Yes, you can refreeze leftover turkey in some situations, but the method you used to thaw it matters. The USDA leftovers page says food thawed in the refrigerator can be refrozen, and that after you reheat previously frozen leftovers to 165°F, you may freeze what is still left. It also says you should cook food thawed in cold water before refreezing it, and that microwave-thawed leftovers should be heated to 165°F before they are frozen again. Quality often drops a little each time ice crystals form, so portion leftovers before the first freeze when you can. This page sits beside freezer storage times and how long leftovers last in the fridge.
If it thawed in the refrigerator
Refrigerator thawing keeps leftovers out of the danger zone. Once the turkey is thawed, USDA says to use it within 3 to 4 days, and that you may refreeze it. If you froze a large container and only need part of it, you can thaw it in the fridge, remove the portion you will cook, and refreeze the remainder without reheating that remainder, as long as it stayed cold. Keep the package on a plate while it thaws so juices do not drip onto other food.
If it thawed in cold water or the microwave
Cold water is faster, but it needs more attention and a leak-proof bag. USDA says foods thawed this way should be cooked before you refreeze them. The microwave is faster still, and it can heat unevenly, so you should continue until the leftovers reach 165°F; after that, leftover portions may be frozen again. In every case, leftover turkey, stuffing, and mixed dishes must reach 165°F when you reheat them to eat, and gravy should come to a rolling boil. See how to reheat leftover turkey.
What you should not refreeze
Do not freeze or refreeze turkey that sat out more than 2 hours, or more than 1 hour if the room was above 90°F. That food should be discarded, not saved. The same 2-hour rule is explained in can you leave turkey out overnight. If leftover turkey smells off, feels slimy, or is past the 3 to 4 day refrigerator window, throw it out rather than freezing it; see how to tell if leftover turkey has gone bad. For wrapping and packing before the first freeze, use how to store Thanksgiving leftovers. More leftover recipes and safety guides are in the Thanksgiving leftovers hub and the Thanksgiving guide.
Helpful kitchen tools
- Stasher Silicone Reusable Food Storage Bags, 4-Pack — Smaller bags make it easier to freeze leftover turkey in meal-size portions so you thaw only what you need.
- TempPro TP19H 1-Second Digital Meat Thermometer — Confirm that reheated turkey reaches 165°F before you eat it or freeze the remainder.
- Pyrex Deep 9×13-Inch Glass Baking Dish with Lid — A lidded dish helps you thaw or reheat a portion without drying it out.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I refreeze leftover turkey that thawed in the fridge?
Yes. USDA says leftovers thawed in the refrigerator can be refrozen, and should be used within 3 to 4 days if you do not freeze them again.
Can I refreeze turkey that thawed on the counter?
No. Perishable leftovers left out more than 2 hours, or 1 hour above 90°F, should be thrown away, not refrigerated or frozen.
Does refreezing make leftover turkey unsafe?
Refreezing leftovers that were thawed and held safely is allowed. The usual tradeoff is quality, not a special safety exemption. Always reheat leftover turkey to 165°F before you eat it.