On Food52, we’ve dedicated a contest and many, many posts to tips on how to let all those Thanksgiving leftovers live their best lives—because eating leftover Thanksgiving turkey for an entire week straight can wear down even the most avid of poultry fans.
But we also turned to James Briscione, the former Director of Culinary Development at the Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), just to make sure our freezer and storage methods for all our great leftovers were sound. Learn how to store Thanksgiving leftovers to keep them safe indefinitely…or until they all run out (whichever comes first).
How Long Is Leftover Turkey Good For After Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving is one of the most beloved holidays in America. Families and friends gather together to feast on delicious food, reconnect over fond memories, and give thanks for all of life’s blessings. The centerpiece of any Thanksgiving meal is, of course, the turkey. Choosing the perfect turkey and cooking it to absolute perfection takes time, care, and skill.
After spending hours preparing the ideal turkey, carving it, and serving it in all its glory, there are inevitably leftovers once the big meal comes to an end. Leftover turkey sandwiches and casseroles are staples in the days following Thanksgiving, but exactly how long is that prized poultry still safe to eat? Read on for helpful guidance on how many days turkey stays fresh after the holiday.
The Turkey Itself
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and food safety experts, cooked turkey leftovers can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. If carving the bird and refrigerating it immediately after dinner, the turkey will maintain optimal flavor and texture for about 3 days. After 4 days, it is still safe to eat but the quality starts to decline.
For longer term storage leftover turkey can be frozen. When frozen turkey leftovers remain at peak quality for 4 to 6 months. If keeping turkey in the freezer for longer than 6 months, it will still be safe to eat but may suffer freezer burn and dryness.
Proper Storage Is Key
To maximize the shelf life and food safety of leftover turkey, proper storage is crucial. Here are some tips:
-
Let turkey cool at room temperature for no longer than 2 hours before refrigerating. This allows it to cool evenly throughout.
-
Store turkey in shallow airtight containers or resealable plastic bags. This prevents drying.
-
Refrigerate or freeze turkey in small portions rather than large chunks. Small portions chill quickly.
-
Use refrigerated leftovers within 3 to 4 days. Freeze extras if keeping longer than 4 days.
-
Label frozen turkey with the date. Turkey is safe indefinitely frozen but best by 4 to 6 months.
-
Never thaw frozen turkey on the counter. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight instead.
Signs Your Turkey Has Spoiled
It is quite easy to tell when leftover turkey is past its prime. Signs of spoiled turkey include:
- Slimy or slimy film on the turkey
- Discolored or graying meat
- Dried out, chewy, or tough meat
- Moldy spots
- Off smell
-Rotten odor
If you observe any of these characteristics or your turkey leftovers exceed the recommended storage times, it is safest to throw it away. When in doubt, throw it out. Food poisoning is no joke.
Other Thanksgiving Leftovers
While leftover turkey is the hallmark after a Thanksgiving feast, there are plenty of other delicious foods that also need proper storage. Here are USDA recommended time limits on keeping other leftovers.
Stuffing and casseroles – Store in refrigerator 3 to 4 days. Can be frozen 1 to 2 months.
Mashed potatoes – Refrigerate 3 to 5 days. Freeze 6 months.
Pies and desserts with fillings or custards – Refrigerate 3 to 4 days. Do not freeze, quality suffers.
Yeast breads and rolls – Store in refrigerator 3 to 5 days. Freeze 2 to 3 months for best quality.
Gravy and broth – Keep refrigerated for 1 to 2 days. Freeze 2 to 3 months.
Ham – Refrigerate 3 to 5 days, freeze 1 to 2 months for highest quality.
The Importance of Food Safety
Eating spoiled food can cause serious and unpleasant illnesses, especially for those more vulnerable such as young children, elderly, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems. The CDC estimates 1 in 6 Americans gets sick from contaminated foods or beverages each year.
When feasting on delicious Thanksgiving leftovers, be sure to follow proper food safety guidelines. If food looks or smells questionable, remember the old adage – when in doubt, throw it out! With proper care and storage, leftovers can be enjoyed for several days after, allowing you to continue relishing the flavors of Thanksgiving without the unwanted side of food poisoning.
How long is turkey good in the fridge?
Leftover Thanksgiving turkey that is fully cooked will last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. As for the freezer, the lifespan of your leftover turkey depends on the quality of said freezer. “If you have a really good freezer that maintains a temp of 0°F or below, it’s indefinite,” James says. If the temperature doesn’t waver, the food stays safe, essentially.
However, here’s the bad news: Most consumer freezers aren’t able to maintain temperatures of 0°F or below. They often don’t close solidly and, with frequent opening and shutting, the temperature fluctuates. In this case, keep your leftover turkey in the freezer for 6 months max and then discard it to avoid food poisoning.
If youre still unsure whether your turkey is safe to eat after youve either refrigerated it or defrosted it out of the freezer, James says to “trust your nose as an indicator of quality.” If leftovers smell bad, don’t eat them.
Can you Freeze Gravy?
It depends on whether it contains dairy or not. The problem with dairy-based gravies is that they don’t take well to freezing. The dairy, when thawed, has a tendency to separate (this isn’t the case with stock-based gravy; see here). If you have lots of leftover dairy-based gravy and don’t want it to go to waste, your best choice for taste and safety is to 1) Keep it in the fridge. 2) Every 3 days, take it out and bring it back to a boil. 3) Let it cool properly, over a bowl of ice. And 4) stick it back in the fridge. Itll last for a week (or more!) this way.
Bringing the gravy back to a boil kills off bacteria. However, James stresses, how you cool the gravy is very, very important. You want it to cool quickly—hence, the ice bath. The longer the gravy spends out of the fridge, the greater the likelihood of bacteria growth.
Is it safe to eat leftover turkey after 6 days?
How long does leftover Thanksgiving turkey last?
Leftover Thanksgiving turkey that is fully cooked will last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. As for the freezer, the lifespan of your leftover turkey depends on the quality of said freezer. “If you have a really good freezer that maintains a temp of 0°F or below, it’s indefinite,” James says.
How long can a cooked Thanksgiving turkey stay in the fridge?
A leftover cooked Thanksgiving turkey will keep for three to four days in the fridge and two to three months in the freezer. Before freezing, it’s best to carve the turkey off the bone to allow it to freeze and defrost more evenly. (You can freeze the carcass separately if you want to make turkey stock .)
How long does a cooked turkey last?
But the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers more specific tips about how long Thanksgiving foods will last: You should eat your cooked leftover turkey within four days of storing it in the fridge, preferably cut into small pieces and stored in air-tight glass containers.
How long can you eat a cooked turkey?
You should eat your cooked leftover turkey within four days of storing it in the fridge, preferably cut into small pieces and stored in air-tight glass containers. If you choose to freeze your turkey, make sure to eat it within four months after putting it in the freezer.