The Thanksgiving Foods That Are Surprisingly Easy to Freeze

Thanksgiving has a way of producing far more food than anyone can eat in a few days. By the weekend, the fridge is packed with containers of leftovers, and the turkey sandwiches are starting to lose their charm.

Rather than letting good food go to waste, the freezer can save the day. Many holiday favorites hold up remarkably well when frozen properly, and some can even be made ahead to make the big day less stressful.

Cooked Turkey

Leftover turkey freezes beautifully, as long as it’s handled correctly. Remove the meat from the bones, slice or shred it, and pack it into airtight containers or freezer bags.

Adding a splash of broth or gravy before freezing helps keep the meat moist. Frozen turkey is best used within about two to six months for the best flavor and texture.

Gravy

Gravy is one of the easiest Thanksgiving foods to freeze. Let it cool, then pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room at the top for expansion.

It may separate slightly after thawing, but that’s easy to fix. Simply warm it gently on the stove and whisk until it’s smooth again.

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes freeze better than many people expect, especially when they’re made with plenty of butter, milk, or cream. The fat helps them stay creamy instead of turning grainy.

Freeze them in individual portions or flat in freezer bags for faster thawing. When reheating, stir in a little warm milk or butter to restore their smooth texture.

Cranberry Sauce

Homemade cranberry sauce is practically made for the freezer. Its high sugar content helps it hold its texture and flavor well.

You can make it weeks ahead of Thanksgiving and freeze it to cross one item off your to-do list. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before serving.

Stuffing

Cooked stuffing freezes well and can be reheated in the oven for a crispy top. Freeze it in a baking dish wrapped tightly in foil, or in portions for easy side dishes.

You can also assemble and freeze unbaked stuffing in a dish to bake later. Just never freeze stuffing that has been cooked inside the turkey, and avoid stuffing a raw bird ahead of time.

Dinner Rolls

Rolls are easy to freeze whether you buy them or bake them at home. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.

To serve, warm them in the oven straight from the freezer. They’ll taste nearly as fresh as the day they were baked.

Pie Dough

Making pie dough ahead of time is one of the smartest holiday shortcuts. Shape the dough into flat discs, wrap them well, and freeze them for up to a few months.

When it’s time to bake, thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight. You can even roll it into a pie dish and freeze the unbaked crust so it’s ready to fill.

Pumpkin Pie

Baked pumpkin pie can be frozen once it has cooled completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil to protect it from freezer odors.

The custard texture may change slightly, sometimes becoming a little softer. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, and top it with fresh whipped cream to hide any minor imperfections.

Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potato casserole freezes well, especially before adding the topping. Prepare the base, freeze it in a baking dish, and add pecans or marshmallows just before baking.

Marshmallows tend to get sticky and lose their texture in the freezer. Adding them fresh keeps that golden, toasty top everyone loves.

Turkey Broth

Don’t toss the turkey carcass once the meat is gone. Simmer it with water, vegetables, and herbs to make a rich homemade broth.

Once cooled, freeze the broth in containers or ice cube trays for easy portions. It’s perfect for soups, gravies, and risottos in the weeks ahead.

Freezing Tips for Best Results

Get leftovers into the refrigerator or freezer within two hours of cooking to keep them safe. Let foods cool slightly, then pack them into airtight containers and label them with the date.

Thaw frozen dishes in the refrigerator rather than on the counter. When reheating, make sure leftovers reach 165°F before serving.