Can defrosted turkey be cooked and refrozen?

Here's why:

* Bacteria growth: Once turkey is thawed, bacteria can start to grow rapidly, especially if it's left at room temperature. Cooking kills bacteria, but refreezing won't eliminate them.

* Quality degradation: Refreezing cooked turkey will affect its texture and flavor. It might become dry, tough, and less palatable.

Instead of refreezing, consider:

* Cooking the whole turkey: Use the defrosted turkey to make a delicious meal and serve leftovers.

* Portioning and freezing before cooking: If you have a large turkey, consider portioning it before freezing and then thawing only the amount you need.

* Using the thawed turkey for other dishes: You can use the defrosted turkey to make turkey soup, chili, or other recipes that don't require freezing.

Remember: Safety comes first. Always follow food safety guidelines to ensure your meals are delicious and safe to eat.