Leftovers & Prepared Shelf Life & Storage Times
Cooked leftovers and prepared dishes.
49+ foods USDA data Fridge, freezer & pantry
Cooked leftovers are a top source of foodborne illness when left out too long. Refrigerate within 2 hours, store in shallow containers, and reheat to 165°F (74°C). Most cooked dishes last 3–4 days refrigerated.
Typical fridge life for cooked dishes:
| Food | Typical storage |
|---|---|
| White rice (cooked) | Fridge 3–4 days · Freezer 1–6 months |
| Pasta (cooked) | Fridge 3–5 days · Freezer 1–2 months |
| Leftover pizza | Fridge 3–4 days · Freezer 1–2 months |
| Leftover soup | Fridge 3–4 days · Freezer 2–3 months |
| Leftover rice | Fridge 1–4 days · Freezer 1–6 months |
| Cooked beans | Fridge 3–5 days · Freezer 1–6 months |
| Quinoa (cooked) | Fridge 4–6 days · Freezer 1–2 months |
| Oatmeal (cooked) | Fridge 4–6 days · Freezer 1–2 months |
Common questions
- How long do Thanksgiving leftovers last?
- Most cooked holiday dishes last 3–4 days refrigerated or 2–6 months frozen. Gravy is shorter — 1–2 days in the fridge.
All leftovers & prepared storage times
- White rice (cooked) Fridge 3–4 days · Freezer 1–6 months
- Pasta (cooked) Fridge 3–5 days · Freezer 1–2 months
- Leftover pizza Fridge 3–4 days · Freezer 1–2 months
- Leftover soup Fridge 3–4 days · Freezer 2–3 months
- Leftover rice Fridge 1–4 days · Freezer 1–6 months
- Cooked beans Fridge 3–5 days · Freezer 1–6 months
- Quinoa (cooked) Fridge 4–6 days · Freezer 1–2 months
- Oatmeal (cooked) Fridge 4–6 days · Freezer 1–2 months
- Roasted vegetables Fridge 3–4 days · Freezer 1–2 months
- Fried rice Fridge 3–4 days · Freezer 1–2 months
- Chili (cooked) Fridge 3–4 days · Freezer 2–3 months
- Mac and cheese (cooked) Fridge 3–5 days · Freezer 2–3 months
- Lasagna (cooked) Fridge 3–5 days · Freezer 2–3 months
- Mashed potatoes (cooked) Fridge 3–5 days · Freezer 2–3 months
- Gravy (cooked) Fridge 1–2 days · Freezer 4–6 months
- Stuffing (cooked) Fridge 3–4 days · Freezer 1–2 months
- Deviled eggs Fridge 1–2 days · Freezer 1–2 months
- Tofu (opened) Fridge 3–5 days · Freezer 4–6 months
- Tempeh Fridge 5–7 days · Freezer 6–9 months
- Beef stew (cooked) Fridge 3–4 days · Freezer 2–3 months
- Pot roast (cooked) Fridge 3–4 days · Freezer 2–3 months
- Meatloaf (cooked) Fridge 3–4 days · Freezer 2–3 months
- Baked ziti (cooked) Fridge 3–5 days · Freezer 2–3 months
- Egg salad Fridge 1–2 days · Freezer 1–2 months
- Tuna salad Fridge 1–2 days · Freezer 1–2 months
- Coleslaw Fridge 3–5 days · Freezer 1–2 months
- Potato salad Fridge 3–5 days · Freezer 1–2 months
- Spring rolls (cooked) Fridge 1–2 days · Freezer 1–2 months
- Dumplings (cooked) Fridge 3–4 days · Freezer 2–3 months
- Chicken nuggets (cooked) Fridge 3–4 days · Freezer 3–4 months
- Fish sticks (cooked) Fridge 3–4 days · Freezer 3–4 months
- Frozen pizza (cooked) Fridge 3–4 days · Freezer 2–3 months
- Cottage pie (cooked) Fridge 3–4 days · Freezer 2–3 months
- Shepherd's pie (cooked) Fridge 3–4 days · Freezer 2–3 months
- Curry (cooked) Fridge 3–4 days · Freezer 2–3 months
- Stir fry (cooked) Fridge 3–4 days · Freezer 2–3 months
- Tacos (cooked filling) Fridge 3–4 days · Freezer 2–3 months
- Burrito (cooked) Fridge 3–4 days · Freezer 2–3 months
- Quesadilla (cooked) Fridge 3–4 days · Freezer 2–3 months
- Hummus (homemade) Fridge 4–5 days · Freezer 2–3 months
- Eggplant (cooked) Fridge 3–5 days · Freezer 2–3 months
- Zucchini (cooked) Fridge 3–5 days · Freezer 2–3 months
- Squash (cooked) Fridge 3–5 days · Freezer 2–3 months
- Beets (cooked) Fridge 3–5 days · Freezer 2–3 months
- Corn (cooked) Fridge 3–5 days · Freezer 2–3 months
- Green beans (cooked) Fridge 3–5 days · Freezer 2–3 months
- Broccoli (cooked) Fridge 3–5 days · Freezer 2–3 months
- Cauliflower (cooked) Fridge 3–5 days · Freezer 2–3 months
- Gravy (from mix, prepared) Fridge 1–2 days · Freezer 4–6 months
