DH wanting to make a turkey curry for tea tonight with turkey leftovers from the fridge. Will they still be safe to eat, Im unsure but DH thinks it will be fine .
If it’s been in the fridge the whole time, it should be fine for 72 hours after you cook it. If cooked Xmas day- I’d eat it if cooked Xmas eve then no.
The holiday season means plenty of delicious roasted turkey But what do you do with all those leftovers? Can you eat turkey cold, or do you need to reheat it? Here’s everything you need to know about safely storing, freezing, thawing and enjoying cold turkey after the big feast.
Overview of Eating Cold Turkey
Yes you can absolutely eat leftover turkey cold if it has been handled properly. The keys are getting the cooked turkey into the fridge fast, storing at 40°F or below and using within 3-4 days. Reheating to 165°F before eating is recommended.
With correct refrigeration, precooked deli-style turkey stays fresh 5-7 days. Frozen turkey keeps 2-6 months. Always inspect for odd smells or textures and throw away turkey that seems spoiled. Follow the tips below for foolproof enjoyment of cold turkey.
Storage Timeline for Cooked Turkey
- Refrigerate within 2 hours after cooking
- Use refrigerated turkey within 3-4 days
- Store refrigerated deli meats 5-7 days
- Freeze turkey 2-6 months for longest shelf life
Pay attention to any changes in color, odor or sliminess that indicate spoiled meat. When in doubt, throw it out!
Safety Tips for Eating Cold Turkey
Follow these safe handling guidelines with cooked turkey:
- Refrigerate in shallow containers within 2 hours of cooking.
- Store turkey in the fridge at 40°F or below. The colder the better.
- Freeze turkey in airtight packaging with air removed.
- Always thaw frozen turkey in the refrigerator, never at room temp.
- Reheat cold turkey thoroughly to 165°F until steaming hot.
- Avoid leaving turkey at room temperature over 2 hours.
- Discard any turkey with an unpleasant smell or slimy texture.
These simple precautions prevent bacterial growth that causes foodborne illness.
Enjoying Leftover Turkey
Beyond sandwiches, get creative with leftover turkey!
- Dice into soups, salads, casseroles
- Mix into grain bowls, pizza, pasta
- Stuff into omelets or breakfast burritos
- Pile onto nachos or taco salad
- Pair with hummus, pesto or cranberry sauce
For extra flavor and moisture, add gravy, sauces and seasonings.
Freezing and Thawing Tips
Freezing cooked turkey keeps it fresh for 2-6 months. Follow these safe methods:
- Let turkey cool completely before freezing, about 2 hours.
- Portion into airtight containers or bags, removing air.
- Label with contents and freeze-by date.
- Freeze at 0°F or below right away.
- Thaw frozen turkey in the fridge 1 day per 4-5 pounds.
- Cook immediately after thawing.
Reheating Cold Turkey
Always reheat leftover turkey thoroughly to 165°F. Here are some reheating tips:
- Slice turkey breast into smaller pieces for quicker heating.
- Use the oven, stove or microwave to reheat.
- Heat turkey until completely warmed through, at least 165°F.
- Bring gravy to a boil before pouring over turkey.
- Stir casseroles and soups frequently to distribute heat.
Proper reheating kills any bacteria for safe consumption.
Storing Cooked Turkey
Follow these storage guidelines:
- Let turkey cool about 20 minutes before refrigerating.
- Carve turkey off the bone and store in shallow containers.
- Refrigerate stuffing and gravy separate from turkey.
- Use refrigerated turkey within 3-4 days for optimal quality and safety.
- Freeze turkey in airtight packaging up to 6 months.
Proper chilling prevents bacteria growth and keeps turkey delicious.
Can You Eat Turkey Left Out Overnight?
Never eat turkey that has sat out at room temperature over 2 hours. Bacteria multiply quickly between 40-140°F. Turkey left out overnight enter the “danger zone” and could potentially cause food poisoning, even if it looks OK. Always err on the side of caution and throw it away.
The keys to safely enjoying cold leftover turkey are:
- Refrigerate within 2 hours after cooking
- Store in the fridge for 3-4 days
- Freeze for 2-6 months
- Thaw in refrigerator
- Reheat to 165°F until steaming
Follow these simple rules for eating delicious turkey cold without worries!
Fast Food, Deli Meats and More! | Ask Dr. Gundry
FAQ
Can you eat cooked turkey meat cold?
Can you eat a turkey sandwich cold?
Can turkey be served cold?
How long is cold turkey safe to eat?
Can you eat a Turkey in cold storage?
Meat is a highly perishable food item on which bacteria grows very well and very quickly. The USDA advises against eating foods that have been left out of cold storage for more than two hours, and the full night on the counter greatly exceeds this limit. Play it safe and throw the turkey away.
Can I eat spicy food when I have a cold?
Although after eating spicy food one may feel relieved from the symptoms of a common cold, it is temporary relief and is not the cure for the condition. In fact, eating too much spicy food can cause stomach pain leading to nausea and vomiting.
Should you eat turkey cold cuts?
If you enjoy turkey cold cuts, the key is to consume them in moderation. Aim for no more than a couple of servings per week and opt for reduced-sodium or low-sodium options. Healthier Alternatives: Consider healthier alternatives like sliced chicken breast, tuna, salmon, or hummus.
Is it safe to eat a cold turnkey?
It is usually considered safe to eat cold turnkey directly out of the refrigerator any time within the four day window. Reheating turkey that has been either refrigerated or frozen often involves a bit more precision.
Can you eat cooked turkey if left out at room temperature?
Cooked turkey is safe to eat if left out at room temperature for two hours or less. The USDA identifies anything beyond these two hours as the “Danger Zone” for perishable foods – the zone in which harmful bacteria begin to grow and food becomes unsafe to eat.
Is it safe to eat frozen turkey?
For safety’s sake, it is usually better to discard meat stored past this point, even if it looks just fine. You can often get a much longer lifespan from frozen turkey leftovers, as most experts teach that frozen poultry remains technically safe indefinitely.