Can You Freeze Thanksgiving Leftovers? Yes — Here's How

Yes, you can freeze almost every Thanksgiving leftover — and doing it right means quick weeknight meals for months. The keys are portioning, airtight packaging, and labeling. Here's exactly what freezes well, what doesn't, and how to thaw and reheat each dish.

Turkey

Freeze turkey within 2 hours of cooking. Carve it off the bone, portion into meal-sized bags, and press out all the air. For best texture, add a spoonful of broth or gravy to each bag — it protects the meat from freezer burn. Turkey freezes well for 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently with moisture.

Gravy

Gravy freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Freeze in portions in airtight containers, leaving headroom for expansion. Flour-thickened gravy holds its texture; cornstarch-thickened gravy may thin out and need a whisk while reheating. Reheat gently on the stovetop, whisking to recombine.

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes freeze surprisingly well if they're made with enough butter and cream. Portion into containers, smooth the top, and cover with a layer of butter or plastic wrap to prevent ice crystals. Thaw in the fridge and reheat with a splash of milk, whipping to restore creaminess. Avoid freezing plain boiled potatoes — they go mealy.

Stuffing & Casseroles

Stuffing freezes well for 1–2 months. Pack it airtight; reheat covered in the oven at 350°F with a little broth to keep it moist. Green bean casserole and sweet potato casserole also freeze well, though the crispy topping may soften — re-crisp under the broiler for a minute. Freeze before adding any crispy topping if possible.

Pies

Pumpkin and pecan pies freeze well for 1–2 months. Freeze whole or in slices, wrapped tightly in plastic then foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge. Apple pie can be frozen baked or unbaked; an unbaked frozen apple pie can go straight into a 375°F oven with 20 extra minutes. Custard and cream pies do not freeze well — eat those fresh.

What Not to Freeze

Skip freezing: raw salads, cranberry sauce (it's fine but texture changes), cream-based soups that may separate, and anything with a crisp crust you want to stay crisp. Label every container with the dish and date, and use the oldest first. Frozen Thanksgiving leftovers are a gift to your future self.