How long is leftover turkey good in the freezer?

The length of time that leftovers stay safe in the refrigerator or freezer depends on how long your refrigerator or freezer runs. For example, if you have an aging refrigerator or freezer, the food may not stay safe for as long as it would if you had a newer model.

However, in all cases, the leftover turkey will stay safe for at least two weeks after the expiration date. There’s no hard and fast rule, but for every 4-5 days you freeze leftovers, you lose about 10% of their quality.

So, if you plan to use your turkey in the week after it’s thawed, you should plan to use it within six to eight days.

How long is leftover turkey good in the fridge?

Now, just because you didn’t plan to use that leftover turkey right away doesn’t mean you should toss it in the trash. Before tossing leftovers, first give leftover turkey in the fridge a good rinse.

Then, place it in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the refrigerator to keep it from drying out. Depending on how long you have left your turkey in the fridge, you can expect to use it for four to five days. Since thawed leftovers are best within a few days, if you don’t plan on reheating them, you’ll need to plan to use them within a few days as well.

However, leftovers in the fridge can be used safely for up to a few weeks. So, a turkey that’s still in the fridge after a few days can be saved for a later meal, but you’ll need to plan to use it within a few more days.

How long does leftover turkey last in the freezer?

After thawing and reheating, leftover turkey will keep in the refrigerator for four to five days, or in the freezer for up to three months. If you plan to use it before it goes bad, it’s best to divide the turkey into portions for several meals, then freeze the leftovers.

If you plan to reheat leftovers, you'll want to use it within a few months. Storing leftovers in the refrigerator is not an option because bacteria can grow and cause foodborne illness. To reheat leftover turkey, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Then, use a saucepan and let it come to a simmer on the stovetop.

If you like, add some vegetables to the slow cooker to make a complete meal.

How long should I keep leftover turkey in the freezer?

You can store leftover turkey in the refrigerator for up to two days or in the freezer for up to 12 months. If you’re planning to reheat it, you should thaw the turkey in the refrigerator in the original packaging. However, if you plan to reheat it in the oven, you can thaw it at room temperature.

Just be aware that if you thaw it in the refrigerator, the meat will be much harder and less tender. It’s best to use leftover turkey within one to three months after it’s been frozen. After that, you run the risk of food-borne illness. Always thaw your turkey in the refrigerator. Never let it thaw at room temperature.

By doing so, you increase the risk of food-borne illness.

How long is leftover turkey safe to eat in the freezer?

When you reheat leftovers, it’s important to use the proper thawing method. If you thaw your leftovers in the refrigerator, you run the risk of bacteria growth. You don’t want to reheat your turkey in an oven that’s been left on its highest setting, either. Use a slow cooker or pot of boiling water to thaw your turkey and be sure to follow the reheat instructions on your packaging. The leftover turkey will keep safe in the refrigerator for five days, and in the freezer for up to three months at a time. The food safety experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advise against refreezing leftovers, as bacteria multiplication is possible. However, leftovers can be reheated to an internal temperature of 165 F or above to kill any bacteria, provided they are returned to the refrigerator or freezer within the appropriate time.