DH wanting to make a turkey curry for tea tonight with turkey leftovers from the fridge. Will they still be safe to eat, Im unsure but DH thinks it will be fine .
If it’s been in the fridge the whole time, it should be fine for 72 hours after you cook it. If cooked Xmas day- I’d eat it if cooked Xmas eve then no.
Leftover turkey sandwiches are a beloved tradition after the big Thanksgiving or Christmas feast. But is it safe to eat turkey cold, straight from the fridge? The short answer is yes, absolutely – with proper handling. Follow these tips for safely storing, freezing, thawing and serving cooked turkey cold.
Overview of Cold Turkey
Cooked turkey can be safely consumed cold when stored at proper temperatures and reheated thoroughly before serving How long it lasts refrigerated depends on the cut and preparation method. With correct protocols, leftover roasted whole turkey keeps 3-4 days, and sliced deli-style turkey lasts 5-7 days.
For longer storage freeze turkey in airtight packaging or bags. It will maintain optimal flavor and texture frozen for 2-6 months. Always rely on your senses – if turkey smells or looks off, play it safe and throw it out. But with proper food safety precautions, you can confidently enjoy delicious cold turkey.
Refrigerating and Freezing Leftover Turkey
Refrigeration Timelines
- Whole carved turkey lasts 1-2 days
- Sliced turkey pieces keep 3-4 days
- Packaged deli turkey remains fresh 5-7 days unopened
Once cooked and cooled, leftover turkey should be refrigerated within 2 hours, or 1 hour if the room is over 90°F. Store in shallow containers for fast cooling. Keep at 40°F or below – bacteria multiply rapidly between 40-140°F.
Freezing Instructions
- Let turkey cool minimum 2 hours after cooking before freezing
- Portion into sealed containers, bags, or wrap tightly in plastic wrap
- Remove air and seal packages airtight
- Label with contents and freeze-by date
- Maintain constant 0°F temperature in freezer
Frozen properly, cooked turkey keeps 2-6 months with minimal flavor or texture loss. However, improper freezing leads to freezer burn.
Thawing Frozen Turkey
Always thaw turkey in the refrigerator, allowing 24 hours per 4-5 pounds. You can also submerge the sealed package in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until thawed. Cook immediately after thawing.
Food Safety Tips
Follow these guidelines when storing, thawing and serving cold turkey:
- Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking
- Freeze for longer storage at 0°F
- Store turkey in shallow containers
- Keep fridge temp at 40°F or below
- Thaw frozen turkey in fridge only
- Check for odd odors or sliminess
- Discard after 3-4 days refrigerated
- Reheat to minimum 165°F before eating
These measures prevent bacterial growth and foodborne illness. Take extra care when serving vulnerable groups like elderly, pregnant women, children and those with compromised immunity.
How to Serve Turkey Cold
Beyond sandwiches and salads, get creative with leftover turkey! Here are tasty ways to eat turkey cold:
- Dice into soups, chilis, casseroles
- Mix into grain bowls and pasta salads
- Slice for charcuterie boards and appetizers
- Stuff into omelets, burritos and quesadillas
- Top flatbreads, nachos and pizza
- Shred for turkey BBQ sliders or tacos
- Pair with cranberry sauce, pesto or hummus
Cold turkey is endlessly versatile. Add textures like crunchy vegetables, nuts or crispy bacon. Drizzle with sauces or gravies to keep it moist and flavorful.
Is Leftover Turkey Safe After 2 Hours?
Perishable foods like cooked turkey should never sit at room temperature more than 2 hours. The danger zone between 40°F and 140°F allows rapid bacteria multiplication.
Even if the turkey looks and smells fine, consuming it after it’s been left out overnight can potentially cause food poisoning. Don’t take risks with turkey stored improperly.
Can You Eat Turkey with Freezer Burn?
Freezer burn on frozen turkey creates dry patches but does not make the meat unsafe. Meat affected by minor surface freezer burn is still edible if it smells and looks normal. Trim any hard or dry sections before cooking.
For best quality, frozen turkey keeps 2-6 months maximum. Rubbing oil on the turkey prevents excessive freezer burn. Store in air-tight packaging for optimum freshness.
Is Cold Turkey Safe for Pregnant Women?
Cold lunchmeats pose a listeria risk for pregnant women. For safety, pregnant women should only eat freshly cooked turkey immediately stored in the fridge. Leftover turkey should be reheated until steaming 165°F to destroy bacteria before serving.
When expecting, err on the side of caution. Avoid any cold deli-style turkey unless thoroughly reheated to piping hot just prior to eating.
Key Takeaways on Cold Turkey
Eating cooked turkey cold is perfectly safe when proper protocols are followed. Be diligent about refrigerating within 2 hours after cooking, storing at 40°F or below, freezing for longer storage and reheating to 165°F before serving.
With proper handling and storage, leftover turkey can be enjoyed cold for 3-4 days after preparation. Pre-packaged deli turkey lasts 5-7 days refrigerated. Frozen turkey keeps 2-6 months frozen. Rely on sight and smell tests, and discard any turkey that seems spoiled or slimy.
Now that you know the cold hard facts on turkey safety, you can confidently enjoy delicious leftover turkey sandwiches, salads, and creative recipes for days after the initial roast!
Fast Food, Deli Meats and More! | Ask Dr. Gundry
FAQ
Can you eat cooked turkey meat cold?
Can you eat a turkey sandwich cold?
Can turkey be served cold?
How long is cold turkey safe to eat?
Can you eat a Turkey in cold storage?
Meat is a highly perishable food item on which bacteria grows very well and very quickly. The USDA advises against eating foods that have been left out of cold storage for more than two hours, and the full night on the counter greatly exceeds this limit. Play it safe and throw the turkey away.
Can I eat spicy food when I have a cold?
Although after eating spicy food one may feel relieved from the symptoms of a common cold, it is temporary relief and is not the cure for the condition. In fact, eating too much spicy food can cause stomach pain leading to nausea and vomiting.
Should you eat turkey cold cuts?
If you enjoy turkey cold cuts, the key is to consume them in moderation. Aim for no more than a couple of servings per week and opt for reduced-sodium or low-sodium options. Healthier Alternatives: Consider healthier alternatives like sliced chicken breast, tuna, salmon, or hummus.
Is it safe to eat a cold turnkey?
It is usually considered safe to eat cold turnkey directly out of the refrigerator any time within the four day window. Reheating turkey that has been either refrigerated or frozen often involves a bit more precision.
Can you eat cooked turkey if left out at room temperature?
Cooked turkey is safe to eat if left out at room temperature for two hours or less. The USDA identifies anything beyond these two hours as the “Danger Zone” for perishable foods – the zone in which harmful bacteria begin to grow and food becomes unsafe to eat.
Is it safe to eat frozen turkey?
For safety’s sake, it is usually better to discard meat stored past this point, even if it looks just fine. You can often get a much longer lifespan from frozen turkey leftovers, as most experts teach that frozen poultry remains technically safe indefinitely.