Thanksgiving leftovers: how long do they last?
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- Content updated 2026-10-26
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Cooked holiday leftovers need prompt cooling and a known storage history. These are USDA household guidelines for properly cooked and handled leftovers, not one interval for every pie, cookie dough, commercial ham or eggnog product.
Store and date the leftovers
Refrigerate perishable leftovers within 2 hours, or 1 hour if the surroundings exceed 90°F (32°C). Keep refrigerated food at 40°F (4°C) or below. Discard food left out beyond those limits. USDA FSIS.
USDA’s general leftover window is 3–4 days in the refrigerator or 3–4 months frozen for quality. Continuous safe frozen storage is different from a quality recommendation. Food-specific products and recipes may require different instructions; follow their exact type and label. USDA FSIS.
Cool large portions promptly
Divide food into small, shallow containers. Cut turkey into smaller pieces and slice breast meat; legs and wings may stay whole. Slice large roasts or hams. Hot food may go directly into the refrigerator, or be rapidly chilled in an ice or cold-water bath before refrigerating. Do not wait on the counter until it feels cool. USDA FSIS.
Reheat correctly stored leftovers
Use a food thermometer to reach 165°F (74°C). Bring sauces, soups and gravy to a rolling boil. Cover and rotate microwave-heated food and check several places. USDA FSIS.
Sources: USDA FSIS — Leftovers and Food Safety. Content updated 2026-10-26. Exact-source coverage is shown above.