After Thanksgiving, your refrigerator will be packed with leftovers. For a lot of people, this is the best part of the entire holiday, but to a certain point, leftovers need to be assessed, so you will know if they are still okay to eat.
Thanksgiving traditions
Some answers will depend on your family as there are a lot of families that like to leave the Thanksgiving feast on the table for everyone to snack on during football. However, that is not ideal as bacteria could grow fast.
Storing leftover food to avoid food poisoning
All of the leftover food should be wrapped up, or they should be put in airtight containers and stashed in the fridge within two hours of serving to keep the food free from bacteria and fresh, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. It is best to make your snacks from the fridge and not from the table.
Check the guide below to know how long you can keep common Thanksgiving leftovers in your refrigerator:
Turkey
Turkey is suitable for three to four days in the refrigerator, according to Foodsafety.gov. Freeze the leftover in airtight containers or foil as soon as possible, the fresher the turkey is when it goes in, the better. They should be good for two to six months. Do not store a leftover turkey with stuffing still inside because it will take too long for the stuffing to cool, and bacteria could grow. It is best to take the stuffing out and to save it in a separate container before freezing or refrigerating the turkey meat.
Ham
Ham will last three to four days in the fridge. Cooked country hams will last for a week. If you wish to put your leftover ham in the fridge, it is best to wrap it up tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before refrigerating. If you choose to freeze, it will be good for one to two months. Do not try to save any leftover ham that has a slimy texture, because it is a sign that it has gone bad.
Mashed and sweet potatoes
Mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes last for three to four days. They are made with butter and cream, so make sure that you put them into the fridge within two hours of preparation. If they are stored in an airtight container, they will last for three to four days. You can freeze your mashed potatoes or gratins in airtight containers or plastic freezer bags within three days, and these should be good for up to a month. Do not freeze any leftover raw potatoes that did not make it to the table without blanching them first. Otherwise, they will be watery when rejuvenated.
Stuffing/dressing and gravy
Stuffing or dressing and gravy are made with meat that will last three to four days refrigerated, and they can last to two months in the freezer. You need to store it all within two hours of making them, in an airtight container. Do not forget them and leave them in the turkey. It is a breeding ground for bacteria.
Cranberry sauce
You can keep adding the homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce to your sandwiches for up to two weeks if it has been kept refrigerated in an airtight container. They can last for two months if you refrigerate your homemade cranberry sauce within two hours of cooking. Do not touch it if you smell an off odor, if you taste an odd flavor or if it looks odd.
Cakes and pastries
Cakes and pastries can be left at room temperature on the snacking table for two days. You just need to cover it loosely with plastic wrap to keep them moist. You can put them into the fridge, and they will stay fresh for up to a week. You can keep slices in airtight containers, and they can last for two to three months. Do not keep any cakes or pastries with dairy-based frostings or fillings out on the table after dessert. They need to go immediately into the refrigerator.
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