By MyLifeTipsHub
As you begin to plan your Thanksgiving dinner, don’t forget to think about the days that follow and how to handle those delicious leftovers!
Thanksgiving leftovers are a beloved tradition, but it’s crucial to store them properly to ensure they remain safe to eat. Health experts warn that foodborne illnesses are a significant concern, especially during the holidays. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), foodborne illnesses lead to 48 million illnesses, 128,000 hospitalizations, and 3,000 deaths in the U.S. every year.
“Food safety is especially important during Thanksgiving, when large meals are prepared for bigger groups,” says Meredith Carothers, MPH, a food safety public affairs specialist at the USDA, in an interview with USA TODAY.
To help ensure your leftovers are safe to eat in the days following the feast, here’s what you need to know.
How Long Can Leftover Turkey Last?
To keep turkey leftovers safe, they should be refrigerated or frozen within two hours of being served—unless you’re using a warming tray that maintains a temperature of at least 140°F. Store your turkey in an airtight container, and if freezing, be sure to reheat it to at least 165°F before eating.
“Thanksgiving leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days—until that Monday after Thanksgiving,” Carothers advises. “If you freeze them, they’ll stay in good quality for two to six months.”
This same rule applies to all Thanksgiving leftovers, including mashed potatoes, gravy, macaroni and cheese, and more.
Creative Ways to Use Leftover Turkey
While it’s tempting to enjoy your Thanksgiving leftovers just as they are, there are plenty of creative ways to reinvent them. James Beard Award-nominated chef Jerome Grant and dietitian Caroline Thomason, RD, CDCES, offer some tasty ideas to breathe new life into your turkey:
• Turkey and Vegetable Soup or Stew: Add leftover vegetables and herbs to a pot with stock. Or, for a deeper flavor, simmer the turkey carcass to make your own stock from scratch.
• Turkey Tacos: Top turkey with salsa and avocado for a fresh take.
• Turkey Sandwiches or Wraps: Combine turkey with sweet potato and cranberry sauce for a festive sandwich or wrap.
• Turkey Pot Pie: Fill a flaky crust with turkey, vegetables, and gravy for a comforting meal.
• Breakfast Hash: Use turkey and sweet potatoes to create a hearty breakfast hash.
• Turkey Fried Rice: Transform leftover turkey into a delicious fried rice, topped with a fried egg and chili crisp for a flavorful twist.
With these ideas, your Thanksgiving leftovers will never feel stale—just fresh and full of new flavors.
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