Save money and ALWAYS have the deli slices you need ready to use! These quick instructions for HOW TO FREEZE LUNCH MEAT are the BEST and EASIEST to follow. Learn how!
Why This Recipe Works?
- Fast
- Easy
- Saves Money!
How It’s Done
STEP 1. Label the freezer bag with today's date, what is in the bag. You may also want to put a “USE BY” date that is 6 months to 1 year from now.
STEP 2. Place the lunch meat Into the Freezer Bag
STEP 3. Close the freezer bag and squeeze out as much air as you can.
How To Freeze Lunch Meat
To freeze lunch meat, first place the lunch meat into the freezer bag and lay it as flat as possible. Squeeze out as much air from the bag as you can. Label the freezer bag with today's date, how many and what is in the bag. You may want to put a “USE BY” date for 6 months to 1 year from now.
How Long Can I Freeze Lunch Meat?
Freeze lunch meat, wrapped well with no air in the package (as described below in the recipe card), kept at zero degrees for up to a year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Can You Freeze Lunch Meat After Opening?
Yes, you can after opening. 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?
Yes, Freeze cold cuts deli meats by following the instructions in the recipe card below. Cold Cuts Deli Meats keep frozen for 6 months.
How Long Can You Keep Lunch Meat in the Freezer?
Frozen meat is generally good for 4 months - 1 year, however, according to the USDA, meat kept at 0 degrees is good indefinitely. To be safe though, I don’t keep meat for more than a year and I check it for freezer burn before using if I know its been in there for a while!
Is It Safe To Eat Two Year Old Frozen Lunch Meat?
That really depends on how well the meat has been wrapped, how much air is in the package and how steady the temp has been in the freezer. If the meat has been kept solidly at 0 degrees, then it should be fine. If you notice many ice crystals, it is probably time to throw it out.
Does Freezing Lunch Meat Change It?
Freezing Lunch Meat does not change it so long as it does not develop freezer burn. Whatever quality of lunch meat you start with is the quality of lunch meat that you will end up with.
How Long Can You Freeze Lunch Meat
You can freeze lunch meat, if handled properly and kept at the right temperature for a year.
How To Thaw Lunch Meat
To thaw lunch meat, Fill a large bowl or a clean kitchen sink with tepid (room temperature) water. Place the frozen lunch meat in a sealable plastic bag bag. Place the lunch meat filled bag into the water. Turn the lunch meat over every 10 minutes and replace the water if it becomes cold. The lunch meat will thaw in about 20-40 minutes depending on how thick the package is.
Does Freezing Lunch Meat Affect the Taste?
It does not affect its taste as long as it has not been freezer burnt. Freezer burnt meat does not taste good.
How to Avoid Freezer Burn.
The main point is to avoid freezer burn …
- Remove as much air as possible from the freezer bag.
- Make sure there are no holes in your freezer bag.
- Keep at a steady temp as close to 0 as possible.
Is It Safe to Refreeze Thawed lunch meat That Has Already Been Frozen?
According to the USDA, it is safe as long as the meat has been handled properly. That said, my mother always taught me to NEVER do this. I don’t recommend it.
How To Know If Frozen Meat Is Bad
Look at the meat very well, is it covered with large amounts of ice crystals? Does the meat appear white and dry? How long has it been in the freezer?
If you notice….
The meat appears encased in ice crystals or frost
- Meat is very light colored and dry
- The meat has been in the freezer longer than 6 months.
- There was a lot of air in the package.
Then, the meat might be bad and you should throw it out.
If You Enjoyed this lunch meat Recipe, You Might Also Enjoy…
If You Want To Know More About Freezing Other Foods, Check Out….
- How to Freeze Steaks
- Freeze Raw Beef
- How to Freeze Chicken
Hey, Ya’ll, Help Me Out, OK?
Leave me a 5 STAR comment in the comment section below. This helps other people to find recipes on Loaves and Dishes!
How to Freeze Lunch Meat
Ingredients
- 1 lb lunch meat any variety or size slice
Instructions
- Label the freezer bag with a sharpie marker to indicate what will be in the bag and how many. Label with today's date and a "USE BY" date (6 months to 1 year from now).
- Place the lunch meat into the freezer bag and lay flat
- Squeeze as much air as possible from the bag.
- Seal the bag.
- Place the bag of lunch meat into the freezer and lay flat so that they will freeze flat.
Notes
- Use good quality freezer bags (this doesn't necessarily mean name brand). Just check to make sure that the bag feels heavy and thick in your hand and that the seal works very well.
- It's so easy to use the type of bag with the zippers, but I've had more bag failures with the zipper bags than with the press and seal type bags.
- Buy yourself a sharpie marker to keep in the kitchen in your "junk" drawer OR tape it to the front of your freezer bag box. Then you'll always have one.
- The flater that you can make the bag, the better for saving space in your freezer.
- When putting things in the freezer, put the newer things on the bottom of the stack so that the older things are near the top and you'll use those first.
- Squeeze air out of the bag after you put the meat into the bag by rolling it up. Air in the bag will equal freezer burn later.
Nutrition
A VERSE TO SHARE
I am often consumed with nerves, are you? This helps me. Maybe it will help you.
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Christina says
Thank you 😊 I never knew I could freeze lunch meats! We like turkey and ham best, how do you thaw and prepare the slices to be used in a sandwich after freezing?
Wendi Spraker says
Hi Christina, All you need to do is to move them to the refrigerator. Depending on how cold it is, it might take a couple of days. If you don't have a couple of days, seal them very well in a zip lock style bag and let them float in a bowl of cool water for an hour or so. Hope that helps!
Moxie says
Perfect, I can never eat an entire package myself!
Wendi Spraker says
Me either!