How long is turkey and other Thanksgiving foods safe to eat? When you eat something, throw away the leftovers

Now that Thanksgiving is over, the family gatherings, the delicious feasts, and the familiar smells are behind us. As the fridge fills up with leftovers and the holiday chaos subsides, many of us wonder how long we can safely enjoy the holiday’s delicious leftovers.

If you’re wondering how to safely enjoy your Thanksgiving leftovers, here’s what you need to know to keep your food delicious and safe.

How long is it safe to eat Thanksgiving leftovers?

Thanksgiving leftovers can be safely eaten within three to four days if properly stored in the refrigerator at or below 40°F, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture guidelines. However, the storage time varies depending on the food:

• Cooked turkey: 3 to 4 days

• Cooked ham: 3 to 4 days

• Stuffing and sauce: 1 to 2 days

• Casseroles and cooked vegetables: 3 to 4 days

• Cranberry sauce: Up to 7 days

To store your leftovers safely, be sure to store them within two hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth. Use shallow containers to help food cool quickly, and always reheat leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F.

Make sure you either eat, freeze, or throw away any leftovers by Monday.

Is it OK to freeze leftovers after they’ve been in the fridge?

If you need more time to enjoy your leftovers, freezing is a good option. Most items will last two to six months in the freezer.

You can freeze leftovers for up to three days after storing them in the refrigerator. Although freezing may slightly affect quality, it helps keep your food safe to eat for a longer period of time. For best quality, use frozen leftovers within two to six months and store them in airtight containers to prevent freezer burn.

Creative ways to use your leftovers

The leftover post-Thanksgiving sandwich is almost as iconic as the holiday itself. Packed with turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and a drizzle of gravy or mayonnaise, this sandwich combines the best elements of Thanksgiving food in a convenient, handy form.

USA TODAY has a recipe for the perfect leftover sandwich.

Other ideas include:

This article originally appeared on the Austin American-Statesman: Thanksgiving 2024: When to throw out turkey and other leftovers