A steaming bowl of hearty turkey soup made from Thanksgiving or Christmas leftovers is one of winter’s greatest comfort foods. The savory broth flavored with turkey meat and veggies truly warms the body and soul. But to enjoy this soup safely, it’s crucial to store the leftovers properly. So how long does turkey soup last in the fridge before it goes bad? Let’s find out.
The Shelf Life of Turkey Soup in the Fridge
According to food safety experts, homemade turkey soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. The cold temperature keeps microbial growth in check, allowing the soup to stay fresh for this duration.
It’s important to cool the soup within 2 hours after cooking and transfer to the fridge right away. Leaving it out for longer allows bacteria to rapidly multiply to dangerous levels that can cause food poisoning. Refrigeration interrupts this rapid growth.
What Happens After 4 Days?
While the fridge preserves turkey soup for 3-4 days, beyond that time frame, the risk of spoilage increases
By the 5th or 6th day, the soup may start developing an off smell or funny taste caused by bacteria breaking down nutrients. Mold growth and sliminess are visual signs the soup has spoiled.
At this point, err on the side of caution and discard the leftover turkey soup even if it looks okay. Eating spoiled soup can cause stomach upsets or food poisoning. Don’t take the risk if the soup is older than 4 days.
Freezing for Long-Term Storage
For enjoying turkey soup over an extended period, freezing is the best method. Frozen properly, turkey soup can last 2 to 3 months in the freezer without compromising on taste or nutrition.
To freeze – first cool the soup rapidly within 2 hours of cooking. Transfer into airtight containers leaving 1 inch headspace to allow for expansion. Seal and label with the date.
Place in the freezer set to 0°F or below. Use the soup within 2-3 months for best quality and food safety.
Thaw the frozen soup in the fridge before reheating on the stovetop or microwave. Avoid refreezing thawed soup more than once.
Food Safety Tips for Leftover Turkey Soup
Follow these simple food safety guidelines when storing and handling turkey soup:
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Cool soup quickly in shallow containers before refrigerating. Do not leave thick soup in a large pot to cool slowly at room temperature.
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Discard any soup that has been left out for over 2 hours or shows any signs of spoilage. Don’t taste test questionable soup.
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When reheating soup, bring it to a full rolling boil on the stovetop. This kills any bacteria that may have proliferated during storage.
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Do not mix fresh turkey meat or other ingredients into stored turkey soup. Only reheat the amount needed per serving.
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Avoid adding extra water or milk to thin out the soup when reheating. This can introduce new bacteria.
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Don’t leave turkey soup to thaw on the counter. Thaw frozen soup overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Following these fridge and freezer storage guidelines will help you safely enjoy every spoon of delicious turkey soup before it goes bad. With proper handling, you can savour this nutritious, hearty soup for 3-4 days after cooking, or freeze it for up to 2-3 months.
So go ahead – prepare a big batch of turkey soup after the holidays and stock up your fridge and freezer. Just be sure to label containers and use it within the recommended time frame. This way your whole family can continue enjoying the soup without worrying about foodborne illnesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you tell if turkey soup has gone bad?
Check for off smells, change in appearance, sliminess, or mold growth. Discard immediately if turkey soup tastes or smells funky.
Can you freeze turkey soup in individual portions?
Yes, freezing turkey soup in individual containers is a great way to enjoy freshly thawed single servings later.
Is it safe to add cooked turkey to refrigerator leftover soup?
Only add fully cooked turkey within the recommended fridge storage time of 3-4 days. Do not add raw or just-cooked turkey.
Can you keep the veggies in the soup when refrigerating?
Yes, vegetables can be left in the turkey soup as long as it is cooled quickly before refrigerating.
Can you eat turkey soup that was left out overnight?
Absolutely not. Turkey soup left at room temperature for over 2 hours may contain dangerous bacteria and should be thrown out.
How many times can you reheat turkey soup?
It’s best to reheat turkey soup only once for food safety. Reheating multiple times allows bacteria to regrow to unsafe levels.
With some basic care and common sense, it’s easy to safely enjoy every last spoon of tasty turkey soup before it expires. Follow these fridge and freezer storage tips to maximise the shelf life of your homemade soup.
