How long is leftover turkey good in the refrigerator?

If you plan to reheat your turkey leftovers, it’s important to use the product within two to three days. After that, the quality of the meat will begin to suffer. While turkey can stay in the fridge for up to five days, it will continue to lose moisture and tenderness.

If you reheat leftovers, the food will still be safe to eat, although it will not be as tasty. Generally, leftover turkey can be kept in the refrigerator for about a week, although it is best to use it within a few days. If not, you might see an increase in bacteria growth.

How long does turkey meat last in the refrigerator?

After thawing turkey in the refrigerator, it should be eaten within three to five days. However, leftovers can be kept for a few more days. The meat will continue to slowly cool and become less edible, so don’t refreeze leftovers unless absolutely necessary.

If you plan on using it within a few days, you can keep turkey in the refrigerator for four to five days. However, once it’s past the first few days, it begins to lose its flavor, which is why we recommend eating leftovers within four to five days.

How long do leftover turkey sandwiches last in the refrigerator?

If you reheat leftovers in the microwave or the oven, they can last about 3-5 days in the refrigerator, although you should always cook them again before serving to ensure they’re safe to eat. Because reheated leftovers don’t last as long, if you want to save leftovers, you should always reheat your turkey in the oven.

Now, before you panic about having to throw out your sandwiches, consider that you can extend their shelf life by several days. The refrigerator acts like a slow cooker to keep foods at a safe temperature while they’re left alone.

To make your turkey sandwiches last longer, simply reheat them in the microwave or toaster oven before eating.

How long should I keep leftover turkey in the refrigerator?

Since the turkey is a foodborne illness hazard, it is best to follow the refrigerator temperature and stored-food guidelines. The general safe period is one week for leftovers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that you should reheat leftovers to an internal temperature of 165 degrees.

This should be done in a new saucepan and reheated thoroughly. If you plan to reheat your turkey, simply remove it from the refrigerator a few hours before reheating to bring the temperature closer to room temperature.

The same goes for leftovers the following day — remove the turkey from the fridge a few hours before reheating to bring the temperature closer to room temperature. The general rule is to cook or reheat leftovers within two to three days.

How to store leftover turkey in the refrigerator?

To reheat leftovers, place the cooled turkey on a rimmed baking sheet in the oven at 350 degrees until heated through. Use leftovers within three to four days. The turkey should be well-covered in gravy to keep it from drying out. When reheating leftovers, use a saucepan with a lid to allow the moisture to escape. If you don’t plan on reheating the turkey, then the best way to store leftovers is to place it in an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. This will keep the turkey from drying out and becoming a breeding ground for bacteria.