Here's How Long You Can Keep Your Turkey in the Freezer for the Best Quality

Buying a frozen turkey is one of the best ways to get the most important ingredient checked off your grocery list for Thanksgiving. But how long can you keep a frozen turkey? Maybe you bought two turkeys for your feast and it turns out you'll only need one bird for your gathering after all. For the best quality turkey, it's important to consider how long a turkey lasts in the freezer. After all, no one wants to waste food. Use the following expert tips to make sure the star of your meal will be good to go when its time for roasting.

How Long Can You Freeze Turkey?

According to the Butterball Turkey Talk Line, you can keep a turkey stored in the freezer up to two years and it's still safe to cook. Make sure your turkey is unopened. If you have a fresh turkey and would like to freeze it for later, get it in the freezer before the "use-by" date on the package. For the best quality, the USDA recommends using the frozen turkey within the first year of storage. Thanksgiving dinner already over? You can freeze leftover turkey in a freezer-safe container ($9, Target) for up to six months if you don't think you'll eat it within four days from the fridge.

When it's time to roast your turkey, refer to this turkey thawing information to ensure your bird is ready to cook on time. Use our handy (and creative!) Thanksgiving menu guide for the most delicious feast ever.