You may be starting to piece together your Thanksgiving dinner menu. But what about the for the next few days that follow?
Leftovers are a tried and true part of the Thanksgiving experience. Health experts highlight how vital it is to make sure to follow health guidelines when it comes to storing those dishes for later consumption, though. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that foodborne illness causes 48 million illnesses, 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths in the U.S. every year.
“Food safety is such an important topic at Thanksgiving, especially as Americans prepare to cook a large meal for large groups that they don’t often prepare,” Meredith Carothers, MPH, a food safety public affairs specialist for the USDA, tells USA TODAY.
Heres how to make sure youre preserving those leftovers to safely consume for the next few days.
The holiday season often leaves us with bountiful leftovers including turkey. With busy schedules those leftovers may linger in the fridge for a week or more. But is turkey still safe to eat after 7 days? Unraveling food safety guidelines helps us thoughtfully enjoy leftovers without risking illness.
When improperly stored, leftovers become vulnerable to bacteria like salmonella and listeria. These can rapidly multiply at room temperature and even under refrigeration, producing toxins that cause foodborne illness. Reheating generally kills bacteria but not these harmful toxins, making spoiled food unsafe even when cooked.
So what do experts recommend for optimal safety with leftover turkey?
USDA Guidelines for Leftover Turkey
The USDA’s FoodKeeper app offers the following guidance:
- Refrigerate turkey within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacteria growth.
- Use refrigerated turkey within 3-4 days for optimum quality and safety.
- Frozen turkey stays safe indefinitely but maintains quality for just 2-6 months.
These guidelines demonstrate turkey’s short fridge life of just 3-4 days The USDA does not recommend consuming refrigerated turkey beyond this timeframe
Potential Risks of Aging Leftovers
Eating turkey older than 3-4 days poses several risks:
- Bacteria may have multiplied to dangerous levels despite refrigeration. Their toxins remain even if cooked.
- Spoiled turkey develops an off smell, color, or slimy texture as microbes break it down. This indicates it should be discarded.
- Precious nutrients degrade over time. The food loses quality.
- Mold can grow on aging leftovers, producing harmful mycotoxins that cooking can’t neutralize. Visible mold warrants discarding.
Freezing Locks In Freshness
Freezing pauses bacteria growth and spoilage reactions for optimal leftovers storage. The USDA confirms frozen turkey remains safe indefinitely, though its quality fades beyond 2-6 months when freezer burn may occur. For turkey you can’t eat within 3-4 days, freezing is ideal.
Proper Freezing Guidelines
Follow these tips for safely freezing leftover turkey:
- Let turkey cool completely before freezing to avoid temperature irregularities that can foster bacteria growth.
- Store turkey in air-tight, freezer-safe containers clearly labeled with dates. This prevents freezer burn.
- Portion turkey into smaller containers for quicker thawing and use.
- Avoid overstuffing the freezer, as this slows temperature stabilization.
- Defrost turkey safely in the fridge overnight before reheating. Don’t thaw at room temperature.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, consuming 7-day-old refrigerated turkey poses safety concerns due to the potential for spoilage and bacteria accumulation. For turkey lasting over 3-4 days, the freezer becomes the safest storage solution. By following proper freezing and thawing methods, leftover turkey can be safely enjoyed for months. Trust official USDA guidance and your senses to determine if aging leftovers are still safe and wholesome.
How Long Does Turkey Last In The Fridge?
According to the USDA, cooked turkey will only last 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. This short shelf life is due to turkey’s high protein content, which allows bacteria to multiply quickly if not properly refrigerated or frozen.
Here are some key turkey fridge life guidelines:
- Store cooked turkey in shallow airtight containers to maintain quality and prevent drying out.
- Make sure your refrigerator temperature is set to 40°F or below.
- Use turkey within 3 to 4 days for maximum safety and quality.
- Check for signs of spoilage like foul odor, sliminess, or discoloration.
- Don’t taste test questionable turkey – when in doubt, throw it out.
Cook turkey to a safe internal temperature of 165°F as measured by a food thermometer. Then refrigerate within 2 hours (1 hour if the room is above 90°F).
Freezing Extends Turkey’s Fridge Life
For turkey you can’t consume within 3 to 4 days, freezing is the best method for extended storage. Frozen turkey maintains ideal quality for 2 to 6 months.
Follow these tips for freezing turkey:
- Portion turkey into shallow containers or bags before freezing. This speeds thawing.
- Avoid overstuffing the freezer, which slows temperature stabilization.
- Label packages with contents and dates. Use oldest turkey first.
- Keep frozen turkey 0°F or below to maintain safety and quality.
- Defrost turkey overnight in the fridge before use. Don’t thaw on counter.
Frozen turkey that’s properly thawed and handled is safe to eat even months later, letting you enjoy delicious leftovers for longer.
What If Turkey Exceeds Recommended Fridge Life?
Consuming turkey that’s exceeded the recommended 3 to 4 day fridge life poses potential foodborne illness risks. Bacteria like salmonella can multiply and produce toxins that withstand thorough reheating.
Follow these guidelines with older turkey:
- Don’t taste, use, or eat turkey with an off smell, appearance, or texture. Discard it.
- Don’t rely on cooking methods like boiling to make older turkey safe. Toxins remain.
- If uncertain about older turkey’s safety, remember – when in doubt, throw it out. Don’t risk illness.
- Stick to 3 to 4 days max fridge storage, even for large birds providing ample leftovers. Divide and freeze additional turkey.
Ultimately, food safety should come before economy when handling turkey leftovers. Discard aging turkey even if it seems a shame to waste food, and enjoy your feast again through properly frozen leftovers.
Key Takeaways
- Cooked turkey only lasts 3 to 4 days in the fridge before bacteria risk increases.
- Frozen turkey stays at quality for 2 to 6 months when properly stored at 0°F.
- Discard turkey exceeding 3 to 4 days refrigeration – don’t rely on cooking or boiling to make it safe.
- Divide and freeze excess turkey you can’t eat within 3 to 4 days while it’s still fresh.
- Handle turkey carefully and use proper storage methods to maximize leftovers safety and quality.
Following food safety fundamentals lets you make the most of your holiday turkey and safely enjoy delicious leftovers. Trust your nose and the USDA’s guidance to determine when turkey’s time is up.
How long is leftover turkey good for?
Unless youre using a buffet warming tray that heats up to at least 140°F, your turkey leftovers should be put away in the refrigerator or freezer within two hours, according to Carothers. It should go in an airtight container, and, if frozen, should be reheated to at least 165°F before consuming, Washington, D.C.-based dietitian Caroline Thomason, RD, CDCES, tells USA TODAY.
“Thanksgiving leftovers are safe in the refrigerator for up to four days — until the Monday after Thanksgiving to eat them — or you can place them in the freezer to enjoy later,” Carothers says. “If you store leftovers in the freezer, they will remain of best quality for up to two to six months.”
That refrigeration rule extends to all other leftovers — were talking mashed potatoes, gravy, mac and cheese and the rest of your Turkey Day lineup.
Healthiest Thanksgiving sides: Youre probably missing these two dishes on the table
What to do with leftover turkey
While were all about eating Thanksgiving leftovers as-is the next day, James Beard Award-nominated chef Jerome Grant, along with Thomason, also offers plenty of ideas to make the same foods feel new again. Turkey is “so versatile as a lean protein,” Thomason says, making it the perfect center of myriad recipes, including the ones below:
- Turkey and vegetable soup or stew: Throw in leftover veggies and herbs into a pot with a stock. Or if youre feeling ambitious, save the turkey carcass and simmer that to make stock from scratch.
- Turkey tacos with salsa and avocado
- Turkey sandwiches or wraps with sweet potato and cranberry sauce
- Turkey pot pie with vegetables, gravy and a flaky pie crust
- Breakfast hash with turkey and sweet potato
- Turkey fried rice topped with a fried egg and chili crisp
This article contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
How long is leftover turkey good for in the fridge?
FAQ
Can you eat 7 day old turkey?
You can safely eat leftover turkey within 3 to 4 days when stored properly in the refrigerator at or below 40°F (4°C). If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 to 6 months. Always make sure to reheat the turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before eating.
Is turkey safe to eat after 7 days?
Refrigerate cold food as soon as you get home (always within 2 hours). Serve your meal within 3 to 4 days. Reheating a Whole Turkey is NOT Recommended. If you plan to reheat a turkey, cut the meat into smaller pieces.
Is it okay if turkey was left in the fridge for a week?
Storing Leftover Turkey
Use refrigerated turkey and stuffing within 3 to 4 days. Use gravy within 1 to 2 days. If freezing, use leftovers within 2 to 6 months for best quality.
How long do Turkey Leftovers last?
Leftovers can last in the fridge for up to a day or two depending on how well they are stored. Turkey leftovers are generally safe to eat, but it is best to store them in a cool and dry place. Are leftovers good after 7 days? There are many opinions on the matter, but one thing is for sure- leftovers are always a good option.
Can you eat leftover Turkey after 6 days?
Many people believe that it is safe to eat leftover turkey after 6 days, as the bird has had time to cook. However, there are some risks associated with eating cooked turkey, so it is important to be careful. How do you know if turkey is going bad? When it comes to food, there are a few things you can do to determine if your turkey is going bad.
How long should a Turkey last after cooking?
The best part of cooking a turkey is all the leftovers! Leftovers should be refrigerated within 2 hours of cooking. Store them tightly wrapped, in your 34-38 degrees F refrigerator. Leftovers should be used up in 3 days. If you’re not sure that you’ll finish your leftovers before then, it’s a good idea to freeze them for later.
How long can a Turkey stay in the fridge after Thanksgiving?
The answer is simple: leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for three to four days. This means you have until the Monday after Thanksgiving to eat all those delicious leftovers or place them in the freezer to enjoy later. How long can a turkey be in the fridge and still be good?
Is leftover Turkey as delicious as the original?
Nobody really wants to cook after a long Thanksgiving day in the kitchen, but when done right, leftover turkey can be just as tasty as the original meal. Thanksgiving dinner is a lot of work and it can be tempting to take shortcuts when it comes to cleaning and leftovers.
How long can a Sliced turkey last?
Once refrigerated, leftover sliced turkey maintains optimal quality for 3 to 4 days If keeping the whole carved bird, it should be consumed within 1 to 2 days. Cooked turkey can be identified as spoiled if you notice an off smell, sliminess, or mold growth Discard any turkey that exhibits these signs of spoilage.