When To Throw Out Your Thanksgiving Leftovers
Many of us have leftovers sitting in the fridge from Thanksgiving today, and with the current cost of food, nobody wants to waste what’s left over. But how much time do you really have before you need to throw things out? Here are the eleven most common leftovers and how long you can hang on to them.
1. Cooked Turkey
Cooked Turkey will last for 3-4 days in the fridge if wrapped well. If you want to air on the side of caution, toss it after 3 days. Alternatively, you can freeze it for 2-3 months. Turkey is best doubled wrapped for the freezer. Wrap the meat in plastic wrap and then put it in a freezer-safe container to avoid freezer burn.
2. Raw Turkey
Have turkey (or chicken) you haven’t cooked yet? Raw Turkey will keep in the fridge for 1-2 days before it needs to be cooked. But if you freeze it, you can keep it in the freezer for up to 1 year.
3. Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes, whether you made them from scratch or from a box, will last up to 5 days in the fridge. Feel free to freeze your mashed potatoes for up to 1 full year.
4. Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potato casserole can be in the fridge for up to 5 days, just like mashed potatoes. The same goes for freezing them. They can be frozen for up to 1 year.
5. Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole will keep in your fridge for up to 4 days. Freezing green bean casserole is generally not recommended once it’s been cooked. You can prep and freeze ahead of time, but once it’s been cooked, it’s best to avoid the freezer.
6. Gravy
Gravy is often a smaller part of your leftovers just because everyone loves to slather it on. But if you have leftover gravy, you can store it in an airtight container for up to 1 to 2 days. If you prefer to freeze it, you can do so for 2 to 3 months.
7. Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce will keep in your fridge for about 2 weeks, and yes, cranberry sauce can be frozen. If you go this route, you can keep it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just be sure it’s wrapped well.
8. Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie can be kept in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months. In either case, it should be well-wrapped. Do not freeze it with whipped cream on it.
9. Apple Pie
Apple pies (and other fruit-based pies) can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and in the freezer for up to 2 months.
10. Bread
Bread such as dinner rolls or homemade bread will last about 5 days in the fridge and will freeze well if wrapped well for up to 3 months. Don’t store leftover bread on your countertop.
11. Stuffing
Stuffing will last 3 days in the fridge and will freeze well for up to 1 month. After that, it starts to lose flavor and texture. Make sure it’s wrapped well.
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This originally appeared on The Gracious Pantry.