It’s one of everyone’s favorite things about Thanksgiving- leftovers! However, there are some important things to consider before enjoying your leftovers.
It’s important for food safety to keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold. Make sure you start packing up and refrigerating your leftovers within two hours of being out on the table.
Leftovers should be cooled down as quickly as possible. Shallow containers that fit the amount of food you’re packing will help your food cool faster. You want the most amount of surface area to be exposed to refrigeration.
Carve the meat from your turkey and store it in plastic bags. Leftover turkey can keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator and be safe to eat. If stored in the freezer, you have more time to store the turkey but the quality will depreciate after a few months. Make sure to keep the stuffing cooked inside of the turkey separate when storing what’s leftover.
You can also freeze side dishes. Pack mashed potatoes and stuffing in to airtight containers or plastic freezer bags. It’s fine to keep leftovers in the refrigerator for a few days first and then freeze them.
Food doesn’t need to come to room temperature before you pack it in the refrigerator. Feel free to wrap it up immediately after dinner. And dessert, that is! Once leftovers are in the refrigerator, try to avoid opening and closing the door too much. Be wary to make sure your leftovers are properly reheated, though. 165 degrees F is standard. Sauces, soups and gravies should be brought to a full boil.
Last, but certainly not least, look for some fun recipes to try with your leftovers! Turkey soup and leftover sandwiches are always popular options, or you could get creative with fried stuffing bites or turkey casserole pot pies!
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