Complete Guide To Turkey Leftovers :: How To Freeze/Store The Meat, Make Turkey Bone Broth & Lots of Great Recipe Ideas! (2024)

FAQs

Can you freeze turkey bones to make broth later? ›

Don't throw away that turkey carcass from Thanksgiving! Use it to make a flavorful homemade stock that you can freeze and use for months!

Place the turkey on a parchment or foil-covered baking sheet in a single layer. Transfer to the freezer for one hour, until the turkey is quite chilled and firm. This will allow the slices or cubes to stay separate when you freeze them in a bag or container.

Leftovers should be stored within two hours of cooking. Divide leftovers into smaller portions and refrigerate or freeze them in covered shallow containers so they cool quickly. A large container or whole turkey will take too long to cool down to a safe temperature, which gives bacteria a chance to multiply.

USDA recommends using cooked turkey within 3 to 4 days, kept refrigerated (40°F or less). Refrigeration slows but does not stop bacterial growth. Turkey can be frozen for 3 to 4 months. Although safe indefinitely, frozen leftovers can lose moisture and flavor when stored for longer times in the freezer.

Storage: Store turkey broth in the refrigerator and use within 4 days. Freezer: Divide the broth into freezer-safe containers (I like to use 16-ounce glass jars) and leave 1/2-inch head space for expansion. Label and date, then freeze for up to 3 months.

Freeze the liquid for up to 6 months.

If you're freezing the liquid in ice cube trays, transfer the frozen cubes to a sealable freezer bag and use them within 6 months. While you can freeze the liquid for more than 6 months, it may develop freezer burn which will affect the flavor.

If you want o buy it now I would freeze it raw, defrost it in the fridge and roast it. That way you can enjoy the freshly cooked meat and the cold leftovers. When you freeze cooked turkey the texture is dryer so it works best in recipes with added sauce like curry or coronation salad.

A gravy can easily be frozen and will turn solid like any other liquid. Allow it to completely cool before spooning it into air-tight containers or freezer bags. If stored properly, you can enjoy the same rich, decadent taste for up to a whopping six months.

Bring the stock to the boil, scooping off any froth that forms on the surface, then turn down the heat and simmer everything gently for 3 hrs. Turn off the heat, leave the stock to cool slightly, then carefully strain into a container. The stock is ready to use, chill or freeze.

Cooked turkey will stay fresher if it`s left on the bone until you use it. Once it has been cut, it dries out more quickly. It must be wrapped tightly, either in a jumbo food bag or aluminum foil. If your refrigerator space is limited, cut off the legs and wings and wrap them separately.

How do you store leftover turkey broth? ›

Preserving turkey stock

If freezing the stock in storage bags, it is best to lay the bags on a cookie sheet and freeze flat for easy storage. For a longer shelf life, consider pressure canning your stock which will preserve the delicious turkey stock for up to 12 months in your pantry.

A whole turkey can be stored in the freezer for up to 12 months. Turkey pieces are best consumed within nine months.

you can place your turkey carcass in a bag and tie shut before placing in the freezer. You can freeze your turkey carcass for up to 6 months. When you're ready to make your turkey soup just place frozen turkey carcass directly into the pot. No need to defrost!

If properly stored in the refrigerator, a turkey carcass will last for up to 1 week. Perfect for making turkey soup from a carcass! How long is turkey soup good for? Leftover turkey noodle soup will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

For best results, try to use your frozen ham bone within three months. There may be some loss of flavor if you keep it longer, and any bits of meat and cartilage remaining on it may get freezer burn or dry out.

Yes, and you absolutely should! Anytime you have cooked chicken bones, whether it's a whole chicken carcass or just a bone-in chicken breast or thigh, save those bones in your freezer! Freeze them right along with vegetable scraps like onion, carrot and celery, and when you've accumulated a good amount, make stock!

Step #1: Put turkey bones in a big pot.

You can always pour the pot contents through a strainer later. Put the leftover turkey bones in there plus the raw turkey neck you've saved in the freezer. No need to defrost. Making turkey stock is super low-pro!

you can place your turkey carcass in a bag and tie shut before placing in the freezer. You can freeze your turkey carcass for up to 6 months. When you're ready to make your turkey soup just place frozen turkey carcass directly into the pot. No need to defrost!

Pour and fill – pour the bone broth into your plastic jars, leaving about 1” of space from the top to allow room for the broth to expand as it freezes. Close and freeze – screw the lids on your plastic jars and place them in the freezer. Store – store in the freezer for up to 3 months.