When it comes to leftovers after the big holiday meal, many people have the same question – can you safely freeze turkey twice? The short answer is yes, you can freeze turkey twice, but there are some important guidelines to follow. In this article, we will discuss the basics of freezing turkey initially, how to properly thaw and refreeze turkey, and some tips for getting the best results when freezing turkey twice.
Freezing Turkey the First Time
Freezing is a safe and effective way to store leftover turkey from your holiday feast. When freezing turkey for the first time, it is important to follow proper guidelines:
- Refrigerate turkey for 1-2 days before freezing. This allows time for the juices to be reabsorbed into the meat after cooking.
- Cut turkey off the bone into smaller pieces or slices. Breaking it down into smaller portions makes it easier to reheat later.
- Wrap turkey tightly in freezer wrap, aluminum foil, or place in freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. This prevents freezer burn.
- Label packages with contents and date. Turkey can safely be frozen for 2-6 months at 0°F.
- Freeze turkey immediately at 0°F or below. Do not allow turkey to sit in the refrigerator more than 2 days before freezing.
Following these steps ensures your turkey freezes at top quality and maintains moisture.
Thawing and Refreezing Turkey
Once frozen turkey has been thawed, it may be refrozen as long as proper guidelines are followed:
- Turkey must be thawed in the refrigerator at 40°F or below. Do not thaw at room temperature.
- The thawed turkey must still be cold to the touch – 40°F or below.
- Thawed turkey meant to be refrozen should be used within 1-2 days for best quality.
- To refreeze, wrap turkey in proper freezer wrap again, remove air, label, and quickly return to 0°F freezer.
- Refrozen turkey maintains its safety but may suffer slight loss of moisture and texture.
As long as thawed turkey remains at food-safe temperatures, it can safely be refrozen once. However, quality will start to decline with each thaw.
Tips for Freezing Turkey Twice
Here are some useful tips to get the best results when freezing turkey twice:
- When initially freezing turkey, double wrap in freezer paper and bags to prevent freezer burn when thawing for second freeze.
- Only refreeze turkey once – do not attempt freezing turkey after thawing twice.
- Use refrozen turkey within 3-4 months for optimal quality.
- Refreeze turkey pieces in portion sizes easy for reheating – slices, cubes, or shredded meat.
- Prevent moisture loss by using an air-tight freezer container or vacuum sealed bags.
- Use refrozen turkey in dishes like casseroles or soups where moisture content is less noticeable.
Safe Thawing Methods
To safely thaw turkey for refreezing, only use these recommended methods:
- Refrigerator Thawing: Thaw sealed frozen turkey on a tray in the refrigerator. Allow 1 day for every 4-5 lbs turkey. Keep at 40°F or below.
- Cold Water Thawing: Submerge sealed turkey in cold tap water, changing water every 30 minutes. About 30 minutes per lb turkey.
- Microwave Thawing: Follow microwave oven instructions to thaw turkey, approximately 6 minutes per lb. Cook immediately after thawing.
Never thaw turkey at room temperature or in hot water, which allows bacteria growth. Refrigerator thawing is safest.
Proper Refreezing Guidelines
To safely refreeze turkey after thawing, follow these guidelines:
- Turkey must be thawed using proper refrigerator, cold water, or microwave methods only.
- Turkey remains at 40°F or below during thawing period.
- Thawed turkey feels cold to the touch.
- Thawed turkey is immediately refrozen within 1-2 days.
- Frozen at 0°F or below when refreezing.
- Refrozen turkey should be used within 3-4 months.
As long as thawed turkey has been properly handled at safe temperatures and quickly refrozen, it should be safe. However, the quality may decline slightly with each freeze-thaw cycle.
Is Refreezing Safe?
Many people are hesitant about refreezing food after it has thawed. Here is some information on the safety of refreezing turkey:
- As long as turkey remains at 40°F or below during initial thaw, refreezing is safe according to the USDA.
- Bacteria cannot start growing again in thawed turkey that was properly stored cold.
- Freezing stops bacterial growth – turkey that smells or looks spoiled should never be refrozen.
- There is minimal moisture loss and decline in texture after one refreeze cycle.
- Refreezing does not make turkey unsafe, as long as proper guidelines are followed.
The USDA and food safety experts confirm that refreezing thawed turkey is an acceptable practice, although quality may start to decline.
Storing Refrozen Turkey
Refrozen turkey needs to be stored properly to maintain optimal quality and safety. Here are some storage guidelines:
- Refreeze turkey right away – do not leave thawed turkey in the refrigerator more than 1-2 days before refreezing.
- Store refrozen turkey at 0°F or below. Consistent freezing temperature prevents ice crystals.
- Use refrozen turkey within 3-4 months for best quality.
- Keep frozen turkey wrapped airtight and labeled with contents and date.
- Do not refreeze turkey more than once. Discard if thawed again after second freeze.
Following safe storage practices ensures refrozen turkey stays fresh and retains moisture and texture after the second freeze.
Cooking Refrozen Turkey
Refrozen turkey can be cooked in any recipe calling for cooked turkey meat. Here are some cooking tips:
- Refrozen turkey may lose some moisture, so baste while roasting or bake covered with broth or sauce.
- Use refrozen turkey minced or chopped in casseroles, soups, and chilis to retain moisture.
- Cook refrozen turkey to safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Stuffing refrozen into turkey may slow even thawing. Cook stuffing separately.
- Allow 50-100% extra time when roasting refrozen turkey.
With some simple adjustments, refrozen turkey can still be used in all your favorite recipes. The key is retaining moisture during cooking.
Signs of Spoiled Turkey
It is important to never refreeze or eat turkey that shows signs of spoilage. Look for:
- Slimy texture or dull, tacky appearance
- Noticeable change in color, especially green tint
- Strong, unpleasant turkey odor
- Mold or excessive freezer burn
- Turkey left above 40°F for over 2 hours
Spoiled foods contain harmful bacteria and should always be discarded. When in doubt, throw it out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about refreezing turkey:
How many times can you safely refreeze turkey?
Turkey can be safely refrozen once, according to USDA guidelines, if proper thawing and refreezing methods are followed. The quality decline after the second freeze may make it undesirable to refreeze again.
Can you refreeze thawed raw turkey?
Yes, raw turkey can be refrozen using the same safe thawing and refreezing steps. Be sure raw turkey thaws in the refrigerator at 40°F or below before refreezing.
Is it safe to refreeze turkey that was sitting out overnight?
Turkey left out more than 2 hours at room temperature should not be refrozen, as bacteria may have grown. Always discard turkey left out too long.
Can thawed turkey be stored back in the fridge?
Thawed raw turkey can be stored in the refrigerator 1-2 days before cooking or refreezing. Cooked thawed turkey can be refrigerated 3-4 days. Discard if older.
Is frozen turkey still good after 1 year?
Turkey that has been continuously frozen at 0°F for over a year may still be safe but the quality declines. It is best to freeze turkey no longer than 2-6 months.
Conclusion
Turkey can be safely refrozen after thawing using proper methods, although the quality may start to decline slightly. Refreezing thawed turkey from your holiday meal provides an easy way to prevent waste and enjoy delicious leftovers later. As long as you follow safe thawing, rapid refreezing, and proper storage guidelines, turkey can be frozen twice with confidence. With some simple cooking adjustments, that refrozen turkey will still shine in soups, casseroles, sandwiches, and other favorite dishes.