Thanksgiving dinner often includes leftovers that last a while. But how long does it take before it’s no longer safe to eat?
How to turn Thanksgiving leftovers into delicious new meals
Transform holiday leftovers into chowder, sandwiches, or calzones with cranberry and gravy dip.
The end of November may mean Thanksgiving is over, but that doesn’t mean you have to enjoy the food that comes with the American holiday. If you want to spend the last weekend of the month snacking on Thanksgiving leftovers, there are some precautions you can take.
According to FoodSafety.gov, an online food safety resource managed by multiple federal agencies, Monday, Dec. 1, will likely be the last day Thanksgiving leftovers are safe to eat. After four days, most foods stored in the refrigerator will begin to develop spoilage bacteria, which will cause the food to develop off-flavors and tastes. However, leftovers stored in the freezer can last for several months, and some can last until spring.
Generally, food is safe to consume if it is refrigerated within two hours of being removed from the oven or refrigerator. If you’re looking to preserve your fall foods for as long as possible, here’s what you need to know to keep them edible.
How long can turkey fillets be stored in the refrigerator?
FoodSafety.gov says leftover turkey and trimmings can be stored in the refrigerator for three to four days. That means meat stored for Thanksgiving will be available until the first Monday in December.
Store leftovers in the freezer to make them last longer. Freezing leftovers within 4 days ensures food safety for months instead of days, but quality may deteriorate over time. The best time to eat leftovers stored in the freezer is within 2 to 6 months.
How do I reheat leftovers?
According to FoodSafety.gov, leftovers must reach an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit before eating. The site recommends placing food evenly on microwave-safe glass or ceramic plates with lids.
Be sure to check the internal temperature of different parts of the food you’re reheating, as cold spots in the microwave are a possibility, especially if you have foods with different densities.
How do I thaw leftovers?
We recommend thawing leftovers in the refrigerator, microwave, or cold water. Defrosting in the refrigerator takes the longest, but is a safe way to thaw leftovers. If defrosting in cold water, place leftovers in leak-proof packaging or plastic bags, advises the Food Safety and Inspection Service. If a bag of leftover food starts leaking, it can introduce water into the food and bacteria from the air.
Defrosted leftovers can be refrozen after thawing if fully cooked. When eating leftovers again, follow best thawing and reheating methods.
america todayGreta Cross contributed to this report.
