Thanksgiving leftovers: how long do they last?
- 2 cited USDA/FDA/FSIS sources
- Reviewed 2026-06-26 by FoodLasts Editorial Team
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of the meal. Most cooked Thanksgiving dishes last 3–4 days in the fridge or 2–6 months in the freezer.
By dish
- Turkey (cooked): 3–4 days fridge · 2–6 months freezer
- Stuffing: 3–4 days fridge · 1 month freezer
- Mashed potatoes: 3–5 days fridge
- Gravy: 1–2 days fridge · 2–3 months freezer
- Cranberry sauce: 7–14 days fridge
- Green beans (cooked): 3–4 days fridge
- Sweet potato casserole: 3–5 days fridge
- Pie (fruit/custard): 3–4 days fridge — see each pie type
Cooling a big turkey fast
Carve the bird and divide meat into shallow containers within 2 hours of roasting. A whole turkey on the counter cools too slowly in the center. Use an ice bath for gravy and mashed potatoes if you are short on fridge space.
Reheating safely
Reheat leftovers to 165°F (74°C) measured with a food thermometer. Bring gravy and soups to a rolling boil. Reheat only once — do not cool and reheat the same batch repeatedly.
Sources: USDA FSIS — Leftovers and Food Safety. Last reviewed 2026-06-26 by the FoodLasts Editorial Team.