It’s likely you will find yourself with an abundance of leftovers after the big Thanksgiving feast. Remember these tips for safely using leftovers so foodborne illness doesn’t ruin the time with friends and family.
Immediately after eating
Leftovers should be stored within two hours of cooking.
Make sure to divide leftovers into smaller portions to allow for quicker cooling and reducing the chance for bacteria to multiply. You do not need to allow your leftovers to cool to room temperature before refrigeration, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
One to two days after Thanksgiving
Bread: Any bread or rolls should be consumed within a day or placed in an air-tight bag to freeze for up to one month.
Gravy: Homemade gravy is OK for one to two days if it’s stored in the refrigerator. You can use it in soups, simmer sauce or even make an aioli to pour over a turkey sandwich.
Apple pie: It is OK to eat up to two days after it was cooked if not stored in the refrigerator. If refrigerated, then it’s good for three to four days. Freeze up to two months.
Three to four days after Thanksgiving
This is the time most leftovers need to be eaten or placed in the freezer to enjoy later.
Turkey: Shred the meat to use in a casserole or stew. You can also make turkey sandwiches with leftover meat or finely dice to use in a salad or egg dish. You can freeze it for up to three months.
Dressing or stuffing: Like turkey, dressing or stuffing should be consumed by the Monday after Thanksgiving. You can use leftovers in a casserole, on a sandwich or even in a soup. It will last about a month in the freezer.
Cooked vegetables: Roasted carrots, green bean casseroles and other veggies need to be used in three to four days. They can be frozen for up to one month.
Mashed potatoes: You can repurpose your leftover mashed potatoes by using them to make perogies. Whole cooked potatoes do not freeze well, but if mashed or used in a gratin, they’ll freeze for up to two months.
Deviled eggs: Eggs should be kept chilled at all times and should be consumed within three to four days.
One week after Thanksgiving
Cranberry sauce: You either love it or you hate it—and if you still have it a week after Thanksgiving, it may be the latter.
If stored in the refrigerator, cranberry sauce is good for up to 14 days after your meal and two months in the freezer. Like gravy, you can mix equal parts sauce and mayonnaise or sour cream for a creamy aioli to use on breakfast sandwiches and more.
Reheating your leftovers
Gravies and sauces should be reheated to a rolling boil. If you reheat leftovers using a microwave, be sure to vent the lid to allow the steam to escape. The moist heat helps kill harmful bacteria.
It is safe to reheat frozen leftovers without thawing first. Be sure leftovers reach 165 degrees F before consuming.
