How long can Thanksgiving leftovers last in the fridge?

After enjoying your Thanksgiving feast, there will likely be leftovers, but how long can they last in the fridge before going bad?

Cooked turkey can be stored in the fridge for three to four days, according to FoodSafety.gov, a website that lists food safety information provided by government agencies. The same rule applies to dishes made with turkey, like casseroles.

If you decided to buy the biggest turkey you could find in the store this year and have trouble eating the leftovers during the weekend, you could throw extra cooked turkey meat in the freezer. FoodSafety.gov says frozen leftovers will have the best quality within two to six months.

How Long Can the Turkey Sit Out For?

Your Thanksgiving dinner should not sit out for longer than two hours. Make sure to refrigerate leftovers at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or colder within this time period to prevent food poisoning, FoodSafety.gov advises.

The website also suggests slicing up the turkey into small quantities before putting them in the fridge, so it cools faster.

How Do I Reheat My Thanksgiving Leftovers?

You should reheat your leftovers to at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit, measuring with a food thermometer, FoodSafety.gov says.

Reheating frozen leftovers without thawing is also safe, according to the website. You can use a saucepan, oven or microwave to do so.

Sauces, soups and gravies can be reheated in a saucepan by bringing them to a rolling boil.

If you are using a microwave to reheat your casseroles or other leftovers, lay the food evenly out on a plate, cover and rotate the dish to ensure even heating. You also may need to add some liquid. When covering the food, make sure steam is able to escape.

When your food comes out of the microwave, let the food rest and then check the temperature with a food thermometer in several places as microwaves have cold spots, FoodSafety.gov warns.

What Should I Do With My Leftovers?

When the third day of leftovers rolls around, you may be tired of having a traditional plate of Thanksgiving food. So, why not switch it up?

There are tons of recipes you can find online to reimagine your leftover turkey and sides. Probably one of the most beloved and easiest leftover creations is the Thanksgiving sandwich.

Reheat some turkey and put it between two slices of your favorite bread. Then, the rest is up to you. You can swap out your typical mayonnaise and mustard with gravy or cranberry sauce or ditch the lettuce and tomato for mashed potatoes and stuffing.