Freezing turkey is a great way to save leftover turkey after the holidays. But can you safely freeze turkey more than once? The short answer is yes, you can freeze turkey twice, but there are some important guidelines to follow.
Quick Answer: Yes, You Can Freeze Turkey Twice
It is safe to freeze turkey a second time as long as proper storage and thawing procedures are followed. When freezing turkey initially, it is best to freeze it within 2 days of purchasing and within 3-4 days of cooking. Turkey that has been previously frozen should be used within 3-6 months for best quality. Thaw frozen turkey in the refrigerator, not at room temperature. Once thawed, use the turkey within 3-4 days. To freeze again, make sure the turkey is tightly wrapped or in an airtight container. The second freeze should not exceed 1-2 months.
Guidelines for Freezing Turkey the First Time
To safely freeze turkey the first time, follow these guidelines:
- Freeze turkey within 2 days of purchasing it from the store.
- Cook turkey completely before freezing. Cut turkey off the bone and divide it into smaller portions if needed.
- Allow cooked turkey to cool completely, about 2 hours, before freezing.
- Package turkey in air-tight, freezer-safe wrapping or containers. Remove as much air as possible.
- Label packages with contents and freeze-by date (about 4 months from initial freeze).
- Freeze turkey at 0°F or below. Use freezer thermometer to check.
- Once frozen, do not allow turkey to thaw until ready to use.
Following these steps prevents spoilage and retains turkey’s quality during the first freeze. Use turkey within recommended time for best flavor, texture, and moisture content.
Thawing Frozen Turkey
The proper way to thaw frozen turkey is in the refrigerator, not at room temperature. Follow these guidelines:
- Place frozen turkey on a tray or pan to catch any juices that drip.
- Allow 24 hours of thaw time per 4-5 pounds of turkey.
- Keep turkey contained while thawing in the refrigerator at 40°F or below.
- Cook thawed turkey within 3-4 days for food safety.
- Do not attempt to thaw turkey at room temperature or in warm water.
- Always cook thawed turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Refrigerator thawing keeps turkey at a safe, cool temperature while thawing. Thawing at room temperature allows for bacterial growth. Cook thawed turkey promptly for food safety.
Refreezing Thawed Turkey
Previously frozen turkey that has been properly thawed in the refrigerator may be safely refrozen, with some quality loss. Follow these guidelines for refreezing thawed turkey:
- Use thawed turkey within 3-4 days for best quality.
- Cook turkey completely before refreezing.
- Cool cooked turkey for 2 hours before packaging for freezer.
- Divide into portions and wrap tightly in freezer-safe wrapping.
- Label with contents and new freeze-by date (1-2 months).
- Freeze at 0°F or below.
- Once refrozen, do not thaw again until ready to use.
- Cook refrozen turkey within recommended storage time.
The second freeze should not exceed 1-2 months for optimal flavor and texture. Eat refrozen turkey promptly after thawing again.
Food Safety with Refreezing Turkey
Refreezing turkey can be done safely by following USDA guidelines:
- Refreeze turkey within 1-2 days of thawing in refrigerator.
- Do not refreeze turkey that was left at room temperature for over 2 hours.
- Do not refreeze turkey with an off odor, appearance, or questionable safety.
- Store thawed turkey properly in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
- Cook refrozen turkey thoroughly to 165°F internal temperature.
As long as proper thawing, cooling, and refreezing procedures are followed, refreezing turkey is safe. However, the texture and moisture content will likely deteriorate with a second freeze-thaw.
Signs Turkey Should Not Be Refrozen
Do not refreeze turkey if:
- Turkey was left at room temperature for over 2 hours during initial thawing.
- Turkey has a foul odor, sliminess, or other signs of spoilage.
- Turkey was not stored properly during initial thawing.
- Turkey has been thawed in the refrigerator for over 5 days.
- Turkey was not cooked to a safe internal temperature before freezing.
Discard turkey with any signs of spoilage or questionable safety practices. When in doubt, throw it out.
Storing Thawed Turkey Safely
Proper storage prevents spoilage and bacterial growth on thawed turkey:
- Keep thawed turkey in the refrigerator at 40°F or below.
- Use shallow containers to store turkey to allow cold air circulation.
- Use thawed ground turkey within 1-2 days.
- Use thawed turkey pieces, legs, breasts within 3-4 days.
- Use thawed whole turkey within 5 days.
- Do not store thawed turkey above 40°F.
Cook thawed turkey right away or divide into smaller portions and refreeze portions immediately. Follow safe refrigerator storage times for best quality.
Cooking Thawed Turkey
Always cook thawed turkey thoroughly before eating:
- Cook to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Use a food thermometer to verify temperature.
- Allow 20 minutes rest time before carving.
- Stuffing inside turkey must reach 165°F temperature.
- Do not eat turkey with pink or red areas.
- Reheat leftovers to 165°F.
Cooking to the proper internal temperature kills any bacteria present and prevents foodborne illness. Take temperatures in the innermost muscle of the thigh, wing, and thickest areas.
Changes in Quality with Refreezing
Refreezing turkey can affect the moisture content, texture, and flavor:
- Turkey may lose moisture, becoming dry after thawing again.
- Texture may become softer or stringier compared to fresh turkey.
- Flavor may deteriorate, especially if stored for longer periods.
- Appearance may become paler or less vibrant after multiple freezes.
- Nutrient content remains stable but may degrade over very long storage.
For best quality turkey, use within recommended freezer storage times and avoid refreezing more than once. Properly packaged turkey parts hold up better to refreezing than whole turkey.
Recommended Storage Times
| Turkey Type | Refrigerator (40°F) | Freezer (0°F) |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh, uncooked | 1-2 days | 1 year |
| Fresh, cooked | 3-4 days | 4 months |
| Thawed, uncooked | 1-2 days | Do not refreeze |
| Thawed, cooked | 3-4 days | 1-2 months (if properly refrigerated when initially thawed) |
Turkey can be safely refrozen once if thawed and handled properly. Follow recommended storage times for optimal quality.
Cooking Refrozen Turkey
Refrozen turkey that has been thawed again requires some adaptations to cooking methods:
- Cook turkey thoroughly to 165°F internal temperature.
- Check temperature in multiple areas with a food thermometer.
- Allow extra cooking time, up to 50% longer, since refrozen turkey may contain more moisture.
- Use braising, stewing, or slow roasting methods which keep turkey moist.
- Avoid high heat methods like grilling or broiling which may dry out turkey.
- Baste turkey frequently while roasting or baking.
- Make gravy or sauce to serve with turkey.
With proper preparation, refrozen turkey can still be enjoyed after being thawed again. Low, slow cooking methods produce the most flavorful, tender results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to refreeze raw turkey?
Raw turkey that has been properly thawed in the refrigerator may be safely refrozen within 1-2 days. Refreeze raw turkey in air-tight packaging for up to 1-2 months. Do not refreeze raw turkey left at room temperature for over 2 hours.
Can you refreeze turkey after cooking?
Cooked turkey may be refrozen if it was cooked to 165°F internal temperature first and cooled properly. Store cooked, refrozen turkey for no more than 1-2 months before using again. Reheat thoroughly to 165°F before eating.
Does refreezing turkey make it unsafe?
No, properly refreezing turkey does not make it unsafe. As long as proper food handling procedures are followed, including thawing in the refrigerator and cooking thoroughly, refreezing does not introduce any new food safety risks.
How long does thawed turkey last in the fridge?
Thawed raw turkey will keep for 1-2 days in the refrigerator. Cooked thawed turkey will last for 3-4 days. Use thawed ground turkey within 1-2 days. Discard any turkey with an off odor or appearance.
What happens when you freeze turkey twice?
Freezing turkey twice can negatively affect the moisture content, texture, and flavor. Refrozen turkey tends to become drier and less tender. Cooking methods like braising may help refrozen turkey retain moisture and flavor.
Conclusion
Yes, turkey can be safely frozen twice if proper guidelines are followed. Turkey that has been thawed in the refrigerator may be refrozen within 1-2 days for 1-2 months maximum. Refreezing can make the turkey drier, less tender and deteriorate flavor. Use refrozen turkey promptly and cook with moist heat methods. With appropriate handling and storage, turkey can be frozen, thawed, and refrozen again while retaining safety and quality.