Thanksgiving leftovers: how long do they last?
- 2 cited USDA/FDA/FSIS sources
- Content updated 2026-09-04
Exact references cover 1 of 12 detected claims in the English guide. The remaining statements have not completed exact-source review. References alone do not confirm every claim; normal smell or appearance does not prove safety.
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. Refreezing properly handled leftovers is allowed under USDA guidance; thawing method, storage time and temperature determine the next step.
Sources: USDA FSIS — Leftovers and Food Safety. Content updated 2026-09-04. Exact-source coverage is shown above.