How long should you keep Thanksgiving leftovers? Tips for turkey, sides and more
Thanksgiving is in the rear-view mirror — and now there’s a chance that your fridge is packed with leftovers.
While you may have plans to reheat the extra turkey and side dishes, they won’t last forever. So, how long is it safe to keep the holiday food staples?
Here’s what experts say.
How long should you keep leftovers?
If you put your Thanksgiving leftovers in the refrigerator, they’re good for three to four days, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Experts urge people to follow the four-day deadline to stay healthy and prevent food from tasting or smelling bad.
“This means you have until the Monday after Thanksgiving to eat all those delicious leftovers or place them in the freezer to enjoy later,” the USDA wrote on its website.
Leftovers that can be frozen include turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, bread, casseroles, stuffing and cooked vegetables. It’s also possible to freeze pies, but that may change their texture, according to the Food Network.
You also have up to four days to eat or freeze other dishes that you make with leftovers, such as soups that have cooked Thanksgiving turkey in them, according to the CDC.
“If you store leftovers in the freezer, they will be of best quality within 2-6 months,” the USDA wrote on its website.
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