How long do Thanksgiving leftovers last in the fridge?

After you’ve enjoyed your Thanksgiving feast, you’ll probably have leftovers, but how long can they last in the fridge before they go bad?

According to FoodSafety.gov, a website that lists food safety information provided by government agencies, cooked turkey can be stored in the refrigerator for three to four days. The same rule applies to dishes containing turkey, such as casseroles.

If you decided to buy the largest turkey you could find at the store this year and are having trouble finishing the leftovers over the weekend, you could throw excess cooked turkey meat in the freezer. According to FoodSafety.gov, frozen leftovers will be at their best quality within two to six months.

How long can Turkey suspend?

Your Thanksgiving dinner should last no longer than two hours. Be sure to refrigerate leftovers at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or colder within this time frame to prevent food poisoning, advises FoodSafety.gov.

The website also recommends cutting the turkey into small quantities before putting it in the fridge to help it cool faster.

How do I reheat my Thanksgiving leftovers?

You should reheat your leftovers to at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit and measure with a food thermometer, says FoodSafety.gov.

Reheating frozen leftovers without thawing is also safe, the website says. You can use a pot, oven or microwave to do this.

Sauces, soups and gravies can be reheated in a pot by bringing them to a boil.

When reheating your casseroles or other leftovers in the microwave, place the food evenly on a plate, cover the bowl, and rotate to ensure even heating. You may also need to add some liquid. When covering the food, make sure that the steam can escape.

When your food comes out of the microwave, let it rest and then check the temperature in several places with a food thermometer, as microwaves have cold spots, warns FoodSafety.gov.

What should I do with my leftovers?

As the third day of leftovers approaches, you may be tired of eating a traditional plate of Thanksgiving food. So why not switch?

There are tons of recipes you can find online to remake your leftover turkey and its sides. One of the most popular and easiest leftover creations is probably the Thanksgiving sandwich.

Heat up some turkey and place it between two slices of your favorite bread. Then the rest is up to you. You can replace your typical mayonnaise and mustard with gravy or cranberry sauce, or replace the lettuce and tomato with mashed potatoes and stuffing.