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.
The Thanksgiving feast leaves us with bountiful leftovers. But how long can you safely enjoy turkey, stuffing, and all those delicious sides? Understanding proper storage is key to savoring your holiday meals while avoiding foodborne illness.
Follow these turkey day leftover guidelines so you can indulge in those remnants guilt-free
Storing & Freezing Leftovers
The first step is promptly storing leftovers after the meal. The USDA recommends refrigerating within 2 hours Divide contents into shallow containers allowing for quick cooling.
You have 3-4 days to safely consume refrigerated leftovers. Freezing leftovers, wrapped tightly in freezer bags or airtight containers, preserves quality for 2-6 months.
Always label storage containers with the leftovers’ name and date. Track when items were prepared and when they should be eaten or frozen. Apps like FoodKeeper provide reminders for using leftovers on time.
Reheating & Food Safety
When enjoying leftovers, proper reheating is critical to kill any bacteria that could grow during storage.
For soups, gravies and sauces, bring to a rolling boil on the stovetop.
Casseroles, vegetables, and sliced meats should be heated thoroughly until steaming hot, at least 165°F internally.
Microwave leftovers with a bit of liquid in covered, microwave-safe dishes. Allow resting time then check temperature.
Bring frozen leftovers to 165°F, allowing extra time without thawing first. Stir foods frequently for even reheating.
How Long Does Each Leftover Last?
Here is a handy guide on maximizing days of enjoyment for common Thanksgiving leftovers:
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Turkey: 3-4 days refrigerated, 4 months frozen
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Stuffing: 3-4 days refrigerated, 1 month frozen
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Mashed potatoes: 3-4 days refrigerated, 1 month frozen
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Gravy: 3-4 days refrigerated, 2-3 months frozen
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Cranberry sauce: 10-14 days refrigerated, 1 year frozen
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Veggie sides: 3-4 days refrigerated, 6-12 months frozen
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Desserts with dairy: 3-4 days refrigerated, 2 months frozen
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Baked goods: 1 week refrigerated, 3 months frozen
Identifying Spoiled Leftovers
Be alert for signs of spoilage before eating leftovers past their prime:
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Mold growth
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Unpleasant odors
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Different texture from when fresh
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Sliminess
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Discoloration
When in doubt, throw it out. Don’t risk eating spoiled leftovers. Stick to the recommended 3-4 day limit for refrigerated remnants to avoid foodborne illness.
Creative Ways to Use Leftovers
Bored with the same old leftovers? Try these fun ways to creatively repurpose extras beyond sandwiches and plain reheating:
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Turkey pot pie
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Stuffing waffles or muffins
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Cranberry sauce smoothie
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Turkey noodle soup
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Mashed potato pancakes
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Leftover taco bar
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Pumpkin pie parfait
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Turkey tetrazzini
With a little creativity, you can innovatively stretch Thanksgiving leftovers for almost a week. But always adhere to proper storage, freezing, and reheating guidelines to ensure food safety.
Turkey Safety FAQs
Here are answers to some common questions about enjoying turkey leftovers safely:
How should I thaw a frozen turkey?
Thaw frozen turkeys safely in the refrigerator 1-2 days per 4-5 pounds. Cook immediately after thawing ends.
Can I reheat turkey in the slow cooker?
Yes, place thawed leftover turkey pieces in a slow cooker with broth and spices. Cook on low for 3-4 hours until steaming hot.
How do I know if leftover turkey is spoiled?
Discard turkey if it has an off smell, texture change, or slimy appearance. When unsure, throw it out.
Can I freeze leftover gravy or stuffing?
Yes, you can freeze any leftovers for long-term storage. Portion in freezer bags or airtight containers.
Should I let leftovers cool before refrigerating?
No, refrigerate hot leftovers immediately. Don’t wait for cooling as bacteria multiply rapidly at room temperature.
The Takeaway
When stored properly in the fridge or freezer, Thanksgiving leftovers can be enjoyed safely for up to a week. Be diligent about refrigerating promptly, tracking storage times, and reheating thoroughly before eating. With proper handling, you’ll be able to savor those holiday flavors for days without the risk of foodborne illness.
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.