Who doesn’t love an easy lunch or dinner using cold cuts? Head to the deli counter and get some of your favorite deli turkey (mine is oven roasted). We will discuss the question “how long does deli turkey breast last in the fridge” and how to best store it so that it stays good until the expiration date!
I wanted to share a recipe with you guys that uses sliced turkey because of how easy it is. But sometimes the typical deli sandwich can get old. This turkey and brie sandwich will give you a new sandwich to keep in your rotation while keeping it so simple!
The Best Way to Store Deli Meat
There are some food safety general guidelines to storing deli meat to prevent food poisoning and bacterial growth.
Refrigerate Promptly: Right after buying deli meat, toss it in the fridge to prevent any bacterial growth in the danger zone (temperature range of 40°F-140°F). You never want to leave a food out in room temperature for longer than 2 hours - otherwise it will have to be tossed because the growth of harmful bacteria may have started.
Use An Airtight Container: Once you've opened the deli meat, transfer it to an airtight container or resealable bag. This helps prevent air exposure, keeping the meat from drying out. If the deli meat is in an unopened package, you can leave it in it’s original package.
Avoid Cross-Contamination: Keep raw meats separate from deli meats in the fridge. Cross-contamination can lead to foodborne illnesses.
Check the Printed Date: Turkey deli meat usually has a "sell-by date" or "use-by date”. Be sure to follow these dates to ensure freshness.
Freeze if Needed: If you won't be eating the deli meat within a few days, consider freezing it. Just make sure to use a plastic freezer bag to prevent freezer burn and label it with the date.
Freshness First: Consume opened deli meat within 3-5 days for the best quality.
How Long Does Deli Turkey Breast Last in the Fridge?
Unopened Package: If it's still sealed, you can usually keep it in the fridge for a couple of weeks. Check the label for any specific recommendations.
Opened Package: Once you've opened it, try to consume it within 3 to 5 days for optimal freshness.
Sliced Deli Meat: If you've got it sliced at the deli counter, aim to use it within 3 to 5 days as well.
Signs of Spoilage for Deli Meat
In my opinion, it is never a good idea to mess with meat products and food safety! Here are some signs that it is time to throw out the deli meat:
Smell Check: If your deli meat starts to have a sour smell, that's a big red flag. Fresh deli meat should have a clean, meaty scent.
Color Change: Deli meat can change color as it ages, but if you notice drastic shifts or any green or gray hues, it's time toss it.
Slimy Texture: Fresh deli meat should not be slimy or sticky, that's a clear sign of spoilage.
Mold Growth: Obvious one, but if you see any mold, toss it. Don't try to salvage it by cutting around – mold can spread.
Off Taste: If it tastes off or sour when it used to be delicious it is a good idea to throw it out.
Expiry Date Passed: Always check the "sell-by date” or "use-by date”. Even if it looks and smells okay, if the date has passed the best option is to toss it.
Remember, when in doubt, throw it out. Your taste buds and tummy will thank you!
Additional Related Recipes
Jalapeno Chili Crunch Egg Salad
What You’ll Need:
Ingredients:
- Oven Roasted Deli Turkey
- Brie Cheese
- Mayonnaise
- Mustard
- Red Onion
- Bartlett Pear
- French Bread
Kitchen Equipment:
- Knife
- Cutting Board
How to Make Turkey and Brie Sandwich:
Mix: Mix together 4 tablespoon of mayonnaise and 4 tablespoon of mustard and then spread over all slices of bread.
Assemble: Build each sandwich with turkey, brie cheese, red onion, and pear. Enjoy!
Turkey and Brie Sandwich
Ingredients
- 8 slices oven roasted turkey
- 4 ounces brie cheese sliced
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 4 tablespoons mustard
- ¼ medium red onion thinly sliced
- 1 bartlett pear thinly sliced
- 8 slices french bread
Instructions
- Mix together 4 tablespoon of mayonnaise and 4 tablespoon of mustard and then spread over all slices of bread.
- Build each sandwich with turkey, brie cheese, red onion, and pear. Enjoy!
Notes
- Toast the bread before adding the mayo/mustard spread!
Nutrition
Variations/Substitutes
Change up the type of sandwich meat - Roast beef or sliced deli chicken would be good substitutes
Use apples - if you have apples on hand, you can substitute them for the pears and still get that fresh crunch and flavor!
FAQ
Assemble the sandwich as you normally would and then wrap in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This should keep for a few hours before the bread starts to get soggy.
Let me know in the comments if you make this easy turkey and brie sandwich! I think it would be the perfect weekday lunch!
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