Yes, You Can Freeze Deli Meat—Here's What You Should Know Your favorite lunch meats can safely be frozen—here's everything you need to know about freezing and defrosting these sandwich staples. By Lauren Salkeld Lauren Salkeld Lauren Salkeld is a New York City-based writer and editor. She spent a decade working for food magazines and websites, and now uses her culinary and editorial background to help chefs and food personalities share their recipes and stories, by writing and editing cookbooks. She's very happy to work from home, with Rosie, her miniature Schnauzer, by her side. EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines Updated on January 30, 2025 Reviewed by Dietitian Christa Brown, M.S., RDN, LD Reviewed by Dietitian Christa Brown, M.S., RDN, LD Christa Brown is a registered dietitian and business owner with a practice focus on diabetes management and content development for brands and fitness influencers. She is a licensed dietitian with a Master of Science in Nutrition Education and a certification in gut health by the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines In This Article 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. Healthy Sandwich Recipes Glowimages/Getty Images 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. 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. Pictured Recipe: Turkey Apple Cheddar Sandwich How to Freeze Meat from the Deli Counter Sliced meats purchased at the deli counter, as well as packaged deli meat that's been opened, require a bit more attention to preserve its texture and control moisture. Lay individual slices on waxed paper, then stack the slices and place them in an airtight freezer bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. To add more protection against freezer burn, add a second freezer bag. Again, label, date and freeze for up to 2 months. If you purchase a large piece of meat from the deli counter, it can be wrapped in several layers of plastic wrap, followed by an airtight freezer bag and frozen for up to 2 months. 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. Pictured Recipe: Pickle Sub Sandwiches with Turkey & Cheddar 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. 6 Freezer Myths Food Experts Wish You Would Stop Believing 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 or pizza—a little heat, seasoning and the flavor of other ingredients will bring those slices right back to life! The Bottom Line Freezing deli meat is a simple and effective way to extend its shelf life and reduce food waste. Cured meats like salami and bologna freeze best but with the right techniques, sliced turkey, chicken, ham and roast beef can be safely frozen for up to two months. Proper wrapping and defrosting steps ensure the texture and flavor remain intact, while any leftover meat can be repurposed in cooked dishes for a delicious twist. With a little planning, your favorite deli meats can stay fresh and ready to use whenever you need them. Explore more: Healthy Eating Healthy Cooking How-Tos Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit