Most of us look forward to taking the turkey out of the oven to enjoy its delicious aromas and crispy golden-brown skin after all of the work and time that goes into cooking one. And everyone wants to be sure to save the leftovers (there always are some) for turkey soup. How can you be sure your leftovers are safe?.
In the danger zone, which is between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, a turkey can be left outside for no more than two hours. Turkey should only be left out for an hour at a time if the room temperature is higher than ninety degrees. After that, it needs to be stored in the freezer or refrigerator to stop dangerous bacteria from growing on the surface.
Continue reading to find out about food safety and how to store your delectable leftovers before letting your cooked turkey sit out in the temperature danger zone for an extended period of time.
Ah, Thanksgiving. A time for family, friends, and a feast of epic proportions. But what happens when the feast is over and you’re left with a mountain of leftover turkey? Can you leave it out overnight or does it need to be refrigerated immediately?
The answer, unfortunately, is not as simple as a yes or no It depends on a few factors, including the temperature of your kitchen, how long the turkey was out, and whether it was covered.
The Danger Zone: When Bacteria Thrive
According to the USDA, cooked turkey should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours. This is because the “danger zone” for bacteria growth is between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. At these temperatures, bacteria can multiply rapidly, increasing the risk of foodborne illness.
Playing It Safe: Refrigerate Your Leftovers
To err on the side of caution, it’s always best to refrigerate your leftover turkey as soon as possible. This will help to slow down the growth of bacteria and keep your food safe to eat.
If You Must Leave It Out:
If you absolutely must leave your turkey out overnight, there are a few things you can do to minimize the risk of bacteria growth:
- Cover the turkey tightly. This will help to prevent it from drying out and will also keep out any unwanted insects or pests.
- Place the turkey in a cool, dry place. The cooler the temperature, the slower the bacteria will grow.
- Reheat the turkey thoroughly before eating. This will kill any bacteria that may have grown.
When in Doubt, Throw It Out
If you’re unsure whether your turkey is safe to eat, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and throw it out. Foodborne illness is not something to take lightly, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Additional Tips for Safe Food Handling:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling food.
- Use clean utensils and cutting boards.
- Thaw frozen turkey in the refrigerator, not at room temperature.
- Cook turkey to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking.
Leaving cooked turkey out overnight is not recommended, as it can increase the risk of bacteria growth and foodborne illness. If you must leave it out, follow the tips above to minimize the risk. When in doubt, throw it out.
Remember, food safety is everyone’s responsibility. By following these simple tips, you can help to keep yourself and your family safe from foodborne illness.
Can I Freeze Cooked Turkey Leftovers?
If you want to freeze the cooked turkey leftovers, you have six months to eat them. Wrap the meat in foil and place it in a freezer bag with the air squeezed out to avoid freezer burn.
When you are ready to thaw out the frozen cooked turkey, place it in the fridge. Do not thaw it out on the counter.
You can reheat turkey directly from frozen. It will take longer than if the turkey had been thawed, but before you eat, you should still use a thermometer to check the internal temperature. Again, you should have stored the leftovers in small portions for effective reheating.
Should I Put the Whole Turkey in the Fridge?
Turkey should be stored in smaller pieces, not whole. Do not try to put the entire carcass into the fridge. It takes a long time to cool down, and it is challenging to seal into a single container.
Take all the meat off the bones soon after eating and put it in an airtight container. You should store the turkey in smaller portions as it will be cooler faster and reheat faster. Bring the turkey leftovers back up to 165 degrees Fahrenheit before you eat it out of the fridge.
Can a cooked turkey be left out overnight?
FAQ
Can I eat cooked turkey that was left out overnight?
How long can you leave a turkey out after cooked?
How do you store cooked turkey overnight?
How long can you keep a turkey warm after cooking?
Can you leave Turkey out overnight?
Turkey is a perishable food and should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours. Leaving turkey out overnight can increase the risk of foodborne illness. Refrigerate turkey in a covered container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Turkey can also be frozen for up to two months. Can I Leave Turkey Out Overnight?
What happens if you leave cooked turkey out for a few hours?
Leaving cooked turkey out for a few hours can be cause for concern. Bacteria thrive at temperatures between 41 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, which is exactly where room temperature falls. Bacteria can be introduced onto your turkey if it is not cooked properly, by other raw foods through cross-contamination, or by humans.
Can You Thaw a turkey overnight?
When you are ready to cook the turkey, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or in the microwave. Do not thaw the turkey at room temperature, as this can encourage the growth of bacteria. It is not safe to leave turkey out overnight.
Does cooked turkey need to be refrigerated?
Cooked meats may not be as risky as raw meats, and it is not guaranteed that you will get sick from eating turkey that has been left out overnight, but the USDA states that this unsafe and cooked meat must be refrigerated. How Long Can You Leave Cooked Turkey at Room Temperature For?