Can I Leave Cooked Turkey Out Overnight? A Food Safety Guide

The holidays often mean leftovers galore. And with a huge cooked turkey taking up precious fridge space you may be wondering if you can leave it out on the counter overnight. I’m going to walk you through whether or not this is safe how long turkey can be left out, and the best way to store those leftovers.

Why You Shouldn’t Leave Turkey Out Overnight

Cooked turkey is highly perishable and leaving it out overnight puts it squarely in the “danger zone” of 40-140°F This is the temperature range where bacteria multiply rapidly

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), cooked turkey should not be left out of refrigeration for more than 2 hours. If the temperature is above 90°F, the USDA says turkey should be refrigerated within just 1 hour.

This is because pathogenic bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli can quickly multiply on perishable foods left in the danger zone. And since you can’t see, taste or smell dangerous bacteria, there’s simply no way to tell if leftovers have become unsafe to eat.

So while you may be tempted to leave that cooked bird out to make extra fridge space, it’s simply not worth the risk.

How Long Can Cooked Turkey Be Left At Room Temperature?

At room temperature below 90°F: No more than 2 hours
At air temperatures above 90°F: No more than 1 hour
In a cooler with ice packs: Up to 2 hours

Once turkey has been left out past these time limits, it must be thrown out. The USDA says turkey should never be left out of refrigeration long enough to get warm, and should be discarded if left out more than 2 hours.

I recommend refrigerating leftovers within 30 minutes, just to be safe. Never taste test turkey that’s been left out – when in doubt, throw it out.

Proper Storage for Cooked Turkey

To safely store leftovers and prevent foodborne illness, follow these guidelines:

Remove all turkey from the bones and refrigerate in shallow containers no more than 2 inches deep. This allows turkey to cool quickly.
Cover loosely at first to allow heat to escape, then seal tightly once cooled.
Refrigerate within 2 hours (or 1 hour above 90°F).
Use refrigerated leftovers within 3-4 days. If reheating, use within 3-4 months.
Freeze extras right away in an airtight container for 4-6 months.

Always label leftovers with the date and contents. Never taste or eat leftovers that have developed an off odor, flavor or appearance.

Thawing and Reheating Leftover Turkey

To safely thaw frozen turkey:

In the refrigerator below 40°F
In cold water, changing water every 30 minutes
In the microwave

NEVER thaw turkey on the counter, which allows bacteria to multiply.

To reheat, turkey should be heated to an internal temperature of 165°F. Bring gravy to a rolling boil before serving.

Reheating will extend the shelf life of refrigerated turkey to 3-4 months. But leftovers should only be reheated once – do not refrigerate again.

Bottom Line

can i leave cooked turkey out overnight

Can a cooked turkey be left out overnight?

FAQ

Can you eat cooked turkey that was left out overnight?

Havern explains: “The maximum amount of time perishable foods can [spend] in the danger zone is two hours. At two hours, the food must be consumed, stored correctly, or thrown away. This includes all cooked leftovers, [chopped] fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products.”

How long can you leave a turkey out after cooked?

Throw away turkey, stuffing, and gravy left out at room temperature longer than 2 hours (1 hour in temperatures above 90 °F). Divide leftovers into small portions. Refrigerate or freeze in covered shallow containers for quicker cooling. Use refrigerated turkey and stuffing within 3 to 4 days.

Can I leave cooked turkey in the oven overnight?

After the turkey has reached an internal temperature of 165 °F, as measured with a food thermometer, you can keep it warm covered with foil in an oven. However, holding a properly cooked turkey at a safe internal temperature 140 °F or above for more than a couple of hours will dry it out and ruin the quality.

How long can sliced turkey sit out overnight?

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends the “2-Hour Rule” for any perishables left out at room temperature. If the food is left out in temperatures of 90°F or higher, then only one hour. After this time, the food becomes unsafe to eat, and you risk food poisoning.

Can you leave Turkey out overnight?

Turkey is a perishable food and should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours. Leaving turkey out overnight can increase the risk of foodborne illness. Refrigerate turkey in a covered container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Turkey can also be frozen for up to two months. Can I Leave Turkey Out Overnight?

How long can you leave cooked turkey out at room temperature?

Answer: You can safely leave cooked turkey out at room temperature for two hours — or one hour if the temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit — says the United States Department of Agriculture. Cooked turkey that has been left out for longer than 2 hours (or 1 hour above 90° F) should be discarded.

Can You Refrigerate a cooked turkey?

Cooked turkey that has been left out for longer than 2 hours (or 1 hour above 90° F) should be discarded. The reason is that bacteria grow rapidly when cooked turkey is kept at temperatures between 40° F and 140° F. To prevent foodborne illness, try to refrigerate the cooked turkey as soon as you can.

What happens if Turkey is left out at room temperature?

When turkey is left out at room temperature, it will start to spoil. The meat will become slimy and discolored, and it will develop an unpleasant odor. Spoiled turkey is not safe to eat, and it can cause food poisoning. Drying out of the meat. When turkey is left out at room temperature, it will lose moisture and become dry.