Here's How Long To Keep Thanksgiving Leftovers

One of the best parts of Thanksgiving is getting to eat all the delicious leftovers afterwards. But just how long do Thanksgiving leftovers last? Almost three days after the holiday, you might be wondering if that turkey is really still OK to munch on. Luckily, we have an answer for all you hungry snackers out there.

According to WFLA, there are a few specific guidelines to follow when it comes to figuring out the expiration date on your leftovers. First things first: food shouldn't be left out for more than two hours. So if you have anything stored in your fridge that was initially left sitting out, you're better off dumping it, just to be on the safe side.

As for refrigerated food, leftovers like meats, potatoes, and pies can stay good for around three days after its initial storage. Some items might last longer, but three days is typically a good rule of thumb to follow for most foods. After that, you might want to double-check the dish for any funky smells before digging in.

You likely won't have that same problem with frozen food. Items stored in the freezer can stay good for several weeks on end — frozen pies can last for up to two months, and frozen turkey for up to three months. The trick is making sure to cut the turkey into small pieces before freezing it. As for all the potato lovers out there, you're in luck. Leftover potatoes can last up to a full year when stored in the freezer.

Regardless of what Thanksgiving foods you have stored away, the most important rule to follow when it comes to leftovers is variety. If you're bored of eating turkey for days after the holiday, try serving it in a new way — in a sandwich, in soup, or even in a Thanksgiving leftover burrito. That way, your leftovers won't go to waste, and you'll be just as happy to eat your turkey as you were on Thanksgiving day!

For more ways to use up those Thanksgiving leftovers, check out Bustle on YouTube.

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