Turkey drippings are the savory juices that collect at the bottom of the roasting pan when you cook a turkey Full of rich, concentrated turkey flavor, these drippings are liquid gold for making gravy, sauces, soups and more But like all perishable foods, turkey drippings won’t last forever.
So how long do turkey drippings last in the fridge before they go bad? Here’s what you need to know.
Factors That Affect How Long Turkey Drippings Last
Several factors impact how long turkey drippings will last in your fridge:
Storage Temperature
Turkey drippings will last longer when stored at 40°F or below. This is the normal temperature range for most refrigerators. Storing them at the proper cold temperature prevents bacteria growth.
Type of Container
An airtight container is best for storing leftovers like drippings. It prevents air exposure which can cause drippings to spoil faster. Glass and plastic containers with tight-fitting lids work well.
Amount of Drippings
The more turkey drippings you have, the faster they may spoil. Larger amounts take longer to chill in the fridge, allowing more opportunities for bacteria to grow. Smaller amounts chill quicker.
Initial Handling
Proper handling right after roasting is key. Be sure to strain out any large food bits from the drippings. Quickly chill drippings before refrigerating.
How Long Do Turkey Drippings Last in the Fridge?
With proper storage in an airtight container, turkey drippings can safely last:
- Up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator
- Up to 2-3 months in the freezer
For maximum safety and quality, use refrigerated drippings within 4 days. If freezing, use frozen drippings within 3 months. Always discard if you notice any odd colors, smells or textures.
Tips for Storing Turkey Drippings
Follow these tips to safely store turkey drippings in your fridge:
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Let drippings cool slightly after roasting. Skim off most of the solid fat that rises to the top. The fat turns rancid more quickly than the defatted drippings.
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Pour drippings into an airtight glass or plastic container. Mason jars work great.
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Refrigerate drippings right away, within 2 hours of roasting. Don’t leave them out at room temperature.
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Label the container with the date. Use drippings within 3-4 days.
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Freeze drippings if you want to store longer than 4 days. Portion into ice cube trays or small containers before freezing.
How to Use Turkey Drippings
Turkey drippings are incredibly versatile in cooking. Here are some delicious ways to use them:
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Make gravy – Turkey drippings are the secret ingredient to great gravy. Use them as the base by whisking in flour and broth.
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Enhance soups & stews – Add a spoonful of drippings to soups and stews for extra richness and flavor.
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Sauté veggies – Drizzle drippings over sautéed vegetables right before serving.
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Roast potatoes – Toss chopped potatoes with a bit of drippings before roasting for added flavor.
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Make a sauce – Deglaze a pan with drippings after searing meat or fish. Then make a yummy sauce.
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Baste a turkey – Use drippings from one turkey to baste the next turkey you roast.
With proper storage, turkey drippings can last 3-4 days refrigerated or 2-3 months frozen. Handle drippings safely and use them soon to get the most flavor and nutrients out of these delicious turkey juices.
Making Gravy
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1 Thaw the frozen liquid overnight before you make the gravy. Transfer the container of frozen liquid to the refrigerator the night before you plan to make the gravy. This will give it time to thaw.
- Youll need to thaw about 1 cup (240 ml) of the liquid.
Tip: If youre in a hurry or forgot to put it in the fridge, put the frozen liquid into a microwave-safe bowl and use the machines defrost setting to thaw the liquid.
- 2 Heat 1⁄4 cup (59 ml) of fat or butter in a saucepan over medium. If you reserved some of the fat from the drippings, put 1⁄4 cup (59 ml) of it into a saucepan and turn on the burner. The fat should melt after a minute.[9]
- Use unsalted butter if you didnt keep the fat that you scooped off of the liquid from the roasting pan.
- 3 Stir in flour to make a paste. Add 1/4 cup (30 g) of all-purpose flour to the melted fat and stir constantly so the fat absorbs the flour. The paste should be pale in color. Keep stirring and cook the paste for about 2 minutes so it begins to darken a little and bubble gently.[10]
- This paste is called a roux, which is the basis for thickening your turkey gravy.
- 4 Whisk 1 cup (240 ml) of the strained liquid into the saucepan. Keep the burner at medium heat and slowly whisk in the liquid from the turkey. Keep whisking so the paste dissolves in the liquid. You shouldnt see any lumps of the paste.[11]
- If you cant whisk out all of the lumps, you can strain the gravy through a fine mesh strainer.
- 5 Stir in the remaining 1⁄2 cup (120 ml) of broth or water. The gravy should begin to thicken as the roux breaks down in the liquid. Gradually pour in the rest of the broth or water so the gravy thins a little. Turn off the burner and stir the gravy well.[12]
- Remember to season the gravy with salt or pepper according to your taste.
- Use the hot gravy immediately for the best texture or put it in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 2 days.
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How long is leftover turkey good for in the fridge?
FAQ
How long can you keep meat drippings in the fridge?
Can you save turkey drippings?
How long will turkey fat last in the fridge?
How long can homemade turkey broth last in the fridge?
How long does Turkey last in the fridge?
Turkey can last between 1-4 days in the fridge depending on whether it was previously cooked or not. Food that is not properly stored in the fridge can quickly spoil and cause bacteria growth. That’s why it’s important to know how different long types of food will last in the fridge to keep you safe and away from food poisoning.
How long does cooked turkey last after being frozen and thawed?
Cooked turkey that has been thawed in the fridge can be kept for an additional 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator before cooking; turkey that was thawed in the microwave or in cold water should be eaten immediately.
Should cooked turkey be refrigerated?
To maximize the shelf life of cooked turkey, refrigerate cooked poultry in shallow airtight containers or wrap tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
How long does leftover Turkey last in the freezer?
The general consensus is that most food can safely be kept in the freezer indefinitely, but the USDA recommends consuming most frozen foods within two to six months for the best quality, depending on what you’re freezing.