The holidays just ended and you have leftover turkey drippings from your delicious holiday meal But now you’re wondering – how long do turkey drippings last in the fridge? Can you save them to make gravy or other dishes later on?
Don’t worry, you can definitely keep turkey drippings in the fridge for later use! Here’s what you need to know about storing turkey drippings properly and how long they will last.
What Are Turkey Drippings?
Turkey drippings are the delicious pan juices left behind after roasting a turkey. As the turkey cooks, the natural juices and fat get released into the bottom of the pan. This creates an incredibly flavorful liquid that is full of taste from the turkey.
The drippings pick up brown bits and flavors from the bottom of the pan as well. All of this combines to make an excellent base for gravies sauces soups, dressings, and more. You can also use turkey drippings to enhance the flavor of stuffing, mashed potatoes, rice, vegetables – the possibilities are endless!
How to Save Turkey Drippings
After removing your cooked turkey from the roasting pan, be sure to pour the drippings through a mesh strainer to remove any bits and pieces. You just want the clear liquid fat and juices.
Next, transfer the strained drippings into an airtight container. Glass jars or storage containers work well. You want something with a tight fitting lid that will prevent leaks or spills in the fridge.
Make sure to allow the drippings to cool completely before storing. Hot drippings can melt plastic containers. Pouring drippings into a metal roasting pan to cool allows the fat to separate and solidify for easier removal later on.
Shelf Life of Turkey Drippings in the Fridge
Properly stored turkey drippings will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator. The high fat content helps prevent bacteria growth and prolongs their shelf life.
Here are some tips for maximizing how long turkey drippings last:
- Store drippings in a clean, airtight container, leaving no headspace at the top.
- Refrigerate immediately after straining – do not leave drippings out at room temperature.
- Remove the solidified fat layer on top before using for an even longer shelf life. The fat tends to go rancid quicker than the juices.
- Use a clean spoon each time when scooping drippings to prevent cross contamination. Never put a used spoon back into the container.
- Drippings may separate into layers in the fridge. Stir before use.
Always rely on your senses to determine if drippings have spoiled. They may last 5-7 days if stored properly. Discard drippings that smell or look bad – when in doubt, throw it out.
Ideas for Using Leftover Turkey Drippings
Turkey drippings add incredible flavor to a wide variety of dishes. Here are some delicious ways to use up leftover drippings:
Make Gravy
This is the most obvious use for turkey drippings! An easy way is to heat 2 tablespoons butter in a saucepan until melted. Whisk in 3-4 tablespoons of flour until a paste forms. Slowly whisk in 1-2 cups of drippings, scraping up any brown bits in the pan. Season with salt, pepper, poultry seasoning. Simmer until thickened.
Enhance Mashed Potatoes
For extra rich and flavorful potatoes, use turkey drippings instead of milk when making mashed potatoes. Use about 1/4 cup drippings per pound of potatoes.
Make Dressing or Stuffing
Moisten your favorite bread stuffing recipe with turkey drippings instead of broth or butter for maximum flavor. Use about 1/2 cup drippings per 8 cups of dried bread cubes.
Make Soup
Add a few spoonfuls of drippings to chicken or turkey soup recipes. It adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
Sauté Vegetables
Saute vegetables like green beans, Brussels sprouts, carrots, etc in a tablespoon or two of drippings. The turkey flavor takes them to the next level.
Roast Potatoes
Toss potato wedges or pieces with a bit of drippings before roasting for a delicious flavor.
Make Turkey Hash
Sauté leftover turkey pieces, vegetables, and seasonings in a couple tablespoons of drippings to make a fast turkey hash.
Flavor Rice
Stir a spoonful of drippings into the cooking liquid when making rice. It adds wonderful savoriness.
The Bottom Line
Properly stored in an airtight container in the fridge, turkey drippings will keep for 3-5 days after cooking. You can freeze them for even longer storage. Use your senses to check for spoiled drippings before using.
With so many possibilities for using drippings, from gravy to sauces, there’s no reason to waste these flavorful pan juices. Use them to add richness, moisture, and that unmistakable turkey taste to a variety of dishes. Enjoy your leftover turkey drippings and make the most of them before they go bad!
How to Store and Reheat Homemade Turkey Gravy
This gravy is so good we wouldn’t be surprised if it disappears in one meal. But if you do end up with leftovers, follow these tips for proper food storage. Put your turkey gravy in the fridge to keep it fresh, or put it in the freezer to keep it for longer.
In the Fridge: After enjoying, allow the gravy to cool slightly before refrigerating any leftovers. You can store in a sealed jar or container to maintain freshness. These delicious gravy drippings can be safely kept in the refrigerator for about 2 days.
Do you want to save some homemade turkey gravy for the next family meal or holiday get-together? Put it in a container that can be sealed well or a plastic bag that can be sealed again and freeze it for up to 4 months.
It can be hard to heat up gravy in the microwave without making it too thick or overcooked, so we suggest heating up your turkey gravy over low heat on the stove instead. Stir it often, and remove it from the heat as soon as the gravy comes to a simmer.
If you added any milk or cream to your homemade turkey gravy, it’s likely to separate when reheated. Instead of tossing your leftovers, make them into your next meal. Other recipes might call for jars of gravy or gravy mix, but you could use leftover turkey gravy instead.
Can You Make Gravy from Drippings Ahead of Time?
We prefer making fresh turkey gravy on the day of the big feast. But if you’re prepping dishes ahead of time, you can make your gravy whenever you roast your meat. Save those drippings, follow this turkey gravy recipe, and then see our storage and reheating tips below.
This turkey gravy can be kept in the fridge for two days or frozen for up to four months. Keep turkey gravy safe by following the storage and food safety instructions. Then you’ll always have a versatile sauce on hand to pour over roasted meats and savory sides!
How to Make Gravy From Turkey Drippings | Turkey Tech Tips
FAQ
How long can I keep turkey drippings in the fridge?
How long are drippings good in the fridge?
How long will turkey fat last in the fridge?
How long can homemade turkey broth last in the fridge?
How long can you keep a Turkey in the fridge?
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.
How long does frozen turkey last?
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.
How long can you keep Turkey stock in the fridge?
Let the stock cool completely before placing it in airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. Use kitchen shears to snip the turkey carcass into manageable pieces. This way, all of the turkey bones will fit in the pot and can be submerged in the water during simmering.
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.
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.
How long can you leave a cooked turkey out?
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.