The 2-hour rule: get food into the fridge within 2 hours of cooking (1 hour if it’s above 90°F). Food left out longer should be thrown away, even if it looks and smells fine.
Fridge and freezer chart
| Leftover | Fridge (40°F or below) | Freezer (0°F) |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked turkey (sliced or pieces) | 3–4 days | 2–6 months (best within 4) |
| Turkey covered in broth or gravy | 3–4 days | 6 months |
| Stuffing / dressing | 3–4 days | 1 month |
| Gravy | 1–2 days | 2–3 months |
| Mashed potatoes, casseroles, cooked vegetables | 3–4 days | 2–3 months |
| Cooked ham, sliced | 3–4 days | 1–2 months |
| Cooked ham, whole (fully cooked) | 7 days | 1–2 months |
| Cranberry sauce (homemade) | 10–14 days | 2 months |
| Pumpkin or pecan pie | 3–4 days | 1–2 months |
| Fruit pie (apple) | 2 days on the counter, then 2–3 days in the fridge | 6–8 months |
| Dinner rolls | 2–3 days at room temperature | 3 months |
Freezing leftovers
- Take turkey off the bone and freeze it in shallow, airtight containers or freezer bags.
- Covering turkey with broth or gravy keeps it moist (and lets it keep longer, up to 6 months).
- Label everything with the date.
- Thaw in the fridge overnight, not on the counter.
Reheating safely
- Reheat leftovers to 165°F, checked with a food thermometer.
- Bring gravy to a rolling boil.
- Cover food in the microwave and stir halfway so it heats evenly.
Use-it-up ideas
- Turkey sandwiches, turkey soup (make broth from the carcass), turkey pot pie, or enchiladas.
- Mashed potato pancakes, or a shepherd’s pie topping.
- Stuffing waffles, or stuffing “muffins” baked in a muffin tin.
- Cranberry sauce on toast, in yogurt, or as a glaze for ham.
Questions
How long is leftover turkey good for in the fridge?
3 to 4 days. For Thanksgiving 2026 (November 26), that means by Sunday, November 29 or Monday, November 30.
How long is stuffing good for in the fridge?
3 to 4 days. Always take stuffing out of the turkey before storing it.
How long is pumpkin pie good for in the fridge?
3 to 4 days. Pumpkin pie is a custard pie, so it must be refrigerated.
Can I eat Thanksgiving leftovers after 5 days?
FDA and USDA guidance is 3–4 days, so it’s safest to throw them out by day 5. Harmful bacteria don’t always change how food looks or smells.