Is it really Thanksgiving if you don’t have leftovers? For many of us, that’s just right, because the best parts of the holiday are the meals that come after the turkey feast. I’ll be honest: I’m more excited about my Thanksgiving leftovers sandwich than the actual meal. But maybe you’ve looked at the remains of that beautiful, golden turkey centerpiece and thought about the safest (and tastiest!) way to store it. How long can you really keep turkey in the fridge? Should you freeze some of it right away?
Here’s what you need to know as you clear the table and start to wash the dishes and think about what to do with all that turkey that you have left over.
One of the best parts of Thanksgiving is having delicious turkey leftovers for days after. But how long do you actually have to eat up all that leftover turkey before it goes bad? Knowing the fridge and freezer storage timelines is key to safely enjoying turkey sandwiches, casseroles, and soups without risking foodborne illness.
In this complete guide, learn everything you need to know about how long you can keep turkey leftovers while maintaining quality and safety
Fridge Storage Timeline
According to the USDA, fully cooked turkey leftovers can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. This counts the original day the turkey was cooked as day 1.
So if you cooked your turkey on Thursday for Thanksgiving dinner, the leftovers should be eaten or frozen by Monday at the latest. Always discard any turkey that’s been refrigerated for longer than 4 days.
Freezer Storage Timeline
For longer term storage, turkey leftovers can be frozen for excellent quality for 4 to 6 months. Portion the turkey into airtight containers or freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. This prevents freezer burn which can degrade texture and flavor.
While technically safe to eat turkey frozen for longer than 6 months, the taste, texture, and moisture content will diminish over longer freezer times. It’s best to stick to 6 months or less for highest quality.
Signs Turkey Has Gone Bad
Rely on your senses to determine if refrigerated turkey leftovers have spoiled. Look for:
- Slimy texture
- Off odor
- Mold growth
Signs frozen turkey is no longer safe to eat include:
- Unpleasant odor when thawing
- Dry, tough texture
- Strange coloration
Proper Storage Techniques
Follow these tips for safely storing turkey leftovers:
- Portion into shallow containers within 2 hours of cooking.
- Refrigerate right away – don’t wait for it to cool.
- Use airtight containers for fridge and freezer.
- Freeze turkey in portions for easy thawing and use.
- Label containers with date and contents.
Thawing and Reheating
Always thaw frozen turkey leftovers safely in the fridge overnight. Do not thaw at room temperature.
When reheating, cook to an internal temperature of 165°F. Bring sauces, soups, and gravies to a boil. For the microwave, cover and rotate food for even heating.
Making Leftovers Last
- Eat refrigerated leftovers within 3-4 days.
- Freeze extras right away in airtight containers.
- Use frozen turkey within 4-6 months for best quality.
- Check for signs of spoilage before eating.
- Practice safe thawing and reheating procedures.
FAQs
Can I eat turkey after it’s been refrigerated for 5 days?
No, turkey that’s been refrigerated for longer than 4 days may contain dangerous bacteria and should be discarded. Even when kept at 40°F or below, turkey shouldn’t be eaten past the 4 day mark.
Is it safe to thaw turkey leftovers at room temperature?
Thawing at room temperature is risky, as the outer surface could enter the “danger zone” of 40-140°F while thawing. Always thaw turkey in the refrigerator overnight for safety.
How do I know if frozen turkey has gone bad?
Signs of spoiled frozen turkey include an unpleasant odor when thawing, unappetizing colors or textures, and dry, tough meat. If in doubt, discard the turkey.
Can I reheat turkey straight from the freezer?
Yes, it’s completely safe to reheat frozen turkey leftovers without thawing first. The reheating time may take slightly longer. Just be sure to reheat fully to 165°F.
Enjoy Those Leftovers Safely
Following proper refrigeration and freezing guidelines allows you to safely enjoy delicious turkey for days after the big feast. With proper storage and handling, you don’t have to say goodbye too soon to all those amazing turkey leftovers. Just remember to keep health and safety as the top priority.
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Cooked turkey lasts 3-4 days in the fridge and 4-6 months in the freezer at optimal quality and safety. Be sure to portion leftovers within 2 hours and store in airtight containers. Check for signs of spoilage and don’t eat turkey refrigerated for longer than 4 days. Follow safe thawing and reheating guidelines for frozen turkey.
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We’ve still got half a bird!
You’re not alone. No matter if you buy a frozen Butterball turkey, a heritage bird from the butcher shop, or a smaller turkey breast, you will almost certainly have leftovers. A 2011 USDA study found that about 33.5 percent of turkey is wasted every year. Knowing how to best store your leftovers will help cut down on the amount of turkey that ends up in landfills and compost piles. The number seems even bigger when you know that the National Turkey Federation says 288 percent of Americans eat turkey on Thanksgiving, and Butterball’s senior brand manager, Chad McFadden, says that 279 percent of people surveyed for a 202023 report planned to buy a whole bird. “The most popular Thanksgiving turkey weighs between 16 and 20 pounds,” says McFadden. “The average number of guests for the holiday is nine people, with a suggested range 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?
When you have turkey leftovers in front of you, the first thing you should do is plan what you’re going to do with them. You may be tired from cooking, entertaining, and eating all day, but you should still deal with your turkey as soon as possible. Do you have a recipe for leftover turkey that you want to try for Friday dinner? Or would you like to save that tasty turkey for later?
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. Brian Karam, LG’s resident food expert, says that it should only last one to two days at most. He also says that you can save more time by leaving larger pieces whole and not cutting them up before putting them in the fridge, since smaller pieces are more likely to get airborne and go bad faster in the fridge. ” Aly Forster of Diestel Family Ranch says “you will want to consume within three to four days. The USDA says that Thanksgiving leftovers can be eaten up to four days after being stored in the fridge. ” At the furthest end of the spectrum, Patrick L. Guzzle, vice president of food science at the National Restaurant Association, says that cooked foods should only be kept in the fridge for seven days at most. ”.
The wide variation in answers largely comes down to the difference between food safety and food quality. Guzzle says, “Food safety is mostly about harmful microbiological organisms, and it may be different from what a normal consumer would consider for quality (i.e. e. , taste, texture, aroma, etc. Forster adds, “We like to say ‘poultry isn’t shy’—one whiff easily lets you know if that meat is still good!” In the end, Forster says, you’ll have to use your best judgment to decide how long you feel comfortable keeping leftovers in 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. ”.
Just putting the turkey in the fridge will be enough if you only need it for a few sandwiches and a batch of turkey jook. However, if you have enough for two more big meals, you might want to freeze that turkey for later use.