Can I freeze my Christmas dinner?

Start planning for Christmas by freezing your festive dinner ahead of time!

Turkey?

Yes, you can cook your whole turkey or turkey crown ahead of time, freeze and then defrost it for Christmas Day. We recommend slicing the cooked meat before freezing it, this means it will take up less space in your freezer, will defrost much more quickly and it will allow you to take out what you need on the day avoiding leftovers.

Prepare for freezing by putting your cooked (and cooled) turkey slices onto a piece of baking parchment on a flat tray. Put the tray in the freezer, flat and allow to freeze for 1 hour.

Then, transfer frozen turkey pieces to a labelled freezer bag, squeeze air out and place back into the freezer. This can be kept for four months, (always add a label).

To thaw your frozen turkey, defrost it in the fridge overnight. When you reheat the turkey, make sure it's piping hot - not just warmed through.

Yes, whether you’re embracing your inner Jamie Oliver or buying ready made from the shop, freezing is a great way to make sure you’re all stocked up for Christmas.
Get a freezable bag and pour your cooled gravy into it from a measuring jug. Seal and lay the bag flat on a tray and freeze. Defrost in a dish of cold water, then pour out of the bag and reheat.
Yes, try our kick ass cranberry sauce recipe, you can even use frozen cranberries! It’s best to use within 3 months to enjoy at its best quality but will be safe to eat for longer!
Yes, for homemade Yorkshires, freezing is a great way to have them on tap – just cook a big batch once and freeze the leftovers. Shop bought Yorkies are already frozen and are perfect for taking as many as you need when you need them.

For freeze-ahead roasties:
1. Peel and chop into equal sizes. Put in cold salted water, bring to the boil and then boil for 6 mins. Drain and leave to cool for a few minutes. Toss in a colander to rough up the sides.
2. Transfer to a large bowl. Shake over the flour, some salt and pepper, and toss well to combine. Spoon over 100 grams of fat (butter, oil, goose fat) to coat evenly. Lay the potatoes on a tray lined with baking parchment and freeze. Once frozen, transfer the potatoes into a freezer bag for easy storage. Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
3. When ready to cook, heat oven to 200C/ 180C fan / gas 6. Pour fat and oil into a baking tray and put in the oven. When the fat is sizzling, carefully add the potatoes, then roast for 25 mins. Remove tray then increase oven to 220C/ 200C fan/ gas 7. Turn the potatoes and return to the oven for a further 40 mins until golden and crisp.
You can freeze homemade, but not shop bought mince pies…when it comes to big branded mince pies, it seems in some cases they have frozen their mince pies already in the past and so it’s advised they shouldn’t be refrozen. Have a go at making your own this Christmas with a few quick cheats using pre made pastry and jared mince-ment.
Yes, you can pre-freeze stuffing ready for the big day. If you’ve time on your hands, you can make it yourself, but if you’re short of time, you can also freeze ready-made stuffing that you make with water. TOP TIP – if freezing ready-made make sure to open it and roll into balls for smaller portions instead of simply freezing the whole block.

What else from your Christmas dinner can be frozen?

Yes, wash, slice, dry and then blanch for 2-3 minutes, drain and then place them into ice cold water, drain, dry and then place on a lined tray. Open freeze for 2 hours then place in a freezer bag. You can then cook, steam, boil, fry or roast from frozen.
Yes, wash and pat dry, put in a freezer bag and use on your roasties when ready. Another great option is to chop your rosemary and mix with butter, then form into a sausage shape wrapped in parchment. This can then be frozen, and when you want a slice of rosemary butter you can just cut a slice off.
Yes, wash, dry and spread out on to a lined tray, once frozen add to a freezer bag. Add a label and use as you wish.