Wondering how you can use your freezer this Christmas? Check out our top freezer tips to find out what food to freeze for Christmas, all while making planning for the big day run more smoothly.
Can you freeze cooked turkey?
Christmas dinner isn’t complete without turkey. But no matter how many curries or sandwiches you make, there’s always some leftover. Try freezing your leftovers, so you can enjoy it at a later date while reducing your food waste.
The best way to freeze cooked turkey is to slice the meat up and put it into airtight freezer bags in individual portions. Plastic bags take up less space than plastic containers and you’ll have portions at the ready, so all your need to do is defrost.
Make sure your meat is completely cool before you put it in the freezer.
Cooked turkey can be frozen for up to 3-4 months. See our best leftover turkey recipes here.
When defrosting cooked turkey, make sure the meat is completely thawed before cooking with it.
To defrost, simply put the turkey in the fridge for at least 24 hours. Check it is defrosted, by touching the meat – it should be soft and not solid. Make sure to wash your hands after.
Once the turkey is completely defrosted, reheat until the centre is steaming hot throughout.
After your turkey has been defrosted, it cannot be frozen again.
See our top 10 ways to use up Christmas leftovers here.
What can I make ahead and freeze for Christmas dinner?
Why not use your freezer to get ahead this Christmas? Many of our favourite festive dishes can be made in advance and frozen, helping to give you more time on the big day as well as spreading the cost over a few months.
Here is our favourite Christmas food to freeze ahead of time. See our top 10 ways to make the most of your freezer this Christmas.
Sprouts
Whether you love them or hate them, sprouts are a festive favourite. The good news is you can freeze Brussels sprouts.
Start by blanching your sprouts to get them ready for freezing. Put them in boiling water for 3-4 minutes. Once boiled, drain them and place them in ice cold water; this stops the cooking process and makes them ready to freeze.
Once dry, place them in an airtight freezer bag and freeze for 3-4 months. When ready to eat, defrost overnight and top with crispy garlic crumbs and Marmite butter.
Want to make this even easier? You can buy frozen sprouts that are ready prepped here.
Pro tip: Get all your Christmas trimmings ready! Other sides, like red cabbage, can be frozen ahead of time too. See our favourite freezer-friendly Christmas recipes here.
Stuffing
Get your stuffing made ahead early and store it in the freezer. Our pigs in blankets stuffing balls can cooked from frozen!
Put your sausage meat into reusable freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months.
Potatoes
Did you know that everyone’s favourite side dish can be prepped ahead and frozen?
Do the hard work first by parboiling your potatoes, once cool transfer them to a freezer bag until needed. Our crispiest-ever roast potatoes, can be frozen up to 3 months in advance!
See our article on how to freeze potatoes here.
Desserts can be frozen ahead too
Make hosting this festive season super-simple by making your sweet treats in advance and freezing them.
You can freeze Christmas cake, Christmas pudding and mince pies. These mince pie stars can be baked from frozen.
Discover more helpful, budget-friendly tips on how you can use your freezer to get ahead this Christmas here.
Check out our fabulous selection of ready-to-eat festive frozen food here.
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