Here's How Long Your Leftover Turkey Will Last in the Refrigerator and Freezer (2024)

FAQs

Here's How Long Your Leftover Turkey Will Last in the Refrigerator and Freezer? ›

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. If you store leftovers in the freezer, they will be of best quality within 2-6 months.

How Long Can You Freeze Leftover Turkey? Leftover turkey freezes well for up to six months if properly handled, packed and frozen within three days of the original preparation.

USDA recommends using cooked turkey within 3 to 4 days, kept refrigerated (40°F or less). Refrigeration slows but does not stop bacterial growth. Turkey can be frozen for 3 to 4 months. Although safe indefinitely, frozen leftovers can lose moisture and flavor when stored for longer times in the freezer.

How Long Does Turkey Last in the Fridge? The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends using cooked turkey within three to four days as long as it is kept refrigerated at a temperature that is 40°F or lower.

If those leftovers are exposed to temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit while under the sun or sitting in a car, for instance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend refrigerating the turkey within an hour to avoid food poisoning.

The USDA recommends using frozen turkey within the first year of storage for the best quality.

A whole turkey can be stored in the freezer for up to 12 months. Turkey pieces are best consumed within nine months. Ground turkey can be stored for up to three to four months.

In short, no. The USDA recommends using cooked turkey within 3–4 days, kept refrigerated (40°F or less).

According to foodsafety.gov, a website of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the following foods are safe in the fridge: Turkey: 3-4 days. Eat turkey within three to four days of cooking. If you use the turkey in a new dish like a soup or casserole, only consume within those initial four days.

Leftovers can be kept for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. After that, the risk of food poisoning goes up. If you don't think you'll be able to eat leftovers within four days, freeze them right away. Frozen leftovers will stay safe for a long time.

How to tell if turkey is bad? ›

"Consumers can tell leftover turkey has spoiled by using their senses," says Snyder. "Refrigerated turkey leftovers that have spoiled may be slimy or have a bad smell." If the turkey has been stored in the freezer, you will be able to tell if it is no longer safe to eat if it is discolored, tough, or dry.

A thawed turkey may be kept in the refrigerator (40 degrees F or below) up to 4 days before cooking. Frozen Whole Turkeys and Frozen Whole Turkey Breasts need to be thawed before cooking. Thaw Fully Cooked Baked and Smoked Turkeys via the refrigerator method.

Place on a microwave-safe dish to catch any juices that may leak. Cook your turkey immediately. Do not refreeze or refrigerate your turkey after thawing in the microwave oven.

Slice the meat from the turkey and wrap it in freezer paper or foil, then seal in plastic freezer bags (make sure to press out all the air before sealing). Liquids, like soup or gravy, will expand slightly as they freeze, so leave a little space at the top of the container.

Leftovers should be stored within two hours of cooking. Divide leftovers into smaller portions and refrigerate or freeze them in covered shallow containers so they cool quickly. A large container or whole turkey will take too long to cool down to a safe temperature, which gives bacteria a chance to multiply.

If your turkey is still frozen solid:

Try a safe quick-thawing method. Cold water: Keep the bird in its airtight packaging or a leak-proof bag, submerge it in cold water, and change the water every 30 minutes. Microwave: Use your manufacturer guidelines to thaw for about 6 minutes per pound.

Keep frozen until you're ready to thaw it. Turkeys can be kept in the freezer indefinitely. However, cook turkeys within 1 year for the best quality.

Unopened: Store in freezer and enjoy within two years. Storage of Leftovers: Refrigerate leftovers within 1 hour of eating. Use leftover turkey within 3 days.

Keep frozen until you're ready to thaw it. Turkeys can be kept frozen in the freezer indefinitely; however, cook within 1 year for best quality.

If you plan on reheating the frozen leftovers in hot food, like a stir fry, casserole, braised dish, or soup, you can skip the thawing step completely. Remove the individual portions from the freezer, chop into the appropriate pieces, and drop it in with the other ingredients.