Learn how long turkey will last in the fridge and make the most of all your festive holiday leftovers, safely
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After tucking into a holiday meal, you may be wondering: “How long does turkey last in the fridge?” Its an important question, to not only help you reduce food waste but to also avoid your food spoiling which can lead to food poisoning — no one needs that.
Stay safe with our guidance on food storage and making the most of your holiday leftovers to use in sandwiches, wraps, and more.
Whether you cooked your bird in the oven or one of our best air fryers, storing it properly is essential. The CDC has lots of information on taking care of holiday leftovers and weve put together a quick how-to guide also.
How Long Does Cooked Turkey Stay Good in the Fridge?
Cooked turkey is a delicious staple that can be enjoyed in various dishes for days after Thanksgiving Christmas or any celebratory feast. But leftovers inevitably lead to the question – how long does cooked turkey stay fresh and safe to eat if stored in the refrigerator? Follow proper storage methods and you can safely enjoy turkey for 3 to 4 days after cooking.
Understanding Foodborne Illness Risks
Eating spoiled foods poses risks of foodborne illness which is why following fridge storage guidelines is essential. Pathogens like salmonella E. coli, and staphylococcus can grow quickly on perishable foods like turkey when kept in the “danger zone” between 40°F and 140°F. Refrigerating below 40°F prevents bacteria overgrowth for optimal food safety. Once these dangerous microbes multiply to high levels, they can lead to unpleasant symptoms or serious infection when the turkey is consumed. Monitoring storage times diligently minimizes this risk.
USDA Recommended Fridge Storage Time
The United States Department of Agriculture provides science-based guidance on poultry storage for consumers. According to the USDA, cooked turkey should be eaten or frozen within 3 to 4 days when properly stored in a refrigerator set at 40°F or below. This 3 to 4 day timeline aligns with recommendations from leading health organizations and food experts. Storing the turkey for longer than 4 days allows bacteria to multiply to unsafe amounts and significantly decreases quality.
Proper Refrigeration Methods
To safely preserve cooked turkey for 3 to 4 days, follow these best practices:
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Refrigerate turkey within 2 hours of cooking Divide turkey into smaller portions in shallow containers for fast cooling
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Ensure refrigerator temperature is consistently 40°F or lower. Use a refrigerator thermometer to monitor.
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Place turkey in sealed airtight containers or resealable bags. This prevents drying out.
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Store turkey toward the back of the fridge furthest from the door. The most consistent cold temperatures are in the back.
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Avoid overcrowding the refrigerator, as this reduces air circulation needed to maintain cold temps.
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Label the container with the date the turkey was cooked or freeze date. This tracks storage time.
How To Know When Turkey Is No Longer Good
Rely on your senses to determine if cooked turkey has exceeded the 3 to 4 day timeline and is now unsafe to eat:
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The turkey has an off odor, unpleasant sour or ammonia-like smell. Fresh turkey has no noticeable odor.
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The texture is slimy or sticky. Sound turkey should feel firm and dry to the touch.
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Mold is visible on the turkey. Mold is a clear sign to discard the turkey immediately.
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The color has changed to green, blue, or black. Sound turkey meat is white or pink when thoroughly cooked.
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The turkey was not stored properly at 40°F or under the entire time.
When inspecting for spoilage, look closely at the turkey crevices and cavities where bacteria can start multiplying first. Discard turkey immediately if any signs of spoilage are found.
Freezing For Long Term Storage
For enjoying cooked turkey beyond 3 to 4 days, freezing is recommended. Portion the turkey into airtight freezer bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. Label bags with the freeze date. Frozen turkey maintains optimal quality and safety for 3 to 4 months in the freezer set at 0°F or below.
Thaw frozen turkey safely in the refrigerator 1 to 2 days before use, never at room temperature or in warm water to prevent bacterial growth. Reheat thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F until hot and steaming. Avoid refreezing thawed turkey more than once, as quality declines with each freeze-thaw cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can cooked turkey be left out at room temperature?
Only 2 hours maximum. Bacteria multiply rapidly on perishable foods left out longer. Refrigerate promptly after mealtime.
Can I store turkey in the freezer indefinitely?
Safety-wise yes, but quality decreases over long freezer storage. Eat within 3-4 months for best moisture, texture and flavor.
What if my fridge can’t maintain a temperature of 40°F?
A refrigerator that can’t stay at 40°F or below is faulty and should be repaired or replaced. In the meantime, store turkey no longer than 3 days.
Can I make turkey stock with the leftover carcass after 4 days?
No, consuming turkey stock made from a spoiled carcass can still cause foodborne illness. Follow the same 3-4 day guidance.
Does stuffing inside the turkey impact fridge storage time?
Yes, stuffing shortens fridge storage to only 1-2 days. The stuffing is more prone to bacterial growth than meat.
The Takeaway
When stored properly in the fridge, cooked turkey stays fresh for 3 to 4 days. Monitor the storage time, temperature, container seal and signs of spoilage. If turkey is not eaten within this timeframe, freeze it for long term use. Following these turkey storage guidelines ensures you can safely enjoy Thanksgiving, Christmas and holiday leftovers to the fullest!
How long does turkey last in the fridge
Once cooked, you should store your turkey leftovers in the refrigerator within two hours and when cool.
Cooked turkey can be kept in the refrigerator for three to four days but you can freeze leftovers you want to keep longer.
The process of storing it safely starts as soon as you have carved what you need for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.
How to store leftover turkey
- Cover the cooked meat loosely with foil as it cools to avoid any airborne bacteria landing on it (you can stock up on Reynold Wrap on Amazon if youve run out)
- Once it has cooled, wrap it completely or cut it up and store it in a food storage container, like these highly-rated glass Rubbermaid storage containers available on Amazon, before putting it in the fridge.
- Do not store it under or next to uncooked meat as the juices could contaminate it.
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Every time you use some, make sure you practice good food hygiene by washing your hands with a good antibacterial soap (Dial Complete hand soap on Amazon has over 35,000 4.7-star reviews) before handling on a clean board that has not been in contact with raw meat. Ideally, you should have more than one cutting board, but this color-coded chopping board set from Joseph Joseph at Amazon will help prevent cross-contamination. Always re-wrap the turkey before returning it to the fridge, and dont let it sit out of the fridge for too long between uses.
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If you dont like the idea of rewrapping the bird each time, consider investing in a vacuum sealing system. Our head of ecommerce, Annie Collyer swears by the Zwilling Fresh and Save Set which uses BPA-free reusable bags with secure zip closure, and stackable borosilicate glass containers (which are nestable when not in use). This works by removing all of the air from food storage to keep food fresh for up to five times longer. And, when youre done — the glass vessels can cleaned in the dishwasher!
How long is leftover turkey good for in the fridge?
FAQ
Can I eat cooked turkey after 5 days?
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