Sunday is the last day most of these leftovers will be safe to eat, unless you freeze them to enjoy later, according to FoodSafety.govan online resource on food safety.

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for three to four days. If you store leftovers in the freezer, they will be at their best quality within two to six months.

After four days, most foods stored in the refrigerator begin to grow spoilage bacteria, which causes the food to smell or taste bad. However, leftovers stored in the freezer are good for several months, some even until spring.

Reheating Tips

• When reheating leftovers, make sure they reach 165 degrees, measured with a food thermometer. Reheat sauces, soups and gravies by bringing them to a boil.
• When reheating in the microwave, cover and rotate food for even heating. Arrange the food evenly in a microwave-safe glass or ceramic dish and add a little liquid if necessary. Make sure the coating is microwave safe and vent the lid or wrapper to let steam escape. The moist heat created will help destroy harmful bacteria and ensure even cooking.
• Also, because microwaves have cold spots, check the temperature of the food in several places with a food thermometer and allow a rest time before checking the internal temperature of the food with a food thermometer.
• Dense foods such as a whole turkey or roast beef continue to cook longer than less dense foods such as bread, small vegetables and fruit.
• It is safe to reheat frozen leftovers without thawing them, either in a saucepan or in the microwave (in the case of a soup or stew), or in the oven or in the microwave (for example, stews and combined dishes). Reheating will take longer than if the food was thawed first, but it can be done safely when time is of the essence.