How best to freeze a fresh uncooked turkey?

[DanHoo]

I picked up an 18 lb fresh turkey for $9 and I need to freeze it as I have one already to go on the smoker today and don't want to deal with two.

Should I break it down and freeze the quarters. Or freeze it in the sealed bag?

I'll likely smoke it close to new years and it will be quartered.

 

[Brett-EDH]

Break it down. So much easier to manage, store and cook it when it’s parts. JMO but it’s my go to method. You’re not making Rockwell photos. Just enjoying a great meal.

 

[Bob Bailey]

If the wrapper doesn't have any punctures, I'd just freeze it as is. Otherwise, break it down so you can vacuum seal it. This assumes you plan on cooking it whole.

 

[BFletcher]

I feel inferior offering advice here but having said you will quarter the bird I would be inclined to perform that action now and freeze the parts. My experience with thawing whole turkeys is that it takes forever. Plus, I am not very adept at separating turkey parts, so completing that step now would be a benefit to my personal style.

 

[DanHoo]

Changed my mind and went for less work today and put it the chest freezer whole in the original wrap. I might spin this whole. We'll see.

Tnx.