The turkey is always the star of the Thanksgiving feast, but whether you make something like our Roast Spatchcocked Turkey or a Turkey Roulade, youre bound to end up with some leftovers.
Thats happy news: Leftover turkey makes for a pleasant addition to a sandwich or casserole after the holiday comes to an end—but only if it has been stored properly. To that end, we asked a food safety expert to share her insights on what you need to know about leftover turkey, including the best ways to store it and how long it lasts in the refrigerator or freezer.
USDA recommends using cooked turkey within 3 to 4 days, kept refrigerated (40°F or less). Refrigeration slows but does not stop bacterial growth. Turkey can be frozen for 3 to 4 months. Although safe indefinitely, frozen leftovers can lose moisture and flavor when stored for longer times in the freezer.
Leftover Turkey Quality
Any leftover turkey you store will deteriorate in quality over time, says Abigail Snyder, an assistant professor in the food science department at Cornell University. You can keep cooked turkey in the freezer almost indefinitely, though, as microbial growth will stop when the food is frozen.
Id eat it. I remember going to several NYE parties where the last of the Christmas turkey was served on the buffet so I think it will be fine today.
3 days when I worked in kitchens. No way would I eat week old cooked chicken.
I always go with 3 to 4 days if in the fridge and smelling fine so made turkey and gammon pies for the freezer yesterday (meat cooked on Christmas Eve.) I would think it would be fine today but personally would use it up and not leave it longer.
Yes. The cooked meat you buy from the supermarket will have been cooked days before it arrives and still has a long date on it. It will be fine as long as youve kept it refrigerated
As long as you have kept it in the fridge at 5°C or below, its absolutely fine. Well be having cold turkey today too, then picking the meat off the carcass and freezing it. Great in stir fries, curries and pies. Dont waste a scrap. Yes
Can you eat cooked turkey after 5 days?
FAQ
Can you eat leftover turkey after 5 days?
Can you eat turkey on the 5th day?
Is it OK if turkey was left in fridge for a week?
Can cooked ground turkey last 5 days?
Can you eat frozen turkey leftovers after 6 months?
Eat frozen turkey leftovers within 6 months for premier quality. “Other slower changes to quality, like freezer burn, can eventually render leftovers unacceptable,” Snyder says, noting that this is not an issue of safety when it comes to frozen leftovers.
Can one have turkey and carrots?
Eating turkey and carrots is part of healthy habits. The turkey has meat like chicken and is another healthy poultry option. Carrots are rich in carotenoids, it is a source of vitamin A, fiber, potassium and vitamin B3.
How long can you keep cooked turkey?
How long can you keep leftover cooked turkey? USDA recommends using cooked turkey within 3 to 4 days, kept refrigerated (40°F or less). Refrigeration slows but does not stop bacterial growth. Turkey can be frozen for 3 to 4 months. Although safe indefinitely, frozen leftovers can lose moisture and flavor when stored for longer times in the freezer.
How many times can you eat leftover turkey meat?
Most food safety experts recommend reheating leftover turkey no more than two times. The general rule that turkey meat is safe to eat within four days of its storage is just that — a general rule. If your leftovers look like they have spoiled or give off unusual smells, do not eat them even if fewer than four days have passed.