Planning ahead for the holidays is always a good idea. But if you’re buying your Thanksgiving turkey early, you might be wondering: how far ahead is too far and how long does a frozen turkey actually last? Sure, checking off ‘mail-order turkey’ from your Thanksgiving timeline will feel extremely satisfying when you do it in the summer or even months in advance, but just be sure you read ahead to find out if your frozen turkey can ever go bad. The answer might just surprise you!
Of course, this information will also come in handy when you have Thanksgiving leftovers. Maybe you made Ree Drummond's roasted Thanksgiving turkey or even air fryer turkey breast—either way, the inevitable extras don’t need to go to waste. Follow our tips on how to freeze a turkey the right way so you can stash it away without the risk of it ever getting freezer burn. You'll be fully stocked to use all those turkey leftovers in no time!
Whether you're storing extra cooked turkey or planning ahead for the big bird, check out our tips for how to thaw a turkey once you're ready to dig in. You might also be interested in our best turkey recipes!
How long is a frozen turkey good for?
If you're planning to buy a whole raw bird in advance of the holidays, you're in luck! A frozen turkey can be stored for a pretty long period of time (that is, if you have the room for it!). According to the USDA, a turkey can be kept in the freezer indefinitely, but they recommend cooking it within one year for the best tasting results.
Got leftovers? Those cooked turkey slices can be stored in the freezer for up to six months. That means you'll have plenty of time to make leftover turkey shepherd's pie!
How to freeze a turkey?
The key to making sure your turkey tastes its best on Thanksgiving day is proper storage, whether that's in the refrigerator or the freezer. If you plan on buying your turkey well in advance, then freezing a turkey (or buying one frozen) might be for you. Here are a few helpful tips for how to freeze a turkey that you should keep in mind:
- Keep your turkey in the original packaging and store in the freezer unopened.
- Be sure to take your frozen turkey home immediately after buying it and place it in the freezer. The USDA says that a frozen turkey that's left thawing on the counter for more than two hours is not safe to eat.
- Never stuff your turkey before freezing it.
- If storing leftover cooked turkey, you'll want to carve the turkey off the bone and remove and stuffing from the cavity. Store the turkey in freezer bags or air-tight containers to prevent freezer burn.
How to use leftover turkey?
Leftover frozen turkey will be your weeknight hero in the days and weeks following the holidays! Put it to good use in leftover turkey pot pie, turkey sandwiches, and leftover turkey soup. Otherwise, you can always try one of Ree Drummond's "all-time faves" with a creamy turkey tetrazzini.
