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 families Thanksgiving traditions include leftovers sandwiches and turkey tetrazzini made from the remains of their holiday centerpiece. But concerns about food safety may have you wondering – is leftover turkey still good after a week in the fridge?
Understanding proper storage methods, signs of spoilage, and how to freeze turkey can help you safely enjoy leftovers long after the tryptophan coma wears off. In this article, we’ll explore how long turkey keeps in the refrigerator or freezer and provide tips for maximizing its shelf life.
How Long Does Turkey Last Refrigerated?
According to the USDA, cooked turkey will last 3-4 days stored properly in the refrigerator. Poultry should always be refrigerated within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacteria growth.
Here are some general guidelines for fridge storage time:
- Whole cooked turkey: 3-4 days
- Turkey pieces or carcass: 3-4 days
- Turkey gravy: 1-2 days
- Stuffing: 3-4 days
These timeframes help keep refrigerated turkey at peak quality and safety. Going beyond 4 days increases the risk of spoilage.
Does Reheating Turkey Make It Safe?
While reheating turkey can destroy some bacteria, it will not neutralize toxins produced by microbes as they multiplied. For this reason, the USDA warns against eating turkey refrigerated more than 4 days, even if reheated. Roasting old turkey won’t make it safe.
Leftover turkey developing an off odor, sliminess, or mold should be discarded, not reheated. Always rely on proper storage timelines, not just reheating, to govern food safety.
Signs Turkey Has Spoiled
Our senses provide great clues to detect spoiled turkey:
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Appearance – Mold, dryness, or unappetizing colors like gray or green indicate spoilage.
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Texture – Turkey turns slimy and sticky as bacteria rapidly break it down.
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Smell – Foul, rotten odors mean turkey should be tossed immediately.
When in doubt, remember the old adage “When in doubt, throw it out.” Don’t risk foodborne illness.
Freezing Provides Long-Term Storage
While refrigeration preserves turkey for short term use, freezing extends its shelf life for months. According to the USDA, frozen cooked turkey will maintain quality for 2-6 months.
For longer freezing, follow these guidelines:
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Allow turkey to cool completely before freezing to avoid temperature irregularities.
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Portion turkey into airtight, freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible.
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Label packages with dates and contents. Place newest packages in back.
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Avoid overstuffing freezer to allow proper air circulation.
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Defrost turkey slowly in the refrigerator, never at room temperature.
Proper freezing preserves turkey’s texture and locks in moisture so it seems fresh when thawed. Freeze any uneaten leftovers by day 4 in the fridge.
Making Leftover Turkey Last
Follow these tips to safely maximize leftover turkey’s shelf life:
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Carve turkey off the bone and refrigerate meat promptly in shallow airtight containers.
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Use refrigerated turkey within 3-4 days for maximum freshness and food safety.
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Freeze any uneaten turkey before day 4 to safely preserve for 2-6 months.
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Reheat thoroughly to 165°F. Trust nose and eyes to detect spoilage – don’t taste.
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Refrigerate gravy and stuffing separately and use within 1-4 days.
With proper refrigerator and freezer practices, leftover turkey can provide delicious sandwiches and meals for a week after Thanksgiving. Trust the USDA’s food safety guidance and your instincts to determine if aging turkey is still safe and tasty.
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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.
Can I eat leftover turkey after 7 days?
FAQ
Can you eat 7 day old turkey?
You can safely eat leftover turkey within 3 to 4 days when stored properly in the refrigerator at or below 40°F (4°C). If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 to 6 months. Always make sure to reheat the turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before eating.
Is turkey safe to eat after 7 days?
Refrigerate cold food as soon as you get home (always within 2 hours). Serve your meal within 3 to 4 days. Reheating a Whole Turkey is NOT Recommended. If you plan to reheat a turkey, cut the meat into smaller pieces.
Is it okay if turkey was left in the fridge for a week?
Storing Leftover Turkey
Use refrigerated turkey and stuffing within 3 to 4 days. Use gravy within 1 to 2 days. If freezing, use leftovers within 2 to 6 months for best quality.
How long do Turkey Leftovers last?
Leftovers can last in the fridge for up to a day or two depending on how well they are stored. Turkey leftovers are generally safe to eat, but it is best to store them in a cool and dry place. Are leftovers good after 7 days? There are many opinions on the matter, but one thing is for sure- leftovers are always a good option.
Can you eat leftover Turkey after 6 days?
Many people believe that it is safe to eat leftover turkey after 6 days, as the bird has had time to cook. However, there are some risks associated with eating cooked turkey, so it is important to be careful. How do you know if turkey is going bad? When it comes to food, there are a few things you can do to determine if your turkey is going bad.
How long should a Turkey last after cooking?
The best part of cooking a turkey is all the leftovers! Leftovers should be refrigerated within 2 hours of cooking. Store them tightly wrapped, in your 34-38 degrees F refrigerator. Leftovers should be used up in 3 days. If you’re not sure that you’ll finish your leftovers before then, it’s a good idea to freeze them for later.
How long can a Sliced turkey last?
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.
What can be done with leftover Turkey?
It’s a good idea to freeze some of your leftover turkey since leftover turkey is only good for a limited time. You might get tired of turkey by day four, so save some for later.
Is leftover Turkey as delicious as the original?
Nobody really wants to cook after a long Thanksgiving day in the kitchen, but when done right, leftover turkey can be just as tasty as the original meal. Thanksgiving dinner is a lot of work and it can be tempting to take shortcuts when it comes to cleaning and leftovers.