For many of us, that too much is just enough, since the real highlights of the holiday are the meals that come after the initial turkey feast. After all, is Thanksgiving really Thanksgiving if you don’t end up with leftovers? To be completely honest, I prefer my Thanksgiving leftovers sandwich to the actual holiday meal. However, you may have encountered the remains of that exquisite golden turkey centerpiece and discussed the best way to preserve it while considering both taste and safety. What is the real refrigerator life span for turkey? Should some of the meat be frozen straight away?
Here’s what you should know as you start to wash the dishes and clear the table, wondering what to do with all that leftover turkey.
Ah, Thanksgiving. A time for family, friends, and a whole lot of delicious food. But what happens when the feast is over and you’re left with a mountain of leftover turkey? No worries, turkey lovers, we’ve got you covered!
How Long Does Leftover Turkey Last in the Fridge?
According to the USDA, cooked turkey can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. This means you have a few days to enjoy those delicious turkey sandwiches, soups, and casseroles.
How to Store Leftover Turkey Safely:
- Cool it down quickly: After your turkey feast, divide the leftover turkey into smaller portions and refrigerate them in shallow containers. This will help the turkey cool down faster, preventing the growth of bacteria.
- Wrap it up tight: Make sure the containers are tightly covered to prevent the turkey from drying out or absorbing other flavors in the fridge.
- Label it: Label the containers with the date so you know how long the turkey has been in the fridge.
How Long Can You Freeze Leftover Turkey?
If you’re not planning on eating all your leftover turkey within 3 to 4 days, you can freeze it for longer storage. Frozen turkey is safe to eat indefinitely, but for the best quality, it’s recommended to consume it within 2 to 6 months.
How to Freeze Leftover Turkey:
- Wrap it up tight: Wrap the turkey tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Label it: Label the container with the date and contents.
- Freeze it flat: If possible, freeze the turkey flat to save space and ensure it freezes evenly.
How to Thaw Frozen Leftover Turkey:
- Thaw in the refrigerator: The safest way to thaw frozen turkey is in the refrigerator. Allow 24 hours for every 5 pounds of turkey.
- Thaw in cold water: If you’re short on time, you can thaw frozen turkey in cold water. Submerge the turkey in a leak-proof bag and change the water every 30 minutes. This method takes about 30 minutes per pound of turkey.
- Do not thaw at room temperature: Thawing turkey at room temperature is not safe, as it can allow bacteria to grow.
How to Reheat Leftover Turkey:
- Reheat thoroughly: Leftover turkey should be reheated to an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a food thermometer to check the temperature.
- Reheat in a saucepan or microwave: Leftover turkey can be reheated in a saucepan on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Reheat covered: Cover the turkey while reheating to help it retain moisture and heat evenly.
Tips for Using Leftover Turkey:
- Make sandwiches or wraps: Leftover turkey is perfect for making sandwiches, wraps, or salads.
- Add it to soups or stews: Leftover turkey can be added to soups, stews, or casseroles for extra flavor and protein.
- Make a pot pie: Leftover turkey is a great filling for a pot pie.
- Use it in tacos or burritos: Leftover turkey can be used in tacos, burritos, or quesadillas.
When to Toss Leftover Turkey:
- If it has been in the refrigerator for more than 4 days.
- If it has been in the freezer for more than 6 months.
- If it has a bad odor or appearance.
Additional Resources:
- USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/leftovers
- Epicurious: https://www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/how-long-does-turkey-last-in-the-fridge
So there you have it! A complete guide to storing, freezing, and reheating leftover turkey. Now go forth and enjoy those delicious Thanksgiving leftovers!
How long does turkey last in the fridge?
The first step in storing your leftovers wisely is to consider what you’re going to do with them when they’re sitting in front of you. Even though you may be worn out from a day or two of cooking, entertaining, and feasting, it’s still best to deal with your turkey in one way or another as soon as possible. Do you have a leftover turkey recipe that you’re already planning to try for Friday dinner? Or would you like to save that delicious turkey in reserve for sometime down the road?
From a food safety perspective, it’s important to minimize the time your turkey spends in the “Danger Zone,” or between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The USDA notes that food has a limit of two hours at room temperature before bacteria growth becomes an issue.
Asking the experts how long cooked turkey keeps in the fridge yields a range of answers. Though he also says that “time can be maximized by keeping larger pieces whole and not making them smaller before refrigerating, [as] smaller pieces are more susceptible to air exposure and could hasten spoilage in refrigerator,” LG’s resident culinary expert Brian Karam advises capping it at one to two days. ” Aly Forster of Diestel Family Ranch says “you will want to consume within three to four days. Thanksgiving leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days, according to USDA guidelines. ” At the furthest end of the spectrum, Patrick L. According to Guzzle, the National Restaurant Association’s vice president of food science, “the maximum recommended time for cooked foods to be stored in the refrigerator is seven days.” ”.
The wide variation in answers largely comes down to the difference between food safety and food quality. Food safety, according to Guzzle, “may veer from what an average consumer might consider for quality (i.e., harmful microbiological organisms)” e. , taste, texture, aroma, etc. Forster continues, “Fortunately, poultry isn’t shy—one whiff easily lets you know if that meat is still wholesome!” In the end, though, you’ll need to use your best judgment to determine how long you feel comfortable within this range when using leftovers, Forster says. Be sure, she notes, to “inspect the turkey for any signs of spoilage. ” Or as I like to say, “When in doubt, throw it out. ”.
Your leftover meat will suffice if you only have enough turkey left for a few sandwiches and a batch of turkey jook. Store it in the refrigerator. But you might want to consider freezing that turkey for later if you have enough for a few more substantial feasts.
We’ve still got half a bird!
You’re not alone. Leftovers are practically a given when purchasing a turkey, whether it’s a frozen Butterball, a heritage bird from your neighborhood butcher shop, or a smaller turkey breast. A 2011 USDA study estimates that approximately 35 percent of Turkey is wasted annually, so knowing the best way to store your leftovers can help cut down on the quantity of Turkey that ends up in landfills and compost piles. This number seems even more significant when you consider that the National Turkey Federation states that 2888% of Americans eat turkey on Thanksgiving, and Butterball E2%80%99s senior brand manager Chad McNabb notes that 2799% of consumers surveyed for a turkey in 2020 report planning to purchase a whole bird. Additionally, according to McFadden, the most popular Thanksgiving turkey option weighs between 16 and 20 pounds, and the average number of guests is nine, with a recommended estimate of one to one. 5 pounds of turkey per person. After we do some quick turkey math, this suggests that, generally, households have somewhere between 2. 5 and 11 pounds of turkey and turkey bones left after the Thursday Thanksgiving feast. That’s a lot of sandwiches.
How long is leftover turkey safe to eat?
FAQ
Can you eat cooked turkey after 5 days?
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