Gigantic holiday feasts inevitably lead to a smorgasbord of leftovers that can be dined on for days. When you’re full of turkey and mashed potatoes at the Thanksgiving dinner table, do you know the proper way to store them so they can be enjoyed again later?
“Improper storage of Thanksgiving leftovers can lead to foodborne illnesses that can really put a damper on the holidays,” said Keri Howell, chief clinical dietitian with Maury Regional Health (MRH). “It’s important to follow the USDA’s guidelines on storing leftovers to keep yourself and your family healthy.”
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Thanksgiving leftovers are only good for a few days if stored in the refrigerator. A chart outlining how long particular foods can be kept is included below.
The USDA also recommends storing leftovers within two hours of cooking, packaging refrigerated leftovers into small containers and resealable plastic bags, and removing any stuffing from the turkey cavity and storing it separately. In addition, if you’re planning on freezing your leftovers, use proper freezer bags to prevent freezer burn.
“Never eat leftovers after they’ve been stored for the recommended amount of time, and always cover your dishes when reheating so they heat all the way through,” Howell said.
When reheating leftovers, they should reach 165 degrees before eating and measured with a food thermometer. Make sure to cover and rotate the food so everything is cooked evenly.
The USDA has developed the FoodKeeper app to help with food and beverage storage. The app can trigger reminders to a smartphone or tablet and includes storage guidelines for more than 600 items, tips for safe food preparation and food product recalls. It’s available at FoodSafety.gov and as a mobile application for Android and Apple devices.
The following Thanksgiving favorites are included in the FoodKeeper app:
- Cooked turkey
Stored in fridge: 3-4 days
Stored in freezer: 2-3 days
- Raw turkey
Stored in fridge: 1-2 days
Stored in freezer: 1 year
- Gravy
Stored in fridge: 1-2 days
Stored in freezer: 2-3 months
- Green bean casserole
Stored in fridge: 4 days
Stored in freezer: N/A
- Cranberry sauce
Stored in fridge: 2 weeks
Stored in freezer: 2 months
- Mashed potatoes/yams
Stored in fridge: 5 days
Stored in freezer: 1 year
- Pumpkin pie
Stored in fridge: 4 days
Stored in freezer: 2 months
- Apple pie
Stored in fridge: 3 days
Stored in freezer: 2 months
- Bread
Stored in fridge: 5 days
Stored in freezer: 3 months
- Stuffing
Stored in fridge: 4 days
Stored in freezer: 1 month