After all of the time and preparation of cooking a turkey, most of us can’t wait until the moment we can take the bird out of the oven with its wonderful aromas and crisp golden-brown skin. And everyone wants to be sure to save the leftovers (there always are some) for turkey soup. How can you be sure your leftovers are safe?
A turkey can sit out for a maximum of two hours in the temperature danger zone of 40 to 140 degrees F. If the room temperature is above 90 degrees, limit the time that turkey sits out to only one hour. After that time, it must be put away in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent the overgrowth of harmful bacteria on the surface.
Before you let your cooked turkey sit out in the temperature danger zone for too long, read on to learn about food safety and how to safely store your delicious leftovers.
When cooking a turkey for a holiday feast, one of the biggest food safety concerns is how long the cooked bird can sit out at room temperature before bacteria multiply to dangerous levels. Leaving turkey out too long can lead to foodborne illness so proper hot and cold holding is crucial. Follow these turkey safety guidelines on how long you can leave turkey out to avoid the health risks of improper food handling.
The 2-Hour Rule For Leaving Turkey Out
The most important food safety rule with cooked turkey is to not leave it out of refrigeration for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour if the room temperature is above 90°F. This is known as the 2 hour rule.
According to the USDA, cooked turkey should be refrigerated or frozen within 2 hours after cooking. Bacteria grow rapidly in the ‘danger zone’ between 40°F and 140°F. Leaving turkey out for longer than 2 hours allows bacteria like Staph, Salmonella, Listeria and Clostridium to multiply to unsafe levels.
So once your turkey comes out of the oven, start the clock Carve the turkey and refrigerate or freeze the meat within 2 hours. Never leave cooked turkey or any leftovers out at room temperature overnight.
The Consequences of Leaving Turkey Out Too Long
Eating turkey that has sat out for more than 2 hours can cause food poisoning because bacteria have produced toxins. Potential symptoms include:
- Vomiting
- Abdominal cramps
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Nausea
Some bacteria produce a heat-resistant toxin that can still make you sick, even if the turkey is re-heated When in doubt, throw the turkey out Don’t risk eating turkey that may have been left out too long.
Signs Turkey Has Been Left Out Too Long
It’s not always clear if turkey has been left out past the 2-hour safety window. Here are some telltale signs that turkey has spoiled and is unsafe to eat:
- Change in color – Skin darkens and meat dries out
- Shrinkage – Leftovers visibly shrink as moisture evaporates
- Slimy texture – Bacteria breaking down the meat
- Foul expired odor – Distinct unpleasant spoiled smell
- Mold growth – Fuzzy mold growing on the surface
Use your senses of smell, sight and touch to determine if turkey is clearly spoiled before consuming. Relying on reheating to make the turkey safe again is risky if it has sat out too long.
Storing Leftovers Properly After 2 Hours
After the cooked turkey has sat out for 2 hours, leftovers should be stored properly in the refrigerator or freezer:
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Refrigerate chopped turkey meat in shallow containers within 2 hours. Use leftovers within 3-4 days.
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Freeze any turkey you won’t eat within 3-4 days. Turkey keeps for 4+ months in a freezer set at 0°F or below.
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Always reheat leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F until steaming hot.
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Label frozen turkey packages with contents and date before freezing.
Following the 2 hour rule keeps cooked turkey safe. Refrigerating or freezing leftovers promptly prevents bacteria growth.
Thawing Turkey Safely
Proper thawing is also essential for turkey safety:
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Thaw frozen turkey in the refrigerator allowing 24 hours per 4-5 lbs. Thaw in a rimmed container to catch drips.
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Cold water thaw submerged in cold water, changing water every 30 minutes per lb.
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Cook turkey immediately after thawing finishes.
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Never thaw turkey at room temperature or in hot water, which allows bacterial growth in the “danger zone” between 40°F to 140°F.
Should You Leave Turkey Out Overnight?
Leaving freshly cooked turkey or leftovers out overnight is very unsafe. Poultry that sits at room temperature for more than 2 hours enters the ‘danger zone’ where bacteria multiply quickly.
The USDA states turkey should never sit out overnight and should be discarded if left out more than 2 hours. Don’t take risks with foodborne bacteria that can cause vomiting, stomach cramps and diarrhea. Refrigerate all leftovers promptly in shallow containers within the 2 hour window after cooking.
Can Turkey Be Left Out to Thaw?
Raw turkey should never be left out on the counter to thaw. Thawing on the counter allows the turkey surface to warm to the ‘danger zone’ temperature range while the interior remains frozen.
Only use the refrigerator method or cold water method for thawing frozen turkey. The refrigerator method takes 24 hours per 4-5 pounds but is safest. Cold water thawing submerged in cold water takes about 30 minutes per pound.
Once thawed, cook the turkey immediately and don’t let it sit out for more than 2 hours after cooking. Carefully follow food safety guidelines when handling raw poultry.
Take Proper Precautions With Turkey
By following proper guidelines on how long you can leave turkey out before refrigerating, you can reduce the risks of foodborne bacteria and feel confident serving a delicious and safe holiday feast. So remember the 2 hour rule, monitor thawing and storage temperatures, and use thermometers to cook turkey thoroughly to 165°F. Taking basic food safety precautions will protect you and your family and guests from dangerous foodborne illness.
Important Tips for Handling Cooked Turkey Safely
While knowing how long you can keep the cooked turkey on your countertop is very important, the food safety aspect of taking care of your post-meal leftovers doesn’t end there. How you handle your turkey and what you use to prepare it for storage is critical.
Should I Put the Whole Turkey in the Fridge?
Turkey should be stored in smaller pieces, not whole. Do not try to put the entire carcass into the fridge. It is difficult to seal into a single container, and it will take a long time to cool down.
Take all the meat off the bones soon after eating and put it in an airtight container. You should store the turkey in smaller portions as it will be cooler faster and reheat faster. Bring the turkey leftovers back up to 165 degrees Fahrenheit before you eat it out of the fridge.
Thawing Out A Frozen Turkey Properly – How? How Long?
FAQ
How long can turkey sit out before its bad?
Throw away turkey, stuffing, and gravy left out at room temperature longer than 2 hours (1 hour in temperatures above 90 °F). Divide leftovers into small portions. Refrigerate or freeze in covered shallow containers for quicker cooling.
What if I left my turkey out overnight?
“Cooked turkey can sit out for no more than four hours before it increases risk of foodborne illness,” Shumaker says.Oct 16, 2024
How long can a turkey sit after coming out of the oven?
A large bird can wait up to 40 minutes or longer, depending on the temperature of the room.Nov 24, 2011
How long can a thawed turkey sit out before cooking?
A package of frozen meat or poultry left thawing on the counter more than 2 hours is not at a safe temperature. Even though the center of the package may still be frozen, the outer layer of the food is in the “Danger Zone” between 40 and 140 °F — at a temperature where foodborne bacteria multiply rapidly.
How long can a cooked turkey sit out?
The exact time period cooked turkey can sit out depends on a few different factors. As a rule of thumb, if your meat has been out in the temperature danger zone for more than two hours, even after being refrigerated, throw it out. If the turkey was just cooked and is cooling down, try to put it away within two hours.
How long can you leave a Turkey outside?
How can you be sure your leftovers are safe?. In the danger zone, which is between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, a turkey can be left outside for no more than two hours. Turkey should only be left out for an hour at a time if the room temperature is higher than ninety degrees.
What happens if you leave cooked turkey out for a few hours?
Leaving cooked turkey out for a few hours can be cause for concern. Bacteria thrive at temperatures between 41 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, which is exactly where room temperature falls. Bacteria can be introduced onto your turkey if it is not cooked properly, by other raw foods through cross-contamination, or by humans.
Can you leave a cooked turkey out during a meal?
It is acceptable to leave the cooked turkey out during the meal, as long as it doesn’t exceed 2 hours in total. However, it is advised to keep it covered to maintain its temperature. 9. Can I serve leftover turkey cold? Yes, leftover cooked turkey can be served cold.
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.
Can I leave a cooked turkey out if it is still warm?
It’s recommended to cool cooked turkey quickly to prevent bacteria growth. Instead of leaving the turkey at room temperature, place it in the refrigerator or an ice bath to cool rapidly. 2. Can I leave the turkey out if it’s still warm? No, it is not safe to leave a warm turkey out at room temperature.