Turkey gravy is a staple at many holiday meals This savory sauce adds moisture and flavor to turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and more But with the hustle and bustle of holiday cooking, it’s easy to forget just how long leftovers like turkey gravy last in the fridge.
As a food blogger, I often get asked, “how long can you keep turkey gravy in the fridge?” After doing some research here is what I found
Overview of Turkey Gravy Storage
When stored properly in an airtight container, leftover turkey gravy will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, you can freeze gravy for 4-6 months. Make sure to reheat thawed gravy to 165°F for food safety. Discard any turkey gravy that becomes moldy, slimy, or smells off.
Factors like ingredients, storage method, and handling impact shelf life. Follow these tips to keep turkey gravy fresh as long as possible:
- Store in airtight, clean containers in the fridge within 2 hours of cooking.
- Refrigerate at 40°F or below. Use a fridge thermometer.
- Freeze in airtight freezer containers, leaving 1⁄2 inch headspace.
- Use clean utensils and cookware when prepping and handling.
- Avoid double dipping dirty utensils back into the gravy.
- Cool in shallow containers in fridge to chill quickly.
- Reheat thoroughly to 165°F before eating leftovers.
- Discard if you see odd colors, textures, or smells.
How to Tell When Turkey Gravy Has Gone Bad
Watch for these signs that turkey gravy has spoiled:
- Unusual soft or slimy texture
- Mold growing anywhere
- Discoloration
- Rancid or sour smell
- Bubbling when refrigerated
- Separation of liquids and solids
Don’t taste any gravy with signs of spoilage. Discard it immediately, as bacteria can still be present even if you remove mold.
Safe Storage Times for Turkey Gravy
Here are the recommended storage times for turkey gravy:
Refrigerator:
- Turkey Gravy with Vegetables Only – 3-4 days
- Turkey Gravy with Poultry – 3-4 days
Freezer:
- Turkey Gravy with Vegetables Only – 4-6 months
- Turkey Gravy with Poultry – 4-6 months
After Opening Canned Gravy:
- Refrigerate leftovers in airtight container for 3-4 days
After Cooking Gravy:
- Refrigerate in airtight container within 2 hours
- Reheat thoroughly to 165°F before serving
- Follow storage times for dishes gravy is added to
Answering Common Turkey Gravy Fridge Life Questions
Here are quick answers to some frequently asked questions:
How long can an unopened canned gravy be stored?
1-2 years in the pantry. Refrigerate after opening.
Can you freeze turkey gravy?
Yes. Freeze in airtight containers up to 4-6 months.
Can you reheat turkey gravy twice?
No. Only reheat once for food safety.
How do you store an opened jar of gravy?
Refrigerate in original jar or transfer to airtight container.
Does refrigerating gravy help it last longer?
Yes. The cold fridge temperature prevents bacteria growth.
Can you thicken refrigerated gravy?
Yes. Reheat and stir in a slurry of cornstarch/water to thicken.
Can turkey gravy left overnight at room temperature still be used?
No. Discard any gravy left out over 2 hours.
Can you get food poisoning from turkey gravy?
Yes. Contaminated gravy can contain dangerous bacteria. When in doubt, throw it out.
Can you freeze and thaw turkey gravy twice?
No. Only freeze once for safety. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Can cats or dogs eat turkey gravy?
No. Onions, garlic, salt and fat make it unsafe for pets.
Proper Storage Maximizes Freshness
Following proper storage procedures helps keep turkey gravy safe and fresh. Use clean tools and containers, chill quickly, and freeze for long-term storage.
When reheating, remember to heat to 165°F. And don’t forget to label leftovers with dates and contents! Enjoy your delicious turkey gravy by following these fridge life tips. But if you notice any signs of spoilage, play it safe and throw it out.
Long-Term Freezer Storage
If you plan to freeze some of the gravy before you make it, try to use as little fat, milk, or cream as possible when you prepare it, as those ingredients tend to separate during the thawing process. You can also significantly reduce the chance of separation if you run the gravy quickly through a blender or food processor before you package it for freezer storage.
Spoon the gravy into freezer bags, airtight containers, or ice cube trays (for use in smaller amounts in the future) before you freeze it. Flour-thickened gravy can remain frozen in an airtight container for up to four months without a noticeable loss in quality. Thaw frozen gravy in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat it slowly in a saucepan over medium-low heat, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Add a bit of water or stock if it seems too thick, or if the gravy separated. You may be able to pull it back together with a little extra liquid and some vigorous whisking. If you happen to have leftover roast or turkey that you would also like to freeze, package it in combination with the gravy for the best results. Cooked meats store and freeze better in their own gravy as it keeps the meat from drying out. Reheat meat-and-gravy combination dishes in a 350 F oven until it registers a temperature of 160 F in several places. Use frozen meat-and-gravy combinations within three months.
Short-Term Gravy Storage
Unfortunately, gravy begins to separate if you hold it for too long. To preserve the quality, refrigerate any leftover gravy promptly and use it within two days. After that time, you can boil any remaining gravy for three minutes to kill any bacteria, and then store it for another two days. You can follow this two-day process for up to a week, but you might find it easier to freeze the gravy in manageable portions.
How long should you keep leftovers in your fridge?
FAQ
How long will homemade gravy last in the fridge?
Gravy can be stored safely in the refrigerator for three to four days. If not used within that time, you can freeze it four to six months.
Does turkey gravy go bad in the fridge?
How Long Does Turkey Gravy Keep? You can refrigerate your finished gravy for up to 4 days, or freeze it for up to 4 months.
How can you tell if gravy has gone bad?
“Gravy that has gone bad typically will smell sour and can become slimy or moldy,” says Baker. “Separation is normal, but if it smells or looks off, throw it out.
Can I use week old gravy?
Leftover gravy will keep in your fridge for about three days. If you won’t use it up in that time, pour the gravy into a zip top bag and lay it flat on a rimmed baking sheet. Slide that baking sheet into the freezer and leave it until the gravy is a solid plank.
How long does gravy last in the fridge?
Not all gravy is the same: Factors such as storage methods and meat or vegetable content can dictate how long gravy lasts in the fridge. Per the USDA, regular meat-based gravy can be stored in a refrigerator for three to four days or in the freezer for four to six months.
How do you store Turkey Gravy?
To store turkey gravy properly, follow these tips: * Refrigerate gravy immediately after making it. Do not let gravy sit at room temperature for more than two hours. * Use airtight containers. Gravy should be stored in airtight containers to prevent the growth of bacteria. * Avoid storing gravy in the door of the refrigerator.
How long can gravy sit at room temperature?
Do not let gravy sit at room temperature for more than two hours. * Store gravy in an airtight container. This will help to prevent the gravy from coming into contact with air, which can speed up the spoilage process. * Label the container with the date that the gravy was made. This will help you to keep track of how long the gravy has been stored.
Can You thaw frozen turkey gravy?
To thaw frozen turkey gravy, place it in the refrigerator overnight. You can also thaw it in the microwave on the defrost setting. Once the gravy is thawed, reheat it until it is hot all the way through.
How long does store-bought gravy last?
Storing store-bought gravy based on the directions on the label can eliminate guesswork, but if you add the gravy to a meat or poultry dish, “you will need to treat it like the homemade gravy that would be prepped using meat and poultry,” says Sims. This means when properly stored (see above), it should last three to four days in the refrigerator.
How long can a frozen turkey last?
Frozen turkey can keep for 4 months in a freezer at 0°F or below. To thaw, keep it in the fridge 1-2 days. Do not thaw at room temp. Mark storage containers with dates so you know when leftovers were prepped. Never taste old, questionable turkey. When in doubt, throw it out!