Here’s How Long Your Thanksgiving Leftovers Are Good For
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The best part about Thanksgiving is that it doesn't last for just one day. Sure we don't celebrate for an entire month like Halloween or Christmas, but we definitely get a good few days thanks to leftovers.
Depending on your family, leftovers might be gone pretty quick. In my family, there's just three of us tackling the leftover food, so it takes a bit longer.
But the main question is always this: how long is the food actually good for?
Here's a general rule of thumb, according to Food Network and StillTasty.com:
- Turkey: 3-4 days in the fridge, 2-3 months in the freezer. Note: The Food Network advises that freezing is best, and should be done in 1-2 cup increments for turkey
- Mashed Potatoes: Most vegetables (see below) should be consumed day of. But, if you're going to save some of the mashed potatoes, they'll survive up to two months when frozen.
- Gravy: 1-2 days in the fridge, 2-3 months in the freezer
- Cranberry Sauce: Up to two weeks in the fridge, 1-2 months in the freezer
- Stuffing: 3-4 days in the fridge, 1 month in the freezer
- Veggies: 3-5 days in the fridge, up to a year in the freezer
- Pie: average 3 days in the fridge, 1-2 months in the freezer
Note: in my house, we typically follow the three-day rule on cooked foods. As for cranberry sauce...well, we never usually have any of that left over! Pies also tend to separate pretty quick.
It also helps if your guests take some food home! And, thanks to 2019's obsession with calligraphy, you can send food with them in super cute containers. Like these!
Happy feastings!