The holidays often mean leftovers galore. And while we all love digging into turkey sandwiches and casseroles after the big feast improper storage can lead to wasted food and health hazards. This guide will walk you through exactly how long turkey lasts after Thanksgiving and the best practices for keeping it safe tasty and ready for round two.
After spending hours roasting, brining and basting the perfect turkey, you want to make the most of the leftovers. I’ll share tips from food safety experts on storing turkey in the fridge or freezer and signs it’s gone bad. Follow these turkey storage rules, and you’ll be set up for turkey tetrazzini success!
How Long Does Cooked Turkey Last Refrigerated?
According to the USDA’s FoodKeeper app, cooked turkey stored in the refrigerator should be eaten within 3 to 4 days To maximize freshness, carve the turkey within 2 hours of cooking and store in shallow airtight containers right away This rapid cooling is key to preventing bacteria growth.
Once refrigerated, turkey can last up to 4 days before the risk of spoilage sets in. If you know you won’t finish it within that timeframe, the freezer is your best bet.
Freezing Leftover Turkey
For premium quality, the USDA recommends eating frozen leftovers within 2 to 6 months. Frozen turkey remains safe indefinitely, but the texture and moisture will deteriorate over time.
To freeze, portion turkey into airtight bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. This prevents freezer burn which can make the turkey dry and tough. Clearly label bags with the date and contents.
How To Tell If Turkey Has Gone Bad
Rely on your senses to determine if refrigerated turkey has spoiled. Signs include:
- Slimy texture
- Discoloration
- Foul odors
Frozen turkey is unsafe if it appears:
- Dry, tough or hard
- Discolored
- Frostbitten
While freezer burned turkey is still safe to eat, the diminished moisture and quality make it unappealing.
Serving Leftover Turkey Safely
When ready to eat leftovers, verify they haven’t exceeded the safe storage timeline. Discard any turkey over 4 days old if refrigerated, or 6 months in the freezer.
Thaw frozen turkey in the refrigerator overnight, never at room temperature. Reheat fully to an internal temperature of 165°F. Bring soups, casseroles and gravy containing turkey to a full boil.
Getting Creative with Leftovers
With proper storage, you can enjoy leftover turkey for lunches, dinners and more all week long. Some delicious ways to use up leftovers:
- Turkey sandwiches with cranberry sauce and stuffing
- Hearty turkey noodle soup
- Turkey pot pie with veggies
- Tacos with turkey and avocado
- Turkey casserole with wild rice
- Turkey tetrazzini pasta bake
- Turkey salad with grapes and nuts
- Open-faced hot turkey melts
Storing Other Thanksgiving Leftovers
While turkey has the shortest fridge life, you can extend other leftovers too:
- Stuffing and gravy: 3-4 days
- Mashed potatoes: 3-5 days
- Cranberry sauce: 2 weeks
- Vegetables: 4-5 days
- Baked goods: 1 week
With proper food safety practices, you can continue feasting on your Thanksgiving favorites all month long. Follow these turkey storage tips to reduce waste, save money and enjoy delicious leftovers safely.
How long is leftover turkey good for in the fridge?
FAQ
Is leftover turkey good after 7 days?
How many days after Thanksgiving can you eat leftover turkey?
Is it okay to eat turkey that’s been in the fridge for 2 weeks?
Can you eat cooked turkey after 5 days reddit?
How long can leftover Turkey stay in the fridge?
From a food safety perspective, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), turkey can stay in your fridge for three to four days. After that, you run the risk of dry, leathery meat—or worse, foodborne pathogens.
How long can you keep cooked turkey in the freezer?
You can keep cooked turkey in the freezer almost indefinitely, though, as microbial growth will stop when the food is frozen. When stored in the refrigerator, turkey does not last as long. Snyder points to the USDA FoodKeeper app for best guidance: The tool notes that refrigerated, cooked turkey should be eaten within 4 days.
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.
Can you eat frozen turkey leftovers after 6 months?
Eat frozen turkey leftovers within 6 months for premier quality. “Other slower changes to quality, like freezer burn, can eventually render leftovers unacceptable,” Snyder says, noting that this is not an issue of safety when it comes to frozen leftovers.
How long can a frozen turkey last?
To maximize freshness and quality, it should be eaten within this time frame. If you don’t think you will consume the leftovers within 4 days, you can freeze them for longer term storage. Frozen turkey will maintain quality and safety for 3-4 months in a freezer set at 0°F or below.
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.