezing. If you are concerned about this, you can remove the skin before freezing the turkey.
Q: Can I freeze roasted turkey with gravy?
A: Yes, you can freeze roasted turkey with gravy. However, the gravy may separate after freezing. To prevent this, you can add a little cornstarch or flour to the gravy before freezing.
Q: Can I freeze roasted turkey with stuffing?
A: Yes, you can freeze roasted turkey with stuffing. However, the stuffing may become dry after freezing. To prevent this, you can add a little moisture to the stuffing before freezing.
