One of my friends asked me if she could freeze turkey slices. It is not the first time I was asked this question.
If you are reading this post, then you might also ask the same question. In this post, I decided to share with you the answer.
So, can you freeze turkey slices?
Yes, you can freeze turkey slices. If you do it right, turkey slices can last for 2 months in the freezer.
All you need to do is to make sure that you store the turkey slices in the freezer correctly.
How to freeze turkey slices correctly?
To freeze turkey slices correctly, you need to make sure that you freeze them with proper packaging.
To package the turkey slices properly, you can use zip bags or freezer-safe plates.
To prevent freezer burn, you should use as much air out of the zip bags.
More importantly, I suggest that you label the packages with the date and meal of the day before you put them into the freezer. That way, it will be easier to use later on.
How long do you have to freeze turkey slices?
There is no straight answer to this question. You will need to keep track of the number of days that you are storing them so that you will know when to eat them.
You should remember that some changes in color and texture might occur when you thaw and heat the frozen turkey slices, but these changes won’t make your food bad.
According to USDA standards, there won’t be any bacteria growth if it is stored according to the rules.
You can store it for a maximum of 2 months in the freezer and use it within 2 weeks after defrosting.
Can you freeze sliced turkey breast?
Yes, you can freeze sliced turkey breast.
However, I suggest that you freeze it in portions. You can divide the turkey breast into smaller packages according to your needs.
Freezing sliced turkey breast might change its texture a little bit but still, it will taste great.
How do you freeze sliced turkey breast?
To freeze sliced turkey breast, you need to make sure that you place it in freezer-safe dishes. Make sure that the turkey slices are not touching each other.
If possible, I suggest that you use zip bags or vacuum sealers (click here to check my recommended vacuum sealer on Amazon) to package the sliced turkey breast. That way, they will be easier to store and thaw later on.
You should remember that appropriate wrapping of food will minimize any changes in color and texture when freezing the meat.
If you want a tender meat texture after thawing, then consider wrapping them using moisture-permeable packaging materials such as paper towel and plastic wrap before putting into freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags for storage.
The key here is to keep air out of packages because oxygen will cause damage by oxidizing some of the products.
You should always check the label on each package to see if it is safe for freezing and storage.
If you want to store them in lunchboxes, make sure that they are shallow enough so that they will not be crushed by other foods inside your lunch box.
Can you freeze boneless skinless turkey breast?
It is possible to freeze boneless skinless turkey breast. In fact, this is one of the things that a lot of people do before the Christmas and Thanksgiving holidays to save some time.
It is easy for you to cook frozen slices when everybody else in your family asks for meals with different ingredients and tastes.
Can you freeze honey-baked turkey slices?
Yes, you can freeze honey-baked turkey slices.
I recommend that you flash freeze them to make sure they will still stay fresh even after being in the freezer for a long time.
You can wrap each slice of honey-baked turkey with plastic film and then put it in a zip bag so that air is kept out.
Make sure that you label your packages before freezing them.
Can you freeze roasted turkey breast?
Yes, you can freeze roasted turkey breast. Freezing helps retain the moisture and flavor of the meat. Carving the roast will become easier when it is still frozen after being thawed.
However, I suggest that you cook the roasts thoroughly before freezing them so that they won’t get bacteria later on.
You should also keep in mind not to overcook your meat before freezing since this might make it tougher after thawing.
Can you freeze the whole turkey?
Yes, you can freeze leftover whole turkey. Whole turkeys that have been previously cooked will remain safe for storage if they are prepared and stored properly.
Freezing is a good way to save time if you are planning on having another meal with your family or friends by serving them freshly cooked frozen turkey instead of cooking again from scratch.
If the quality of your meat has suffered some changes, then it might be better to cook it all together with other ingredients before freezing since that might improve its texture when reheated later on.
I suggest that you always thaw the turkey in the refrigerator. If not careful, thawing in water might make your meat get bacteria or cross-contamination which can make you get sick.
If you want to wrap the turkey with foil or plastic film, then you can do so but be sure that it is air-tight. Use a vacuum sealer (check my recommended vacuum sealer on Amazon) if possible for this process.
You should cook the meat thoroughly before freezing it since bacteria might grow in your food especially when thawed.
The best way to prevent any contamination from spreading is by cooking meat thoroughly and chilling promptly after cooking.
Never leave food at room temperature for too long especially when it has been cooked already because pathogens will multiply quickly at room temperature.
Conclusion
I hope that this post provides you helpful information. By now you should know that you can freeze turkey slices.
As long you do it right, very few changes will happen to the quality of your frozen turkey.
As a matter of fact, I’ve tried it myself. I have frozen sliced turkey breast with great success. The texture was not changed at all.
I also froze leftover whole turkey and found out that it was no different from the freshly cooked one when reheated in my oven.
If you are going to stay on a strict diet, then this is an option for you because freezing can preserve nutrients more than other storage methods like air-drying or drying under the sunlight would do.
