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.
Thanksgiving may be over, but the feast doesn’t have to end! Leftover turkey is a culinary gift, offering endless possibilities for delicious sandwiches, soups, and casseroles. But how long can you keep that leftover bird before it becomes a safety hazard or loses its flavor?
Fear not, fellow turkey enthusiasts, for I have scoured the depths of the internet to bring you the ultimate guide to storing and enjoying your leftover turkey.
The Big Question: How Long Does Leftover Turkey Last in the Fridge?
The answer, like most things in life, isn’t a simple one. It depends on a few factors, including:
- Storage temperature: The USDA recommends storing cooked turkey in the refrigerator at 40°F or below. At this temperature, your turkey will stay safe to eat for 3 to 4 days.
- Handling: Proper handling is crucial. Leftovers should be refrigerated within two hours of cooking and stored in airtight containers to prevent bacterial growth.
- Cutting it up: Cutting the turkey into smaller pieces helps it cool faster, extending its shelf life in the fridge.
Remember: Refrigeration slows down, but doesn’t stop, bacterial growth. So, even within the 3-4 day window, it’s best to use your senses. If the turkey smells off or has a slimy texture, it’s time to say goodbye.
Freezing Leftover Turkey: A Long-Term Solution
If you have more turkey than you can handle in a few days, freezing is your friend. The USDA says you can safely freeze cooked turkey for 3 to 4 months. While it’s technically safe to freeze it longer, the quality will start to deteriorate.
Pro tip: Freeze the turkey in smaller portions for easier thawing and use. Don’t forget to label and date your frozen turkey so you know how long it’s been hanging out in the freezer.
How to Reheat Leftover Turkey Safely
When it’s time to enjoy your leftover turkey, make sure you reheat it thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures any lingering bacteria are eliminated. You can reheat turkey in the oven, on the stovetop, or in the microwave.
Leftover Turkey: A Culinary Canvas for Creativity
Now that you know how to store your leftover turkey safely, let your culinary imagination run wild! From classic turkey sandwiches to creamy turkey soup, the possibilities are endless
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Turkey Tetrazzini: A comforting casserole with pasta, turkey, mushrooms, and a creamy sauce.
- Turkey and Wild Rice Soup: A hearty and flavorful soup perfect for a cold winter day.
- Turkey Pot Pie: A savory pie filled with turkey, vegetables, and a flaky crust.
- Turkey Salad Sandwiches: A classic lunchtime staple with endless variations.
- Turkey Tacos: A fun and flavorful twist on taco night.
Bonus Tip: Leftover Turkey Stock
Don’t throw away the turkey carcass! You can use it to make a delicious and nutritious turkey stock Simply simmer the carcass in water with vegetables and herbs for a few hours Strain the stock and use it in soups, stews, and sauces.
Leftover turkey is a culinary gift that keeps on giving. With proper storage and handling, you can enjoy your Thanksgiving feast for days, or even months, to come. So, get creative, experiment with different recipes, and savor the deliciousness of leftover turkey!
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 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.
How long is leftover turkey good for in the fridge?
FAQ
Can you eat cooked turkey after 5 days?
How many days after Thanksgiving are turkey leftovers still safe to eat?
How long can a turkey be in the fridge and still be good?
Is it OK to eat turkey that’s been in the fridge for 2 weeks?
How long can you keep cooked turkey?
How long can you keep leftover cooked turkey? 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 leftover Turkey last in the freezer?
The general consensus is that most food can safely be kept in the freezer indefinitely, but the USDA recommends consuming most frozen foods within two to six months for the best quality, depending on what you’re freezing.
How long can a cooked Thanksgiving turkey stay in the fridge?
A leftover cooked Thanksgiving turkey will keep for three to four days in the fridge and two to three months in the freezer. Before freezing, it’s best to carve the turkey off the bone to allow it to freeze and defrost more evenly. (You can freeze the carcass separately if you want to make turkey stock .)
How long can a Turkey sit out before eating?
Do not let it sit out for more than two hours before eating it. How long can leftover turkey be safely stored? Leftover turkey can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to four days or in the freezer for up to three months.