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Thanksgiving leftovers might be the best part of the holiday, but every year, they spark the same question: How long can you actually eat them?
Social media often turns it into a full-blown debate, led by rapper Plies and his running joke about Thanksgiving Food Rules.
But while the jokes are funny, food safety experts say there’s more to it than personal rules, and getting it wrong could leave more than just a bad taste.
The answer depends on how long the food’s been in your fridge, how it’s stored and how it’s reheated.
Here’s what to know.
How long do Thanksgiving leftovers last in the fridge?
Most Thanksgiving leftovers are safe to eat for three to four days when refrigerated, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
That means if you cooked on Thursday, you should plan to eat, freeze, or toss leftovers by Monday.
The agency warns that food left in the fridge longer than four days can develop bacteria, which can make it smell or taste bad even if it still looks fine.
Here’s a breakdown of how long different foods can safely stay in the refrigerator, according to Food Network:
- Turkey or ham: Three to four days refrigerated. Slice or shred before storing to help it cool evenly.
- Stuffing and casseroles: Three to four days refrigerated. These can also be frozen in smaller portions for later.
- Mashed potatoes and cooked vegetables: Three to four days refrigerated.
- Gravy and sauces: One to two days refrigerated, or freeze for longer storage.
- Pies: Four to five days refrigerated, though cream-based or custard pies should be eaten sooner.
- Cranberry sauce: Up to two weeks refrigerated
How long do leftovers last in the freezer?
Freezing can extend the life of most Thanksgiving foods for two to six months, according to the USDA.
Food kept frozen at 0°F stays safe indefinitely, though taste and texture start to decline after several months.
Food Network expert Teri Barrett recommends preparing food before freezing it to help preserve texture and flavor: “Freeze leftovers like turkey, casseroles or cooked grains, if desired, as they can freeze well for up to 3 months.”
She also suggests shredding or dicing turkey before freezing, and labeling each item with the date it was frozen to avoid freezer burn.
How do you safely reheat Thanksgiving leftovers?
Leftovers should always be reheated to an internal temperature of 165°F, according to the USDA.
That’s the point where any lingering bacteria are destroyed, keeping your food safe to eat.
Here’s how to safely warm up the most common Thanksgiving dishes:
- Soups, gravies, and sauces: Bring to a rolling boil before serving.
- Microwaved dishes: Cover and rotate to heat evenly, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent dryness.
- Oven reheating: Cover with foil to trap moisture, then uncover near the end for a little crisp.
- Frozen leftovers: Can be reheated straight from frozen but will take longer than thawed food.
The Food Network advises covering leftovers while reheating to “retain moisture and ensure that food heats all the way through.” Using a food thermometer can help confirm each dish reaches that 165°F mark.
What foods don’t keep well after Thanksgiving?
Not everything on the Thanksgiving table is built to last. Some dishes spoil faster than others, even if they’re stored correctly.
According to Food Network Kitchen, foods made with dairy, cream, eggs, mayonnaise or dressed greens are among the quickest to turn.
That includes:
- Cream-based pies and desserts such as pumpkin pie with whipped cream or custard fillings.
- Dishes made with mayonnaise or sour cream like deviled eggs, potato salad, or creamy dips.
- Leafy green salads, which wilt quickly once dressed.
- Seafood dishes or appetizers should be eaten within one or two days at most.
If you’re unsure whether something’s still safe, check the smell, texture, and color — but when in doubt, throw it out.
How can I keep track of what’s still safe to eat?
If you tend to forget when you packed things up, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends using its FoodKeeper app.
It tracks when you stored your food, reminds you when to eat or freeze it, and lists safe storage times for hundreds of items. The app also includes recall alerts and food safety tips to help prevent foodborne illness.
For more information or to download the app visit www.foodsafety.gov.
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Tiffani Jackson
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