Can I make my Thanksgiving Turkey ahead of time and then heat it up at another location? What temperature do I reheat it at and for how long, it is a 20lb turkey.
Chef Kevin posted the following on October 19, 2007 at 11:59 am.
Hi. The best way to store cooked turkey is to cool, slice, include some gravy, and wrap tightly - keeping as little air as possible near the bird. We would never recommend freezing nor refrigerating a whole turkey - it should always be sliced first. To safely heat your frozen cooked turkey, you will effectively have to cook it again.
1) Cook the turkey in advance and carve it.
2) Place as flat as possible on sheets of plastic wrap and top with a bit of gravy.
3) Wrap, double wrap, and store in freezer bags or storage containers. Cooked sliced turkey properly stored can do well in the freezer for up to 4 months.
4) Defrost in the refrigerator at least overnight before serving on ‘the big day.’
5) Heat the sliced turkey in batches in a microwave at medium power for about 6 minutes. If the microwave doesn’t have a turntable, turn the platter 1/4 turn halfway through the heating.
Congrats on getting a jumpt start on your Thanksgiving meal. You might consider preparing a homemade turkey stock to freeze. Then, you can prepare a new gravy the day of Thanksgiving. Also, consider baking some bread the day of Thanksgiving so you’re home will have those delicious enticing smells.
Hi. The best way to store cooked turkey is to cool, slice, include some gravy, and wrap tightly - keeping as little air as possible near the bird. We would never recommend freezing nor refrigerating a whole turkey - it should always be sliced first. To safely heat your frozen cooked turkey, you will effectively have to cook it again.
1) Cook the turkey in advance and carve it.
2) Place as flat as possible on sheets of plastic wrap and top with a bit of gravy.
3) Wrap, double wrap, and store in freezer bags or storage containers. Cooked sliced turkey properly stored can do well in the freezer for up to 4 months.
4) Defrost in the refrigerator at least overnight before serving on ‘the big day.’
5) Heat the sliced turkey in batches in a microwave at medium power for about 6 minutes. If the microwave doesn’t have a turntable, turn the platter 1/4 turn halfway through the heating.
Congrats on getting a jumpt start on your Thanksgiving meal. You might consider preparing a homemade turkey stock to freeze. Then, you can prepare a new gravy the day of Thanksgiving. Also, consider baking some bread the day of Thanksgiving so you’re home will have those delicious enticing smells.