The short answer
- Refrigerate within 2 hours of serving, or within 1 hour if the room is above 90 °F. Throw out anything that sat out longer.
- Eat refrigerated leftovers within 3 to 4 days. For Thanksgiving, that means by Sunday or Monday.
- Freeze whatever you won't finish by then.
- Reheat to 165 °F, and bring gravy to a rolling boil.
Refrigerator and freezer times
| Leftover | Refrigerator | Freezer (best quality) |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey, sliced or off the bone | 3 to 4 days | 2 to 6 months |
| Stuffing or dressing | 3 to 4 days | 2 to 6 months |
| Gravy | 3 to 4 days | 2 to 6 months |
| Mashed potatoes, casseroles, cooked vegetables | 3 to 4 days | 3 to 4 months |
| Pumpkin, pecan and other custard pies | 3 to 4 days | Freezes, but the texture suffers |
Sources: USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, "Let's Talk Turkey" and "Leftovers and Food Safety." Frozen food stays safe indefinitely. The freezer times are for flavor and texture.
Putting leftovers away the right way
- Carve the turkey off the bone first. Slice the breast meat; legs and wings can stay whole. A whole carcass takes too long to cool in the refrigerator.
- Use shallow containers. Food cools faster in thin layers than in one deep container. Divide big pots of gravy or stuffing into smaller ones.
- It's fine to refrigerate food while it's still warm. Waiting for it to cool on the counter is what causes problems.
- Cover and label. Airtight containers keep leftovers moist and stop them absorbing fridge smells. Write the date on anything that goes in the freezer.
- Save the carcass for stock the same day, or freeze it.
Reheating leftovers safely
- Turkey: reheat in an oven set to at least 325 °F until it reaches 165 °F. Add a splash of broth and cover it with foil to keep it moist. Cold turkey is fine to eat straight from the fridge, too.
- Gravy, soups and sauces: bring them to a rolling boil.
- Microwave: cover the dish, stir or rotate partway through, and let it stand for a minute. Microwaves heat unevenly, so check the temperature in a few spots.
- Frozen leftovers can be reheated without thawing first. It just takes longer.
- Reheat only what you'll eat. Leftovers that have been reheated to 165 °F can be refrozen, but quality drops each time.
What about pie?
Pumpkin, sweet potato, pecan and other pies made with eggs and milk must go in the refrigerator within 2 hours of serving. Eat them within 3 to 4 days. Fruit pies such as apple and cherry are more forgiving and can sit out covered overnight, then go in the refrigerator.
Frequently asked questions
Is leftover turkey good after 5 days?
The USDA recommends eating refrigerated turkey within 3 to 4 days. If you won't get to it by then, freeze it: sliced turkey freezes well and keeps its best quality for 2 to 6 months.
Can I eat Thanksgiving leftovers that sat out overnight?
No. Perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be thrown out. Reheating doesn't make it safe, because some bacteria produce toxins that heat doesn't destroy.
How do I thaw frozen leftovers?
In the refrigerator (safest, and you can refreeze them afterward), in cold water in a leak-proof bag, or in the microwave. After cold-water or microwave thawing, reheat the food to 165 °F right away.
How much food should I make so there are leftovers?
The Thanksgiving dinner calculator has a leftovers option that adds about 50% more turkey and a bit more of each side.