Thanksgiving Leftovers: Eat-By Date
How long turkey & sides last in the fridge or freezer
Timeline
- Thu, Nov 26Into the fridge within 2 hours (1 hour above 90°F)
- Sun, Nov 29Day 3 of the 3–4 day limit
- Mon, Nov 30Last day to eat or freeze — 4 days
- Mar 26, 2027Frozen at 0°F: best quality until
Sources · USDA FSIS — Turkey Basics: Handling Cooked Dinners (fridge 3–4 days; freezer 4 / 6 / 4–6 months) (2026-11-11) · USDA FSIS — Leftovers and Food Safety (3 to 4 days, 2-hour rule, reheat to 165°F) (2026-11-11) · FoodSafety.gov — Cold Food Storage Chart (cooked meat or poultry leftovers: 3 to 4 days) (2026-11-11)
Pick the day you cooked and the dish to see the last day to eat leftovers from the fridge (USDA: 3 to 4 days) and how long they keep their quality in the freezer.
Example
Cooked on 2026-11-26 · Leftover Turkey
→ Eat or freeze by Mon, Nov 30 · Freezer quality until Mar 26, 2027
FAQ
How long is leftover turkey good in the fridge?
USDA says cooked turkey keeps 3 to 4 days in a refrigerator at 40°F or below. For a Thursday dinner, eat or freeze it by Monday.
How long can leftovers sit out?
No more than 2 hours at room temperature, or 1 hour if it is above 90°F. After that, throw them out.
How long does leftover turkey last in the freezer?
USDA: plain turkey slices or pieces about 4 months, turkey covered with broth or gravy about 6 months, stuffing and other cooked dishes 4 to 6 months. These times are for quality; frozen food stays safe indefinitely.
How hot should I reheat leftovers?
Reheat to 165°F, measured with a food thermometer, or until hot and steaming.