As the holiday season approaches, many families begin pulling turkeys and hams from the freezer in preparation for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other gatherings. One question that often comes up is, “Is the turkey or ham I bought last year still safe to eat?” The good news is that foods kept continuously frozen at 0°F or below remain safe indefinitely. However, quality can decline over time, affecting flavor, texture, and moisture.
Before serving your holiday meal, make sure you’re thawing, cooking, and storing your turkey or ham properly to keep family and guests safe from foodborne illness.
Is Last Year’s Turkey or Ham Still Good?
Frozen foods remain safe as long as they stay frozen, but quality is best when used within recommended timeframes:
For Best Quality:
- Whole turkey: Up to 1 year
- Turkey pieces: Up to 9 months
- Fresh, uncured ham: Up to 6 months
- Fully cooked ham: Up to 1 to 2 months
If your turkey or ham has been frozen since last holiday season and remained at 0°F or below, it is generally safe to eat. However, freezer burn may affect quality. Large areas of freezer burn can make meat dry and less flavorful. If freezer burn is minor, simply trim away the affected portions before cooking.
Check Before You Cook
When thawing a turkey or ham that has been in the freezer for an extended period:
- Look for excessive freezer burn.
- Check for damaged packaging.
- Watch for unusual odors after thawing.
- Examine the meat for unusual discoloration.
If anything seems questionable after thawing, it is safest to discard the product.
Avoid Unsafe Thawing Methods
Never thaw a turkey or ham:
- On the kitchen counter
- In hot water
- In a garage or basement
- In a vehicle
- Outdoors
- In a dishwasher
These methods can allow the outer portion of the meat to reach unsafe temperatures while the inside remains frozen, creating conditions where harmful bacteria can multiply rapidly.
1. Refrigerator Thawing (Recommended Method)
Refrigerator thawing is the safest method because the meat remains at a safe temperature throughout the process.
Place the turkey or ham in its original packaging on a tray or shallow pan to catch juices and prevent cross-contamination.
Allow approximately 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds of turkey.
Turkey Refrigerator Thawing Times
- 4 to 12 pounds: 1 to 3 days
- 12 to 16 pounds: 3 to 4 days
- 16 to 20 pounds: 4 to 5 days
- 20 to 24 pounds: 5 to 6 days
Once thawed, a turkey may remain safely refrigerated for up to 2 additional days before cooking. A thawed ham can generally be refrigerated for 3 to 5 days before cooking.
2. Cold Water Thawing
Need a faster option? Keep the turkey or ham in a leak-proof package and completely submerge it in cold tap water.
Important: Change the water every 30 minutes to keep it cold enough to prevent bacterial growth.
Turkey Cold Water Thawing Times
- 4 to 12 pounds: 2 to 6 hours
- 12 to 16 pounds: 6 to 8 hours
- 16 to 20 pounds: 8 to 10 hours
- 20 to 24 pounds: 10 to 12 hours
Foods thawed using the cold-water method must be cooked immediately after thawing.
3. Microwave Thawing
Microwave thawing can be useful for smaller turkeys, turkey breasts, or hams. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding weight limits and defrost settings.
Because portions of the meat may begin to cook during microwaving, foods thawed in the microwave should be cooked immediately.
Cook to a Safe Temperature
Thawing safely is only part of the equation. Always use a food thermometer to verify that your holiday meal reaches a safe internal temperature.
Safe Minimum Internal Temperatures
- Whole turkey, turkey breast, and stuffing: 165°F
- Leftovers and casseroles: 165°F
- Fresh ham: 145°F, followed by a 3-minute rest time
- Fully cooked ham (reheated): 140°F
Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat without touching bone.
Don’t Forget About Leftovers
Holiday leftovers are another common source of foodborne illness.
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of serving.
- Divide large portions into shallow containers for quicker cooling.
- Use refrigerated leftovers within 3 to 4 days.
- Freeze leftovers for longer storage.
When reheating leftovers, heat them to 165°F before serving.
Holiday Food Safety Takeaway
A turkey or ham purchased last year may still be safe to eat if it has remained continuously frozen, but proper thawing, cooking, and storage practices are essential. Plan ahead, thaw safely, cook to the proper temperature, and enjoy a happy and healthy holiday season.
Need Help?
For questions about food safety, contact your local Nutrition & Community Health Agent or the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854). Assistance is available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET in both English and Spanish.
Shakera Williams, DrHSc, MPH
Associate Extension Agent
Nutrition & Community Health
(Flavors of Health & CDC-HOP)