In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleFreezing Deli Meat TipsPackaged Deli MeatDeli Counter MeatCooked MeatHow to Thaw ItPreviously Frozen Deli Meat
In This ArticleView All
View All
In This Article
Freezing Deli Meat Tips
Packaged Deli Meat
Deli Counter Meat
Cooked Meat
How to Thaw It
Previously Frozen Deli Meat
Deli meat, also known as lunch meat, sandwich meat or cold cuts, has many wonderful qualities, but a long shelf life simply isn’t one of them. Whether you buy yours from the deli counter or in vacuum-sealed packages, these sandwich essentials, including turkey, chicken, ham, bologna and roast beef, can turn slimy and unappetizing in a matter of days. The good news is that you can safely freeze any deli meat for up to 2 months. Freezing and defrosting require a few extra steps but is a far better option than having to toss it, which wastes both food and money. Read on for how to freeze, thaw and enjoy your favorite deli meats.
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Which Deli Meats Can Be Frozen?
All deli meats can be frozen, but cured meats like salami, pepperoni and bologna tend to do best because they contain less water. That being said, if you follow the necessary steps, your turkey, chicken, ham and roast beef can be safely and successfully frozen too.
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How to Freeze Packaged Deli Meat
Unopened packaged deli meat is the easiest to freeze because it’s already sealed in airtight packaging. For an extra layer of protection against freezer burn, wrap the sealed package in an airtight freezer bag or aluminum foil, squeezing out as much air as possible. Then, label, date and freeze for up to 2 months. Unopened packages of cured meat, such as salami or pepperoni, will keep for as long as 3 months.
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How to Freeze Meat from the Deli Counter
How to Freeze Cooked Meat
If you cook a turkey, chicken or ham for homemade sandwich supplies, these can be frozen as well. Be sure to let the meat cool completely before wrapping and freezing. It’s also best to remove the meat from the bone and cut or slice it into smaller pieces for freezing—slices and smaller pieces will defrost more easily, too. Fully cooked ham can be frozen for up to 2 months, while poultry will keep for up to 3 months.
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How to Thaw Frozen Deli Meat
Layering and stacking slices of deli meat may seem fussy, but it means you can pull out and thaw exactly what you need rather than defrosting all your deli meat at once—unless you want to, of course! The best way to thaw frozen deli meat is overnight in the refrigerator or until fully defrosted—larger pieces can take longer. If you’re in a hurry and the deli meat is well sealed in an airtight freezer bag, you can place the bag in a bowl of cold water to defrost, making sure to change the water often so it stays cold. Homemade meats can be defrosted in the microwave, but then need to be enjoyed right away.
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How to Use Previously Frozen Deli Meat
Once defrosted, deli meat should be enjoyed within 3 days. Thawed meat may be a bit moist, but you can simply pat it dry with a paper towel before making sandwiches. While proper wrapping and defrosting should protect the taste and texture, if you find your deli meat lacking, try using it in cooked dishes, such as quesadillas,quiches, gratins,casseroles, stromboli orpizza—a little heat, seasoning and the flavor of other ingredients will bring those slices right back to life!
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