Guide to Safely Storing and Reheating Thanksgiving Leftovers

Thanksgiving dinner is often followed by days of delicious leftovers. However, improper storage and reheating can lead to foodborne illness. This guide will help you safely store and reheat your Thanksgiving leftovers, ensuring they remain both safe and tasty.

Safe Storage Times for Common Thanksgiving Dishes

Dish	Refrigerator (40°F or below)	Freezer (0°F or below)
Turkey (whole or sliced)	3-4 days	2-6 months
Gravy	1-2 days	2-3 months
Stuffing	3-4 days	1 month
Mashed Potatoes	3-5 days	10-12 months
Green Bean Casserole	3-5 days	1 month
Cranberry Sauce	10-14 days	1-2 months
Pumpkin Pie	3-4 days	1-2 months

Proper Leftover Storage Techniques

1. Cool foods quickly: Divide large quantities into smaller, shallow containers for quicker cooling in the refrigerator.
2. Use airtight containers: This prevents bacteria from entering and keeps other fridge odors out.
3. Label everything: Write the date on each container so you know when it was stored.
4. Store different dishes separately: This prevents flavors from mixing and allows for easier reheating of individual portions.
5. Don’t overstuff your refrigerator: Allow for proper air circulation to maintain safe temperatures throughout.
6. Store leftovers within two hours: Bacteria grow rapidly between 40°F and 140°F, so refrigerate promptly.

Safe Reheating Guidelines

1. Turkey:

• Reheat to 165°F internal temperature.
• Oven: 325°F, covered, for about 30 minutes per pound.
• Microwave: Use medium power to avoid drying out the meat.

1. Stuffing:

• Reheat to 165°F internal temperature.
• Oven: 325°F, covered, for about 30 minutes.
• Microwave: Stir halfway through heating.

1. Mashed Potatoes:

• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low, stirring frequently.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between each.
• Add a splash of milk or butter to restore creaminess.

1. Gravy:

• Stovetop: Bring to a rolling boil.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

1. Casseroles:

• Oven: 325°F, covered, until heated through (165°F in center).
• Microwave: Use 50% power, stirring occasionally.

1. Pies:

• Oven: 300°F for about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Short intervals to avoid making the crust soggy.

General Reheating Tips

• Always check that leftovers have reached 165°F internal temperature before eating.
• Only reheat what you plan to eat. Repeated reheating can lead to loss of quality and potential safety issues.
• When microwaving, arrange food evenly in a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely.
• For oven reheating, cover dishes to retain moisture and ensure even heating.
• Stir or rotate food midway through reheating to eliminate cold spots.

Signs That Leftovers Have Gone Bad

• Unpleasant or sour smell
• Mold growth
• Slimy texture
• Change in color
• If in doubt, throw it out!

Leftover Storage and Reheating Chart

Food Item	Storage Container	Refrigeration Time	Reheating Method	Safe Temperature
Turkey	Airtight container	3-4 days	Oven or Microwave	165°F
Stuffing	Airtight container	3-4 days	Oven or Microwave	165°F
Mashed Potatoes	Airtight container	3-5 days	Stovetop or Microwave	165°F
Gravy	Airtight container	1-2 days	Stovetop or Microwave	Rolling Boil
Green Bean Casserole	Airtight container	3-5 days	Oven or Microwave	165°F
Cranberry Sauce	Airtight container	10-14 days	Microwave or Room Temp	N/A
Pumpkin Pie	Plastic wrap or container	3-4 days	Oven or Room Temp	N/A

By following these guidelines, you can safely enjoy your Thanksgiving leftovers for days after the big feast. Remember, when in doubt about the safety of a leftover, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and discard it. Happy and safe eating!