Thanksgiving leftovers: How long they’ll last, storage temperature, other questions answered

If you’re cooking Thanksgiving dinner this Thursday, you’ll likely have plenty of leftovers. But do you have a plan to safely eat them?

Freezing or eating leftovers as soon as possible is important.

“The bacteria Clostridium perfringens grows in cooked foods left at room temperature,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “It is the second most common bacterial cause of food poisoning. The major symptoms are vomiting and abdominal cramps within six to 24 hours after eating.”

Not fun.

Here’s what you need to know about making the most of your Thanksgiving leftovers, proper storage temperatures and how much time you really have:

Why is Thanksgiving so expensive? Here’s what the data says

How soon should I store my food after eating it?

Lots of choices make for lots of leftovers, an underrated part of Thanksgiving dinner.

After cooking and eating your holiday meal, it’s best to store it in the fridge as soon as possible to avoid spoilage.

“Refrigerate leftovers at 40° Farenheit or colder within two hours of cooking to prevent food poisoning,” the CDC advises. “Refrigerate leftovers that have been exposed to temperatures higher than 90° Farenheit, like in a hot car, within one hour.”

Hacked: 6 genius ideas to make Thanksgiving dinner with ease

How long can leftovers stay in the fridge?

Leftovers should be kept in the fridge for three to four days, as the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service advises.

Consumers can consult the FoodKeeper app by USDA’s FSIS and set reminders to ensure food safety.

Can turkey last long after Thanksgiving?

Close-up of Thanksgiving turkey during a family dinner.

Rest assured that the most recognizable protein can surely last up to four days in the refrigerator and up to four months in the freezer for the best quality. Beyond that time frame, it will likely dry out and lose its flavor.

To store leftover turkey, cut it into small pieces and store it in an airtight container.

How long do potatoes and yams stay good after Thanksgiving?

The two starches can be stored in the fridge for up to four days or in the freezer for up to two months.

How long can pies last after Thanksgiving?

BettyCrocker.com advises storing fruit pies at room temperature for two days and then refrigerating them for up to two more days. Freeze an unbaked crust for two months or a baked crust for four months.

Stay in or go out? Whether it’s cheaper to go to a restaurant for Thanksgiving dinner this year

How long will gravy last after Thanksgiving?

Gravy can be stored in the fridge for up to four days and in the freezer for up to four months. To reheat gravy, you can add it to a saucepan and bring it to a rolling boil. Cover it with a lid to ensure it heats all the way through. This will help you easily enjoy your delicious gravy.

A hearty pile of a dinner roll, turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes topped with gravy was made from Thanksgiving leftovers.

How long does homemade and canned cranberry sauce stay fresh?

The sweet and tart side will remain good for up to 10 days in the fridge for homemade cranberry sauce. However, freezing is not recommended.

Canned cranberry sauce should be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated after opening to keep it fresh for up to two weeks. Similar to fresh cranberry sauce, it is not recommended to freeze canned cranberry sauce.

Thanksgiving cocktails and mocktails: Festive flavors featuring apple, cranberry, pumpkin

How long does stuffing keep after Thanksgiving?

Properly stored containers can keep stuffing fresh for up to four days in the fridge and up to three months in the freezer.

New Orleans chef Susan Spicer’s herbed bread stuffing is pictured.

Can I tell if refrigerated food is spoiled?

If food is left in the fridge for too long, it can develop a strange taste or smell from spoilage bacteria. However, it’s not always easy to detect.

According to the Mayo Clinic, bacteria can contaminate food without altering its appearance, taste, or smell, making it challenging to detect spoilage.

Additional suggestions for what you can do with your Thanksgiving leftovers

A family of four piles their plates full of Thanksgiving foods. Surely there will be plenty of leftovers with such a small gathering.

It’s important to reheat any leftovers before consuming them. According to the USDA, the temperature of the leftovers should reach 165 degrees. You can use a food thermometer to check the temperature.

If you have frozen leftovers, you need to thaw them before cooking. The Mayo Clinic advises against leaving them to thaw on the counter. Instead, you can thaw leftovers in the fridge or microwave or by placing them in a leakproof container under cold water.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Thanksgiving leftovers: Your 2023 safety guide