Storing Leftover Turkey Safely: How Long It Lasts and How to Know When It’s Spoiled

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.

For many people, Thanksgiving just wouldn’t be complete without turkey and all the fixings. Though you may plan on gorging during the main event, chances are you’ll still have plenty of leftovers. Properly storing turkey is key for food safety and maximizing shelf life. Follow these guidelines on refrigerating and freezing turkey to enjoy delicious leftovers safely.

How Long Does Cooked Turkey Last in the Fridge?

According to the USDA, cooked turkey will keep for 3 to 4 days when properly stored in the refrigerator The limit is lower at just 2 hours if the turkey is left out at room temperature It’s essential to carve the turkey and refrigerate the meat in shallow containers within this 2 hour window.

Once refrigerated, leftover sliced turkey maintains optimal quality for 3 to 4 days If keeping the whole carved bird, it should be consumed within 1 to 2 days. Cooked turkey can be identified as spoiled if you notice an off smell, sliminess, or mold growth Discard any turkey that exhibits these signs of spoilage.

Follow the recommended storage times regardless of whether you roasted, smoked, or deep fried your turkey. The same rules apply. Also be aware that freezing is always an option if you won’t finish leftovers within 3 to 4 days.

Pro Tips for Refrigerating Leftover Turkey

Here are some best practices for storing leftover turkey in the fridge:

Let turkey cool at room temperature for no more than 2 hours before refrigerating. This allows heat to dissipate evenly for safe cooling.
Store turkey in shallow containers to allow quick, even chilling. Refrigerate right away in an appliance thermometer reads 40°F or below.
Completely cover and seal containers with tight fitting lids. Use aluminum foil or plastic wrap for extra protection.
Use leftovers within 3 to 4 days for best quality. Discard any turkey that smells bad or feels slimy.
Avoid overcrowding the refrigerator, which can hinder circulation of cool air.
Refrigerate cooked stuffing and gravy separately from turkey. These sides also last 3 to 4 days.

Following proper protocols for cooling, storing and using turkey leftovers within recommended time limits will keep them fresh and minimize safety risks.

Can You Freeze Leftover Turkey?

Freezing is a great option for preserving cooked turkey longer term. According to the USDA, frozen turkey maintains top quality for 2 to 6 months. For longer storage up to a year, some degradation of texture and flavor will occur. But frozen turkey remains safe indefinitely, provided temperature is consistently 0°F or below.

Ideally, freeze any turkey leftovers you won’t use within 3 to 4 days. Portion turkey into usable quantities before freezing. Flat packages freeze quicker than large blocks. You can even freeze turkey pieces in marinade for instant flavor when thawed.

For thawing, keep frozen turkey in the refrigerator overnight. Microwave defrosting is quick but can cause uneven cooking. Never thaw turkey at room temperature, which allows bacteria to multiply rapidly.

Signs Your Frozen Turkey Has Gone Bad

During prolonged freezing, leftover turkey can suffer freezer burn or oxidation that affects taste and texture. But it remains safe to eat from a food safety standpoint. Here are some signs your frozen turkey is well past its prime:

Dry, coarse texture – Moisture loss is irreversible. Turkey may still be edible but unappetizing.
Off odors – Rancid oils indicate flavor deterioration. This gets worse with longer freezing.
Ice crystals or frost – Results from exposure to air due to damaged packaging. Turkey is still OK to eat.
Grayish, dull color – Freezer environment causes oxidation over time. Turkey is still safe but quality reduced.
Mold growth – Inedible if mold is visible. Discard turkey immediately in this case.

For best quality, use frozen turkey leftovers within 2 to 6 months. Store in airtight packaging at 0°F or below. Discard any turkey that smells or looks questionable.

Safe Handling of Leftover Turkey

Proper handling of leftover turkey is also crucial for avoiding illness. Follow these food safety guidelines:

Defrost frozen turkey in the refrigerator, not on the counter or in warm water. Bacteria multiply rapidly at room temperature.
Cook thawed turkey thoroughly until steaming hot, at least 165°F. Check the internal temperature with a food thermometer.
Never leave cooked turkey or dishes containing turkey out for more than 2 hours. Toss food left out longer.
When reheating turkey, heat thoroughly to 165°F. Bring sauces and gravy to a full boil.
Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and utensils for raw and cooked turkey. Never place cooked turkey back on a plate that previously held raw turkey.
Refrigerate any turkey mixed into soups, casseroles or other dishes within 2 hours. Use leftover mixtures within 3 to 4 days.

Being diligent with food safety practices reduces your risk of foodborne illness from leftover turkey. If unsure about the safety of older leftovers, remember the golden rule – when in doubt, throw it out.

Creative Ways to Use Up Leftover Turkey

With proper refrigeration and freezing, you can enjoy delicious leftover turkey for days or even weeks after Thanksgiving. Get creative with these tasty turkey recipes:

Turkey sandwiches – Sliced turkey, cheese, lettuce, and mayo on bread, bagels, rolls or croissants. Add cranberry sauce or gravy for extra flavor.
Turkey salad – Dice turkey and mix with mayo, celery, onion, spices, and other desired ingredients. Eat in a sandwich or on a salad.
Turkey casserole – Combine chopped turkey with vegetables, rice or pasta, cheese, and cream soup. Top with bread crumbs or stuffing and bake.
Turkey soup – Simmer turkey pieces in chicken or vegetable broth with onions, carrots, celery, noodles and seasonings.
Turkey tetrazzini – Turkey and spaghetti tossed in a creamy Parmesan cheese sauce and baked with a bread crumb topping.
Turkey enchiladas – Wrap tortillas around turkey and cheese, then smother with enchilada sauce and additional cheese.
Turkey hash – Sauté diced turkey with potatoes, onions, vegetables and seasonings. Top with a fried egg for breakfast.

With endless options for leftovers, you can continue enjoying delicious turkey creations long after the big Thanksgiving meal. Just be sure to follow proper storage guidelines so your turkey stays fresh and safe to eat.

Turkey Storage Time Chart

Use this handy chart as a quick reference for how long leftover turkey lasts refrigerated and frozen:

The Takeaway – Enjoy Leftovers Safely

Leftover turkey can be transformed into all sorts of delicious dishes for days after Thanksgiving. Follow the storage timelines and food safety tips outlined here to fully enjoy turkey leftovers without risk of illness. Refrigerate promptly after carving, freeze for longer storage, and handle turkey safely when reheating. With proper care, you can continue gobbling tasty turkey creations long after the big feast.

how long does turkey last

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.

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.

How long can a turkey stay frozen?

FAQ

Is turkey good after 7 days?

Mar 22, 2023 USDA recommends using cooked turkey within 3 to 4 days, kept refrigerated (40°F or less). Refrigeration slows but does not stop bacterial growth. Turkey can be frozen for 3 to 4 months.

How to tell if cooked turkey is bad?

“Consumers can tell leftover turkey has spoiled by using their senses,” says Snyder. “Refrigerated turkey leftovers that have spoiled may be slimy or have a bad smell.” If the turkey has been stored in the freezer, you will be able to tell if it is no longer safe to eat if it is discolored, tough, or dry.

How long do fresh turkeys last in the fridge?

If properly stored, raw turkey can last in the fridge for 1–2 days, while cold cuts last up to 5 days. How long does cooked turkey last in the fridge? If you have leftovers that include cooked turkey, you can expect those to last in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.

Can you eat turkey after 10 days?

Eat turkey within three to four days of cooking. If you use the turkey in a new dish like a soup or casserole, only consume within those initial four days. Another option is freezing the cooked turkey. Turkey can last up to four more months if frozen.

How long does a cooked turkey last in the fridge?

When stored in the refrigerator, turkey does not last as long. Snyder points to the USDA FoodKeeper app for best guidance: The tool notes that refrigerated, cooked turkey should be eaten within 4 days. Eat frozen turkey leftovers within 6 months for premier quality.

What are the health benefits of ground turkey?

Ground turkey has multiple benefits. It is a good source of minerals, and B vitamins, rich in proteins, low in fat and it is lower in calories than common turkey.

How long can you keep leftover Turkey?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that your leftover turkey should be sliced or divided into small quantities and stored within 2 hours. This allows for the leftovers to cool quickly and evenly in the refrigerator and freezer. Be aware of any signs that your turkey is past its prime.

How much Turkey is wasted a year?

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.