Can you freeze deli meat?

What freezing does to deli meat

Freezing causes ice crystals to form within the meat, which breaks down the cell structure and releases moisture. When thawed, this leads to a loss of firmness and a soggier texture, making it less ideal for cold cuts on sandwiches.

How to freeze it

1. Slice or portion the meat if you won't use the whole package at once.
2. Wrap the meat tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
3. Place the wrapped meat inside a heavy-duty freezer bag, squeezing out as much air as possible.
4. Label the bag with the current date before placing it in the freezer.

Thawing and using it

The meat will be softer and may release some liquid when thawed; thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and use it immediately in cooked dishes like casseroles, soups, or omelets rather than cold sandwiches.

Depends on the form

• Pre-sliced deli meat freezes better than thick, whole cuts.
• Opened packages freeze faster than unopened vacuum-sealed ones.
• High-fat meats may separate more noticeably than leaner varieties.