Is it really Thanksgiving if you don’t wind up with leftovers? For many of us, that too much is just enough, because the actual best parts of the holiday are the meals that follow the original turkey feast. I’ll be honest and admit that I look forward to my Thanksgiving leftovers sandwich more than the holiday meal itself. But perhaps you’ve faced the remnants of that gorgeous, golden turkey centerpiece and debated the best way to store it, keeping safety (and flavor!) in mind. How long can you actually keep turkey in the fridge? Should some of the meat be frozen right away?
While you’re clearing the table and beginning to wash dishes, thinking about what you’re going to do with all that leftover turkey, here’s what you need to know.
Turkey is a popular centerpiece for holiday meals and family gatherings. But what do you do with the leftovers? Specifically how long can you safely store turkey with the bones still in? Proper storage is key to prevent bacterial growth and preserve flavor.
In this detailed guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about leaving turkey on the bone, including maximum fridge times, freezer recommendations, food safety tips and signs of spoilage.
The Short Answer
The USDA recommends using or freezing leftover turkey within 3 to 4 days when refrigerated at 40°F or below. Leaving the bones in is fine during this time. After 4 days quality starts to decline as minerals from the bones leach into the meat. For best quality carve off the meat within 1 to 2 days.
Factors that Determine Turkey Shelf Life
Several key factors impact how long leftover turkey will last:
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Storage Temperature: Turkey should be refrigerated at 40°F or below. Higher temps allow rapid bacteria growth.
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Cook Method Well-cooked whole turkeys (165°F internal temp) last 3 to 4 days Higher cooked temps from methods like deep frying extend shelf life slightly.
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Meat Type: Dark meat lasts longer than white breast meat. Cooking method has less impact on its shelf life.
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Bone Status: Bones release iron, magnesium and calcium over time, breaking down meat fibers and quality.
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Freezer Time: Frozen turkey maintains optimal quality for 2 to 6 months. Ground turkey or pieces may last 4 to 12 months.
Refrigerator Storage Timelines
Here are general guidelines for maximum refrigerator storage times:
- Whole Turkey: 3 to 4 days
- Turkey Pieces/Meat Off Bone: 3 to 4 days
- Turkey Carcass for Broth: 1 to 2 days
- Cooked Stuffing: 3 to 4 days
- Gravy: 1 to 2 days
Always discard any turkey that smells bad, looks slimy or has an off color. When in doubt, throw it out!
Tips for Maximizing Fridge Life
Follow these tips to safely maximize turkey refrigerator life:
- Chill within 2 hours of cooking. Cut large pieces to speed cooling.
- Store turkey tightly wrapped in shallow containers to maintain moisture.
- Cook to 165°F internal temperature and reheat to 165°F when serving.
- Keep raw turkey separate from cooked foods to avoid cross-contamination.
- Remove stuffing and store separately. Broth offers the perfect environment for bacteria.
- Add leftover turkey to soups, casseroles and wraps within 3 to 4 days. The sauces help preserve turkey.
Freezing Cooked Turkey
For longer term storage, freeze any leftovers you won’t use within 3 to 4 days:
- Allow turkey to fully cool first. Divide meat into usable portions.
- Pack tightly in airtight freezer bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible.
- Label bags with contents and freeze date.
- Maintain a constant 0°F freezer temperature.
- For best texture, do not thaw before re-heating. Cook frozen.
- Use frozen turkey within 2 to 6 months for optimal freshness. Ground turkey or pieces may last 4 to 12 months frozen.
Thawing Frozen Turkey Safely
Turkeys are quite large, so thawing takes time. Here are some safe methods:
- Fridge: Allow 24 hours per 4 to 5 pounds. Place on a plate or pan to catch drips.
- Cold Water: Submerge sealed turkey in cold tap water, changing water every 30 minutes. About 30 minutes per pound.
- Microwave: Check manufacturer guidelines for defrosting times based on weight. Cook immediately after thawing.
Always cook thawed turkey immediately and do not refreeze.
Food Safety Precautions
Take these precautions when handling raw turkey:
- Refrigerate raw turkey within 2 hours of purchasing. Use within 1 to 2 days.
- Thaw in the refrigerator, never at room temperature.
- Avoid rinsing raw turkey, which can splash bacteria. Pat dry with paper towels instead.
- Use separate cutting boards, plates and utensils for raw turkey to avoid cross-contamination.
- Wash hands, utensils and surfaces thoroughly after handling raw turkey.
- Cook turkey thoroughly until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
How to Tell If Turkey Has Gone Bad
Check your leftover turkey for these signs of spoilage:
- Unpleasant odors orslimy texture
- Graying, dull coloration
- Drying around the edges or mushy spots
- Mold growth anywhere on the turkey
- Greenish tinge around bones
When in doubt, do not eat turkey that looks or smells questionable. Don’t risk getting sick from spoiled turkey.
Making Turkey Stock From the Carcass
One way to use up the leftover turkey carcass is converting it into homemade stock. Here are some tips:
- Use the carcass within 1 to 2 days for the most flavorful broth.
- Place carcass in a stock pot and add veggies, herbs and enough water to cover.
- Gently simmer 3 to 4 hours until broth is rich and flavorful.
- Strain the stock then chill overnight in the fridge so fat solidifies.
- Skim off the fat before using or freezing stock.
- Turkey stock keeps for 4 days refrigerated or 6 months frozen.
The Takeaway
Leftover turkey will stay fresh and moist for 3 to 4 days when refrigerated and tightly wrapped. For best quality, carve off the meat within 1 to 2 days. The bones can be used right away to make flavorful broth. Freeze any turkey you won’t use within 3 to 4 days. With proper storage and handling, you can safely enjoy your holiday turkey for days after!
How long does turkey last in the fridge?
With your leftovers sitting in front of you, the first step in smart turkey storage is to think about what you’re going to do with them. Do you have a leftover turkey recipe that you’re already planning to try for Friday dinner? Or would you like to keep that delicious turkey in reserve for sometime down the road? Even though you may be exhausted from a day or two of cooking, entertaining and feasting, it’s still best to deal with your turkey in one way or another as soon as possible.
From a food safety perspective, it’s important to minimize the time your turkey spends in the “Danger Zone,” or between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The USDA notes that food has a limit of two hours at room temperature before bacteria growth becomes an issue.
Asking the experts how long cooked turkey keeps in the fridge yields a range of answers. LG’s resident culinary expert Brian Karam recommends capping it at one to two days, but also suggests that “time can be maximized by keeping larger pieces whole and not making them smaller before refrigerating, [as] smaller pieces are more susceptible to air exposure and could hasten spoilage in refrigerator.” Aly Forster of Diestel Family Ranch says “you will want to consume within three to four days.” The USDA’s guidelines state that “Thanksgiving leftovers are safe to eat up to four days in the refrigerator.” At the furthest end of the spectrum, Patrick L. Guzzle, vice president of food science at the National Restaurant Association says that “seven days is the maximum time recommended for cooked foods to be stored in the refrigerator.”
The wide variation in answers largely comes down to the difference between food safety and food quality. Guzzle points out that “Food safety is primarily concerned with harmful microbiological organisms, [and] may veer from what an average consumer might consider for quality (i.e., taste, texture, aroma, etc.)” Fortunately, Forster adds, “We like to say ‘poultry isn’t shy’—one whiff easily lets you know if that meat is still wholesome!” Ultimately, when using leftovers, Forster concludes, you’ll need to use your best judgment to determine how long you feel comfortable within this range. Be sure, she notes, to “inspect the turkey for any signs of spoilage.” Or as I like to say, “When in doubt, throw it out.”
If you’ve only got enough turkey left for a few sandwiches and a batch of turkey jook, keeping your leftover meat in the fridge will be enough. But if you have enough for a couple more full feasts, then you’ll want to think about freezing that turkey for the future.
We’ve still got half a bird!
You’re not alone. Whether you’re buying a frozen Butterball turkey, a heritage bird from your local butcher shop, or a smaller turkey breast, leftovers are almost a given. According to a 2011 USDA study, around 35% of turkey is wasted each year, so understanding how to best store your leftovers goes a long way to reducing the amount of turkey that ends up in landfills and compost heaps. That statistic feels even larger when you learn that the National Turkey Federation reports that 88% of Americans eat turkey on Thanksgiving, and Butterball’s senior brand manager Chad McFadden notes that 79% of consumers surveyed for a 2023 report planned to buy a whole bird. McFadden also says that the most popular Thanksgiving turkey option weighs between 16 and 20 pounds, and the average guest count for the holiday is nine people, with a suggested estimate of 1 to 1.5 pounds of turkey per person. After we do some quick turkey math, this suggests that, generally, households have somewhere between 2.5 and 11 pounds of turkey and turkey bones left after the Thursday Thanksgiving feast. That’s a lot of sandwiches.
How to Safely Thaw a Frozen Turkey
FAQ
How long can you leave turkey on the bone in the fridge?
When stored in the refrigerator, turkey does not last as long. Snyder points to the USDA FoodKeeper app for best guidance: The tool notes that refrigerated, cooked turkey should be eaten within 4 days.
Is it OK to leave turkey on the bone?
Wings and legs may be refrigerated without removing the meat from the bones, but any remaining meat on the body must be removed especially if the turkey has been stuffed. Any leftover meat that has been in contact with the stuffing should be discarded if it is not used within a day or two.
How long can you leave turkey on the carcass?
3-4 day leftover rule: Once Thanksgiving Day has passed, you will want to eat or freeze leftovers in 3 to 4 days (including the bones of the carcass). Starting the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, turkey leftovers and any other leftovers can become more of a food poisoning risk to your household.
How to keep a turkey warm for 4 hours?
The turkey will stay warm for hours as if it’s in a warming drawer if you cover the turkey with aluminum foil and then place heavy beach-type towels over it.
Can cooked turkey be left on the bone?
Cooked turkey can be left on the bone if it is cooked through, but personally I do not recommend it. Left on the bone means that the turkey is cook-through and may be more difficult to chew. Additionally, left on the bone can make for a messy meal because of all the Bones that are leftover. How long can cooked turkey stay on the bone?
How long does cooked turkey last on the bone?
Cooked turkey can last for up to four days on the bone, according to the USDA. The meat will be safe to eat if it is wrapped in a moist towel and refrigerated. Why do you have to take turkey off the bone? Cooked turkey can last on the bone for up to 3 days in the fridge. The longer it remains on the bone, the more flavorful and juicy it will be.
Can you store cooked turkey on the bone?
Cooked turkey can be stored on the bone, but it can also be stored in a refrigerator. The main difference between storing cooked turkey on the bone and in a fridge is that cooked turkey that is stored on the bone will not spoil. How do you store turkey after cooking? Cooked turkey can stay on the bone for up to four days in the fridge.
How long can you keep turkey bones in the fridge?
You can safely store turkey bones in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. This allows you to enjoy a delicious turkey soup or stock without worrying about foodborne illness. However, it’s essential to store the bones properly in a covered container and keep your fridge at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below.
How many turkey bones are left after Thanksgiving?
After we do some quick turkey math, this suggests that, generally, households have somewhere between 2.5 and 11 pounds of turkey and turkey bones left after the Thursday Thanksgiving feast. That’s a lot of sandwiches. How long is it safe to leave turkey on the bone?
How long can turkey bones be frozen?
Frozen turkey bones can be stored for 3 to 4 months. When freezing turkey bones, make sure to place them in an airtight container or freezer bag to prevent freezer burn and contamination. Label the container with the date and contents, and store it in the coldest part of the freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or below.