close
close

Mondor Festival

News with a Local Lens

    • When to throw away turkey and other food scraps
    minsta

    When to throw away turkey and other food scraps

    Pabio Posted on

    play

    Now that Thanksgiving is over, the family gatherings, delicious feasts, and familiar aromas are behind us. As leftovers fill the fridge and the holiday chaos dissipates, many of us wonder how long we can safely enjoy those tasty leftovers from the feast.

    If you’re wondering how to safely enjoy your Thanksgiving leftovers, here’s what you need to know to keep your food both delicious and safe.

    How long is it safe to eat Thanksgiving leftovers?

    Thanksgiving leftovers can be safely eaten within three to four days if properly stored in the refrigerator at or below 40°F, according to guidelines provided by the US Department of Agriculture. However, the shelf life varies depending on the food:

    • Cooked turkey: 3 to 4 days
    • White ham: 3 to 4 days
    • Stuffing and sauce: 1 to 2 days
    • Casseroles and cooked vegetables: 3 to 4 days
    • Cranberry sauce: Up to 7 days

    To keep your leftovers safe, be sure to store them within two hours of cooking to avoid bacterial growth. Use shallow containers to help foods cool quickly, and always reheat leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F.

    Between now and Monday, be sure to eat, freeze, or throw away any remaining leftovers.

    Is it OK to freeze leftovers after they have been in the refrigerator?

    If you need more time to enjoy your leftovers, freezing them is a great option. Most items can last two to six months in the freezer.

    You can freeze leftovers for up to three days after storing them in the refrigerator. Although freezing may slightly affect quality, it helps ensure that your food remains safe to eat for an extended period of time. For best quality, consume frozen leftovers within two to six months and store them in airtight containers to avoid freezer burn.

    Creative Ways to Use Your Leftovers

    The Thanksgiving leftover sandwich is almost as iconic as the holiday feast itself. Filled with turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and a layer of gravy or mayonnaise, this sandwich takes all the best elements of the Thanksgiving meal and brings them together in a convenient, portable form.

    USA TODAY has a recipe for the perfect leftover sandwich.

    Other ideas include:

    Pabio
    View all posts

    You Might Also Like