Deli meat, also known as lunch meat, has a notoriously short shelf life—from savory to slimy in a handful of days. Yet while most home cooks are comfortable freezing chicken breasts or stew meat, many still wonder: Can you freeze deli meat? The short answer is an absolute yes. Deli meat can be frozen for up to two months as long as its prepared and wrapped properly to preserve the texture and moisture content. Well walk you through the steps here.
Yes, you can freeze deli meat. “Deli meat can be frozen indefinitely if stored at the proper temperature,” says Edwards. “For best quality, it’s ideal to eat frozen deli meats within one to two months of freezing.” The USDA agrees, stating that frozen deli meat should be kept at a temperature of 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
Therefore, as long as it is handled, stored, and thawed correctly, deli meat can be safe to eat even after very long periods of frozen storage (1).
While deli meats are often eaten soon after purchasing, freezing is a safe way to preserve them for a longer period of time.
Different types of deli meats may need to be frozen in different ways to preserve best quality. All of the meats are best eaten within 1–2 months of freezing, but if stored at the proper temperature, they will stay safe past that timeframe.
These are made from ground turkey or chicken mixed with binders and water and shaped to form sliceable loaves.
Cooked sausages are any mixtures of ground meat, spices, and seasonings that have been cooked. They are sold ready to eat. Examples include bologna, bratwurst, chorizo, frankfurters or hot dogs, and mortadella (6, 7).
Which deli meats can you freeze?All deli meats can be frozen. Cured meats, like sausage and bologna, tend to hold up the best, thanks to its dense, hearty texture and lower water content. Freezing roasted turkey, ham, chicken and other deli meats is still possible, but the meat may be slightly wet upon defrosting. (Tips on that below!)You can freeze lunch meat in a large piece or in slices. For the best results, we suggest eating meat as soon as possible after freezing.
| Opened | Fridge | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh meat | 3-5 days | 1-2 months |
| Packaged meat | 3-5 days | 1-2 months |
| Unopened | Fridge | Freezer |
| Fresh meat | 3-5 days | 1-2 months |
| Packaged meat | 2 weeks | 2 months |
| Cured meat | 2 months | 3 months |
How I Freeze Lunch/Deli Meat to Keep the Taste/Texture Good (see part 2 got cut off)
FAQ
Is it okay to freeze cold cuts?
Can you put cold meat in the freezer?
What is the best way to store fresh cold cuts?
Can you refreeze lunch meat?
Can you freeze cold cuts?
It turns out you *can* freeze cold cuts to extend their shelf life—if you follow these instructions. Cold cuts, also known as lunch meat or deli meat, has a notoriously short shelf life—from savoury to slimy in a handful of days.
Can cucumbers be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze cucumbers. Although, due to its high water content, the water inside the cells freezes and forms large ice crystals that can damage the cell walls. So, once defrosted, it results in a soggy texture. Therefore, it is recommended to freeze sliced cucumbers rather than whole.
How long do cold cuts last in the freezer?
If you’re tired of having to throw out yet another half-eaten packet of cold cuts because you haven’t used it all before it’s past its best, the good news is that you can safely store your unfinished leftovers in the freezer to extend its shelf life for up to 2 months.
Can you freeze cold cut deli meat?
Place the unused lunch meat into a sealable plastic bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible. Seal the bag. Label the bag with the date, what is in the bag and a “USE BY” date for 6 months from now. Place into the freezer and lay it as flat as possible in the freezer. Can You Freeze Cold Cuts Deli Meat?