The holidays are a time for enjoying delicious foods with family and friends After the big meal, you’ll likely have leftovers to savor for days to come But how long can you safely eat leftover turkey and sides before you have to throw them out?
When properly stored, most Thanksgiving leftovers can be enjoyed for 3-4 days in the refrigerator or 2-6 months in the freezer. Follow these turkey leftover storage times for optimal freshness and food safety.
Storing Leftover Turkey
The star of the Thanksgiving show, leftover turkey, will last 3-4 days in the fridge and 2-6 months in the freezer Remove all meat from the bones and store in shallow airtight containers For even freezing and thawing, slice breast meat prior to freezing. For added moisture when reheating, stir in a little leftover gravy or turkey broth.
Signs that turkey has spoiled include a slimy texture or foul odor Discard turkey if moldy, even if just on one area Frozen turkey with freezer burn is still safe to eat, but the quality is diminished.
Enjoying Other Leftovers
Here are approximate storage times for other common Thanksgiving favorites:
- Stuffing: 4 days in fridge, 1 month in freezer
- Mashed potatoes: 5 days in fridge, 1 year in freezer
- Green bean casserole: 4 days in fridge
- Cranberry sauce: 2 weeks in fridge, 2 months in freezer
- Gravy: 1-2 days in fridge, 2-3 months in freezer
- Pumpkin pie: 4 days in fridge, 2 months in freezer
- Dinner rolls: 5 days in fridge, 3 months in freezer
Most cooked leftovers maintain good quality for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Casseroles and cooked vegetable sides freeze well for 2-6 months. Store desserts in the refrigerator and eat within 4 days for best texture and flavor.
Divide leftovers into individual or family-sized portions before storing to allow fast chilling. Label containers with contents and dates. Use oldest leftovers first. Don’t forget the turkey carcass can be simmered into bone broth too!
Safely Reheating Leftovers
The safest way to reheat leftovers is just once after initial cooling. Reheat thoroughly until steaming hot, at least 165°F. Bring gravies and sauces to a boil. Microwave, stovetop, and oven heating work well for most dishes.
Thaw frozen leftovers in the refrigerator before reheating. Don’t leave foods at room temperature over 2 hours total. Discard any leftovers that smell sour or have mold growth.
When stored and handled properly, you can safely enjoy Thanksgiving leftovers for several days. With so many creative ways to use turkey and side dishes, you may not have any leftovers to worry about anyway! Proper planning, storage, and reheating will allow you to indulge in holiday flavors long after the big feast is over.
How long do you eat leftover turkey: 2 Wants to Know
FAQ
Can I eat cooked turkey after 5 days?
Is turkey safe to eat after 7 days?
Is it OK to eat turkey that’s been in the fridge for 2 weeks?
How long does turkey breast last in the fridge?
Can you eat frozen turkey leftovers after 6 months?
Eat frozen turkey leftovers within 6 months for premier quality. “Other slower changes to quality, like freezer burn, can eventually render leftovers unacceptable,” Snyder says, noting that this is not an issue of safety when it comes to frozen leftovers.
Can one have turkey and carrots?
Eating turkey and carrots is part of healthy habits. The turkey has meat like chicken and is another healthy poultry option. Carrots are rich in carotenoids, it is a source of vitamin A, fiber, potassium and vitamin B3.
Can you eat leftover Turkey after Thanksgiving?
It’s practically become tradition to feast on leftover turkey for days after the holiday. But how long can you really get away with eating that meat, or those extra mashed potatoes or slices of pumpkin pie, without risking an upset stomach—or worse? What are the best ways to preserve food to keep flavors fresh?
Is leftover Turkey safe to eat?
Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Micah Morton; Prop Stylist: Kathleen Varner “Leftover turkey is safe to eat as long as it’s handled properly (from start to finish) and refrigerated promptly,” Chelsea Edwards, a registered dietitian and the owner of Huntsville Nutrition Collective in Huntsville, Alabama, tells Southern Living .