Is it really Thanksgiving if you don’t wind up with leftovers? For many of us, that too much is just enough, because the actual best parts of the holiday are the meals that follow the original turkey feast. I’ll be honest and admit that I look forward to my Thanksgiving leftovers sandwich more than the holiday meal itself. But perhaps you’ve faced the remnants of that gorgeous, golden turkey centerpiece and debated the best way to store it, keeping safety (and flavor!) in mind. How long can you actually keep turkey in the fridge? Should some of the meat be frozen right away?
While you’re clearing the table and beginning to wash dishes, thinking about what you’re going to do with all that leftover turkey, here’s what you need to know.
That Thanksgiving turkey was the star of the show last week, but now it’s time for the leftovers to shine. With turkey sandwiches, casseroles and soups to look forward to, Thanksgiving leftovers are often the best part of the holiday But to safely enjoy your leftover turkey for days or even weeks after the big feast, proper storage is key
Read on for a comprehensive guide to maximizing your turkey leftovers, from fridge and freezer timelines to reheating methods and tasty recipe ideas With these turkey storage tips, you can safely savor every morsel of your holiday bird
How Long Does Leftover Turkey Last in the Fridge?
According to the USDA, cooked turkey will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. To maximize this fridge lifespan:
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Store turkey in shallow airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. This prevents bacteria growth.
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Keep the refrigerator at 40°F or below. Cold temperatures slow spoilage.
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Leave turkey in large pieces or slices rather than shredded. Less surface area exposed to air extends shelf life.
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Use your nose and eyes. Discard any turkey that smells bad or has a slimy texture or sheen.
With proper refrigeration, you can safely enjoy leftover turkey for several days after Thanksgiving.
Storing Turkey in the Freezer
For longer term storage, the freezer is the way to go. Safely frozen, turkey will keep for 3 to 4 months. For best quality, follow these tips:
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Let turkey cool completely before freezing to prevent freezer burn.
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Portion turkey into smaller containers or bags. This makes thawing easier.
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Use freezer-safe wrap to protect turkey from air exposure and prevent freezer burn.
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Label bags or containers with contents and freeze date. This removes guesswork later.
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Freeze within 2 days of refrigerating for longest shelf life.
With minimal freezer burn, frozen turkey stays appetizing for several months post-holiday.
Reheating Leftover Turkey Safely
Thoroughly reheat all leftovers to 165°F before eating to eliminate any potential bacteria. Safe reheating methods include:
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Oven: Heat turkey uncovered at 325°F until warmed through. Moisture prevents drying out.
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Stovetop: Heat turkey in broth, gravy or sauce over medium-low, stirring frequently.
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Microwave: Heat turkey pieces immediately covered to hold in moisture. Check for hot spots.
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Slow cooker: Cover turkey with broth or sauce and cook on low 2-3 hours until heated through.
Bring all leftovers to piping hot 165°F. Throw out anything sitting at room temperature over 2 hours.
Creative Ways to Use Up Leftover Turkey
With endless options, turkey leftovers brighten meals for days. Some favorite ways to use up leftovers include:
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Hearty sandwiches piled high with sliced turkey, cranberry sauce and stuffing.
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Turkey tetrazzini or pot pie with turkey, vegetables and sauce baked in a casserole.
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Tacos, enchiladas or empanadas stuffed with spiced turkey for a fun twist.
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Turkey salad sandwiches or wraps made with mayo, celery, nuts and other add-ins.
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Turkey noodle or wild rice soup packed with veggies and herbs.
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Turkey hash combining diced turkey with potatoes and onions.
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Turkey shepherd’s pie or casserole with mashed potato topping.
With a little creativity in the kitchen, leftover turkey makes for quick, delicious meals. Those leftovers were meant to be savored beyond just a sandwich or two!
FAQs About Turkey Leftovers
Get answers to common questions about enjoying turkey after the holidays:
How long can cooked turkey stay in the fridge?
Cooked turkey lasts 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. After this time, the risk of bacteria and spoilage rises.
Can you freeze leftover turkey?
Yes, turkey can be frozen for long-term storage. It will keep for 3 to 4 months in the freezer before losing quality.
What’s the best way to reheat turkey?
Slowly reheat turkey to 165°F using the oven, stovetop, microwave or slow cooker. This kills any bacteria for safe consumption.
How can you tell if leftover turkey has gone bad?
Discard turkey that smells unpleasant, feels slimy or looks dull or discolored. Use your senses – when in doubt, throw it out.
What are some ideas for using up turkey leftovers?
Get creative with turkey tetrazzini, soup, pot pie, salad, sandwiches, casseroles, stuffed pasta shells or burritos, hash and more.
Turkey Safety From Thaw to Table
For optimum safety and quality, follow proper turkey handling from the start:
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Thaw turkey in the refrigerator 1 day for every 4-5 lbs turkey. Keep 40°F or below.
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Don’t rinse raw turkey, which can spread bacteria. Instead, pat dry and season.
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Use an accurate meat thermometer. Turkey is safe at 165°F and juicy at 175°F.
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Let turkey rest 20 minutes before carving to allow juices to set.
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Refrigerate all leftovers within 2 hours and reheat thoroughly to 165°F before eating.
Proper thawing, cooking, cooling and reheating keeps turkey appetizing and prevents foodborne illness.
Enjoy Leftovers Beyond the Holidays
A Thanksgiving turkey can provide meals for several weeks when stored correctly in the fridge or freezer. Get the most from your holiday bird with these storage, handling and serving tips. Savor turkey leftovers into December and New Year’s while celebrating the most wonderful time of the year.
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How long does turkey last in the fridge?
With your leftovers sitting in front of you, the first step in smart turkey storage is to think about what you’re going to do with them. Do you have a leftover turkey recipe that you’re already planning to try for Friday dinner? Or would you like to keep that delicious turkey in reserve for sometime down the road? Even though you may be exhausted from a day or two of cooking, entertaining and feasting, it’s still best to deal with your turkey in one way or another as soon as possible.
From a food safety perspective, it’s important to minimize the time your turkey spends in the “Danger Zone,” or between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The USDA notes that food has a limit of two hours at room temperature before bacteria growth becomes an issue.
Asking the experts how long cooked turkey keeps in the fridge yields a range of answers. LG’s resident culinary expert Brian Karam recommends capping it at one to two days, but also suggests that “time can be maximized by keeping larger pieces whole and not making them smaller before refrigerating, [as] smaller pieces are more susceptible to air exposure and could hasten spoilage in refrigerator.” Aly Forster of Diestel Family Ranch says “you will want to consume within three to four days.” The USDA’s guidelines state that “Thanksgiving leftovers are safe to eat up to four days in the refrigerator.” At the furthest end of the spectrum, Patrick L. Guzzle, vice president of food science at the National Restaurant Association says that “seven days is the maximum time recommended for cooked foods to be stored in the refrigerator.”
The wide variation in answers largely comes down to the difference between food safety and food quality. Guzzle points out that “Food safety is primarily concerned with harmful microbiological organisms, [and] may veer from what an average consumer might consider for quality (i.e., taste, texture, aroma, etc.)” Fortunately, Forster adds, “We like to say ‘poultry isn’t shy’—one whiff easily lets you know if that meat is still wholesome!” Ultimately, when using leftovers, Forster concludes, you’ll need to use your best judgment to determine how long you feel comfortable within this range. Be sure, she notes, to “inspect the turkey for any signs of spoilage.” Or as I like to say, “When in doubt, throw it out.”
If you’ve only got enough turkey left for a few sandwiches and a batch of turkey jook, keeping your leftover meat in the fridge will be enough. But if you have enough for a couple more full feasts, then you’ll want to think about freezing that turkey for the future.
We’ve still got half a bird!
You’re not alone. Whether you’re buying a frozen Butterball turkey, a heritage bird from your local butcher shop, or a smaller turkey breast, leftovers are almost a given. According to a 2011 USDA study, around 35% of turkey is wasted each year, so understanding how to best store your leftovers goes a long way to reducing the amount of turkey that ends up in landfills and compost heaps. That statistic feels even larger when you learn that the National Turkey Federation reports that 88% of Americans eat turkey on Thanksgiving, and Butterball’s senior brand manager Chad McFadden notes that 79% of consumers surveyed for a 2023 report planned to buy a whole bird. McFadden also says that the most popular Thanksgiving turkey option weighs between 16 and 20 pounds, and the average guest count for the holiday is nine people, with a suggested estimate of 1 to 1.5 pounds of turkey per person. After we do some quick turkey math, this suggests that, generally, households have somewhere between 2.5 and 11 pounds of turkey and turkey bones left after the Thursday Thanksgiving feast. That’s a lot of sandwiches.