Here’s what to store in the fridge, what to freeze, and how long leftovers last for everything from turkey to pumpkin pie.
When you’ve spent hours or days preparing Thanksgiving dinner, you probably don’t want to think about storing leftovers. However, knowing how to store leftovers from Thanksgiving is crucial if you want to make the most of your efforts. In addition to preventing food waste, this will guarantee that you have time to savor every dish when the celebration is over.
All leftovers, no matter what you serve for Thanksgiving, should be refrigerated as soon as possible after being prepared or heated, preferably within two hours. Food will enter the temperature danger zone (between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit) after two hours at room temperature, where dangerous bacteria can grow and multiply quickly to dangerous levels. This will increase the risk of foodborne illness, ultimatly putting a damper on the holiday season.
Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and, of course, delicious food. But what happens to all that leftover turkey after the feast is over? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this guide, we’ll show you how to preserve leftover turkey so that you can enjoy it for days to come.
Refrigeration: The Quick and Easy Option
The simplest way to preserve leftover turkey is to store it in the refrigerator. However it’s important to do so properly to prevent spoilage and maintain the quality of the meat. Here’s what you need to know:
- Cool it down quickly. Don’t leave your turkey sitting out at room temperature for more than two hours. This will help prevent the growth of bacteria.
- Carve and remove stuffing. Separate the turkey meat from the bones and remove any stuffing from the cavity. This will help the meat cool down faster.
- Store in airtight containers. Place the turkey meat in shallow containers or resealable plastic bags. This will help to keep the meat moist and prevent it from drying out.
- Label and date. Label the containers with the date so you know how long the turkey has been in the refrigerator.
Freezing: For Long-Term Storage
If you’re not planning on eating your leftover turkey within a few days, you can freeze it for up to four months. Here’s how:
- Wrap it tightly. Wrap the turkey meat in freezer paper or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. This will help to prevent freezer burn.
- Label and date. Label the bag with the date so you know how long the turkey has been in the freezer.
- Thaw safely. When you’re ready to eat the turkey, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. You can also thaw it in a cold water bath, but be sure to change the water every 30 minutes.
Tips for Reheating Leftover Turkey
When reheating leftover turkey, it’s important to do so safely to prevent foodborne illness. Here are a few tips:
- Reheat thoroughly. Make sure the turkey is heated to an internal temperature of 165°F. You can use a food thermometer to check the temperature.
- Reheat only what you’ll eat. Don’t reheat the entire turkey if you’re only going to eat a small portion. This will help to prevent the turkey from drying out.
- Use different methods. You can reheat leftover turkey in the oven, microwave, or on the stovetop. Choose the method that best suits your needs.
Creative Ways to Use Leftover Turkey
Leftover turkey is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas:
- Turkey sandwiches. This is a classic way to use leftover turkey. Add your favorite toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise.
- Turkey soup. Turkey soup is a hearty and comforting meal that’s perfect for a cold day. Add your favorite vegetables and noodles.
- Turkey pot pie. Turkey pot pie is a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a family dinner. Add your favorite vegetables and a flaky crust.
- Turkey salad. Turkey salad is a light and refreshing dish that’s perfect for a summer picnic. Add your favorite vegetables and mayonnaise.
With a little planning and care, you can easily preserve leftover turkey and enjoy it for days or even months to come. So don’t throw away that delicious Thanksgiving feast! Instead, get creative and find new ways to enjoy it.
Additional Resources:
- USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/leftovers
- Real Simple: https://www.realsimple.com/how-to-store-leftover-turkey-6823803
FAQs:
- How long can I keep leftover turkey in the refrigerator?
You can keep leftover turkey in the refrigerator for up to four days.
- How long can I keep leftover turkey in the freezer?
You can keep leftover turkey in the freezer for up to four months.
- How do I reheat leftover turkey safely?
Reheat leftover turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- What are some creative ways to use leftover turkey?
You can use leftover turkey in sandwiches, soups, pot pies, and salads.
Stuffing
When it comes to Thanksgiving stuffing (or dressing), storage depends on your recipes ingredients. According to Baker, “stuffing has a shelf life of seven days if stored in a refrigerator” from the day of preparation. However, the shelf-life will be seven days if any of the ingredients in the stuffing were prepared before the stuffing was cooked. As an illustration, suppose that on November 21 you made sausage and on November 24 you used the sausage to make stuffing. The sausage stuffing should be eaten or tossed by November 28 (i. e. , seven days after you cooked the sausage), rather than December 1, says Baker.
Vegetable Sides
Any type of cooked vegetable should be kept in the refrigerator for three to four days, according to the USDA. Its generally not recommended to freeze cooked vegetable sides as freezing can ruin their quality and texture. This is particularly valid for dishes that have breaded or creamy sauce toppings, like green bean casserole.