Leaving cooked turkey out on the counter overnight is a common temptation during the holidays. With the fridge stuffed full of leftovers, many wonder if it’s safe to leave that turkey out until morning. However, this practice can increase the risk of foodborne illness.
Why You Shouldn’t Leave Turkey Out Overnight
Cooked turkey is highly perishable and leaving it out overnight puts it in the “danger zone” between 40-140°F. This temperature range allows bacteria like Salmonella and E coli to rapidly multiply.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), cooked turkey should not be left out of refrigeration for more than 2 hours. If the temperature is above 90°F, the USDA recommends refrigerating turkey within just 1 hour.
You cannot see, taste, or smell dangerous bacteria. So there is no way to tell if turkey has become unsafe after sitting out overnight. It’s better to be safe than sorry and refrigerate those leftovers.
How Long Can Cooked Turkey Sit At Room Temperature?
- At room temperature below 90°F: No more than 2 hours
- At air temperatures above 90°F: No more than 1 hour
- In a cooler with ice packs: Up to 2 hours
Once turkey has been left out past these limits, it must be discarded The USDA warns turkey should never be left out long enough to get warm and should be thrown away if left out over 2 hours
I recommend refrigerating leftovers within 30 minutes to be safe. Do not taste turkey that was left out – when in doubt, throw it out.
Proper Leftover Turkey Storage
To prevent foodborne illness, follow these turkey storage guidelines:
- Remove meat from bones and refrigerate in shallow containers, no more than 2 inches deep. This allows for quicker cooling.
- Cover loosely at first to let heat escape, then seal tightly once cooled.
- Refrigerate within 2 hours (or 1 hour if over 90°F).
- Use refrigerated leftovers within 3-4 days. If reheating, use within 3-4 months.
- Freeze extras right away in airtight containers for 4-6 months.
- Always label leftovers with the date and contents. Do not eat turkey with an off odor, flavor or appearance.
Thawing and Reheating Leftover Turkey
Never thaw turkey on the counter, as bacteria can multiply. Safe thawing methods include:
- In the refrigerator below 40°F
- In cold water, changing water every 30 minutes
- In the microwave
To reheat, turkey should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Bring gravy to a boil before serving. Reheating extends the shelf life of refrigerated turkey to 3-4 months. But leftovers should only be reheated once.
The Bottom Line
Cooked turkey should not be left out at room temperature overnight. The “danger zone” between 40-140°F allows bacteria to multiply quickly.
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours, or 1 hour if the temperature is over 90°F. Discard any turkey left out longer. Follow the USDA’s guidelines for storing, thawing and reheating to prevent foodborne illness from improperly handled turkey.
Can a cooked turkey be left out overnight?
FAQ
Can I leave turkey out overnight after cooking?
Does a cooked turkey need to be refrigerated?
Can I leave a turkey in the oven overnight?
How do you store cooked turkey overnight?
How long can you leave cooked turkey out at room temperature?
Answer: You can safely leave cooked turkey out at room temperature for two hours — or one hour if the temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit — says the United States Department of Agriculture. Cooked turkey that has been left out for longer than 2 hours (or 1 hour above 90° F) should be discarded.
Can you leave Turkey out overnight?
Turkey is a perishable food and should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours. Leaving turkey out overnight can increase the risk of foodborne illness. Refrigerate turkey in a covered container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Turkey can also be frozen for up to two months. Can I Leave Turkey Out Overnight?
How long should Turkey be left out?
Turkey should only be left out for an hour at a time if the room temperature is higher than ninety degrees. After that, it needs to be stored in the freezer or refrigerator to stop dangerous bacteria from growing on the surface.
Can You refrigerate frozen turkey?
Thaw frozen turkey in the refrigerator, not at room temperature. Cook turkey to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking. Leaving cooked turkey out overnight is not recommended, as it can increase the risk of bacteria growth and foodborne illness.
How long can you leave a Turkey unrefrigerated?
For optimum safety, you should never leave turkey unrefrigerated for longer than 2 hours. While cooking the turkey to a safe temperature should destroy any potential bacteria, some of these bacteria can leave behind toxins that are resistant to heat. So if the turkey was left out too long, it won’t be safe to consume, even after you cook it.
Why can’t I leave a Turkey out for 2 hours?
The reason you don’t want to leave turkey out for longer than 2 hours is because of bacteria growth. The main culprits are Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella Enteritidis, Listeria monocytogenes, and Clostridium perfringens . These bacteria can multiply rapidly in the danger zone, producing toxins that can cause food poisoning.