Find Out How Long Thanksgiving Leftovers Last in the Fridge or Freezer
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No matter how perfectly you plan out your Thanksgiving dinner, there always seems to be leftovers, but hey, we're not complaining! "Leftovers are one of the best parts about Thanksgiving," Ree Drummond says. And while there's nothing wrong with simply reheating your turkey the next day, there are also a tons of Thanksgiving leftover recipes to consider. You can turn mashed potatoes into crispy potato pancakes and leftover cranberry sauce into a filling for sweet rolls. But all of these things can't be made on one single day, especially after you just spent hours in the kitchen. So, how long can you keep those Thanksgiving leftovers for anyway? Hint: it's more than you might think… if stored correctly.
To make the most of your Thanksgiving meal, we've checked in with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for guidelines on just how long you can keep your roast turkey, Thanksgiving sides, and even the pumpkin pie. First things first, remember the "two-hour rule." According to the USDA, "all perishable items should be refrigerated within two hours of coming out of the refrigerator." This will prevent the foods from becoming unsafe to eat. So while it's nice and all to sit around the table and give thanks, remember not to let the food linger for longer than two hours. You can pack up the food, stick it in the fridge, and then get back to enjoying time with family and friends.
For more on how far you can stretch your family feast in the days to come, read on for everything you need to know about storing Thanksgiving leftovers.
How long do Thanksgiving leftovers last in the refrigerator?
If you're storing leftovers in the refrigerator, you’ll want to grab your calendar and set a reminder for the Monday after Thanksgiving. That’s the last day to safety eat leftovers, according to the USDA. Another way to think about it? Thanksgiving leftovers should last up to four days in the fridge. But the key is to store the extra food properly!
Here are some tips for storing your leftovers:
Pack your leftover mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, gravy, and casseroles in several small containers (rather than one large container). This makes it easier to fit in your fridge—and it's easier to reheat only the amount you need the next day.
Remove the stuffing from the turkey (if you didn’t make it in a baking dish) and store both the stuffing and turkey separately.
Freshly baked breads can be stored at room temperature or in the fridge for a couple of days, but they can dry out quickly, so freezing them might be a better option.
Cranberry sauce is one exception when it comes to storing in the fridge. It can last for about two weeks.
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How long does turkey last in the refrigerator?
Just like with your leftover mashed potatoes, your leftover turkey can last in the refrigerator for up to four days, according to FoodSafety.gov. You'll want to carve the turkey off the bone and remove any stuffing from the cavity into a separate container. Use leftover turkey to make leftover turkey soup or freeze the rest for up to six months. (You'll want to know how to reheat the turkey so it tastes as fresh as ever.)
How do you freeze Thanksgiving leftovers?
If you plan to store your leftovers for longer than four days, it's best to freeze it instead. According to the USDA, "frozen foods stay safe indefinitely." That means you can have pumpkin pie any time of year! But just note that the quality and flavor will diminish over time so it's best to reheat any frozen leftovers within two to six months. And, be sure to reheat everything to an internal temperature of 165 degrees!
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