Open freezer

Gregor Halenda

Times are based on a freezer set at 0 degrees Fahrenheit or colder. Storing and eating frozen foods past these deadlines isn't dangerous, but flavors and textures will begin to deteriorate.


  • Chicken or turkey pieces, uncooked: nine months
  • Fruit pies, unbaked: eight months
  • Fruit: 6 to 12 months
  • Steaks, uncooked: 6 to 12 months
  • Butter: 6 to 9 months
  • Lean fish: six months
  • Roasts, uncooked: 4 to 12 months
  • Chicken or turkey, cooked: 4 to 6 months
  • Chops, uncooked: 4 to 6 months
  • Shellfish, uncooked: 3 to 6 months
  • Hamburger: 3 to 4 months
  • Bread and cake: three months
  • Cookies, baked or dough: three months
  • Meat casseroles, cooked: three months
  • Fatty fish: 2 to 3 months
  • Soups and stews: 2 to 3 months
  • Ice cream and sorbet: two months
  • Ham, cooked: 1 to 2 months
  • Bacon: one month

Read More About:

Freezing

Related Content

Kitchen timer

Make-Ahead Meal Shortcuts

Four things to make and freeze when you have time, for days when you don't.

What do you think about this article? Share your own solutions and ideas

View Earlier Comments

Get Surprising Tips and Tricks Each Week

Sign up for our free Real Simple Weekly Tips newsletter (see a sample).
Advertisement

Quick Tip

To keep the appetizers flowing at your holiday open house or dinner, prebake hot hors d’oeuvres, then rewarm them when the guests arrive. Get more tips.

Appetizers on a plate