Leftover turkey is a staple after holiday meals, but it requires proper storage to avoid foodborne illness. A common question is whether cooked turkey can be left out on the counter overnight.
Unfortunately, the answer is no. Turkey should never sit at room temperature beyond 2 hours (or 1 hour above 90°F). Here’s what you need to know about the safety risks, proper storage methods, and reheating leftovers.
Dangers of Leaving Turkey Out Overnight
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) cooked turkey is highly perishable and should not be left out more than 2 hours before refrigeration. If the air temperature is above 90°F, turkey should be refrigerated within just 1 hour.
This short window is due to the rapid growth of bacteria. Between 40-140°F is known as the “danger zone”—the ideal temperature range for pathogenic bacteria to multiply quickly.
Common foodborne pathogens like Salmonella E. coli Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus cereus can all thrive on turkey left out too long. And since these bacteria are invisible, smell-less, and tasteless, there is no reliable way to determine if turkey is safe after sitting out overnight.
Consuming turkey left in the danger zone too long can cause severe food poisoning with symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. Some bacteria even produce toxins that cannot be destroyed through cooking.
Proper Storage Time Limits
To prevent foodborne illness, cooked turkey should be refrigerated within:
- 2 hours after cooking (at room temps below 90°F)
- 1 hour after cooking (at air temps above 90°F)
Turkey should be discarded if left out beyond these time limits. Never taste turkey that’s sat out overnight to see if it’s still good. Always err on the side of caution and throw it away.
For optimum safety and quality, strive to refrigerate turkey and other cooked foods within 30 minutes after preparation. Do not allow turkey or stuffing to remain in the oven after the meal or on the counter to cool before refrigerating.
Refrigeration Guidelines
Follow these tips for safe storage and maximum freshness:
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Allow cooked turkey to cool slightly, then refrigerate or freeze in shallow containers no more than 2 inches deep. This encourages rapid cooling.
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Cover leftovers loosely at first to allow steam to escape, then seal tightly.
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Use refrigerated turkey within 3-4 days and gravy within 1-2 days.
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Freeze extras immediately for longer storage. Turkey keeps 4-6 months and gravy 2-3 months.
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Always label leftovers with the date and contents. Never taste food that smells or looks questionable.
Thawing and Reheating Tips
Frozen turkey and leftovers should be thawed safely:
- In the refrigerator below 40°F
- In a bowl of cold water, changing it every 30 minutes
- In the microwave using the defrost setting
Never thaw turkey on the counter, which allows bacteria to flourish.
Reheat turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F. Bring gravy to a full rolling boil before serving. Proper reheating gives leftovers an extra 3-4 days in the fridge. But reheated turkey should only be stored once—do not re-refrigerate.
The Bottom Line
Leaving cooked turkey or any leftovers on the counter overnight can lead to food poisoning. Follow the 2 hour rule, and refrigerate turkey and other cooked foods as soon as possible after meals. When in doubt, throw it out. With proper refrigeration and reheating, you can safely enjoy turkey leftovers for several days without the risks of leaving them out too long.
Can a cooked turkey be left out overnight?
FAQ
Can I leave turkey out overnight after cooking?
Does a cooked turkey need to be refrigerated?
Can I leave a turkey in the oven overnight?
How do you store cooked turkey overnight?
How long can you leave cooked turkey out at room temperature?
Answer: You can safely leave cooked turkey out at room temperature for two hours — or one hour if the temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit — says the United States Department of Agriculture. Cooked turkey that has been left out for longer than 2 hours (or 1 hour above 90° F) should be discarded.
Can you leave Turkey out overnight?
Turkey is a perishable food and should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours. Leaving turkey out overnight can increase the risk of foodborne illness. Refrigerate turkey in a covered container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Turkey can also be frozen for up to two months. Can I Leave Turkey Out Overnight?
How long should Turkey be left out?
Turkey should only be left out for an hour at a time if the room temperature is higher than ninety degrees. After that, it needs to be stored in the freezer or refrigerator to stop dangerous bacteria from growing on the surface.
Can You refrigerate frozen turkey?
Thaw frozen turkey in the refrigerator, not at room temperature. Cook turkey to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking. Leaving cooked turkey out overnight is not recommended, as it can increase the risk of bacteria growth and foodborne illness.
How long can you leave a Turkey unrefrigerated?
For optimum safety, you should never leave turkey unrefrigerated for longer than 2 hours. While cooking the turkey to a safe temperature should destroy any potential bacteria, some of these bacteria can leave behind toxins that are resistant to heat. So if the turkey was left out too long, it won’t be safe to consume, even after you cook it.
Why can’t I leave a Turkey out for 2 hours?
The reason you don’t want to leave turkey out for longer than 2 hours is because of bacteria growth. The main culprits are Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella Enteritidis, Listeria monocytogenes, and Clostridium perfringens . These bacteria can multiply rapidly in the danger zone, producing toxins that can cause food poisoning.