Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with friends and family to enjoy a hearty meal. After the feast is over, you’re often left with lots of delicious leftovers. While it’s tempting to keep eating leftovers for days on end, there are some food safety rules you should follow. Here are some tips on how to properly store, reheat, and reuse your Thanksgiving leftovers.
Storing Leftovers
The first key rule is to store leftovers properly and quickly. Don’t let food sit out at room temperature for more than two hours. Bacteria grow rapidly when food is in the danger zone between 40°F and 140°F. To be extra safe, pack up leftovers within one hour.
Divide leftovers into shallow containers for quick chilling. Large containers retain heat and slow down the cooling process. Place containers in the refrigerator once food stops steaming. Refrigerate within 2 hours and within 1 hour if the room temperature is above 90°F.
Cover containers tightly to prevent drying out, freezer burn, and absorption of odors. Use airtight containers, plastic wrap, or aluminum foil to seal in moisture. Label containers with the name and date so you remember what it is later.
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours. Use within 3 to 4 days for optimal quality and safety. If you don’t plan to eat leftovers within a few days, freeze them immediately. Frozen leftovers maintain quality longer than refrigerated leftovers.
Freezing Leftovers
For the best results, freeze leftovers within 2 days. Portion into meal-sized containers so you can thaw only what you need. Leave 1⁄2 inch of headspace to allow for expansion during freezing.
Avoid freezing leftovers in containers made of plastic or Styrofoam, which can absorb food odors. Glass or plastic freezer containers are ideal. Aluminum foil, plastic freezer bags, and plastic wrap also work well.
Remove as much air as possible and seal tightly. Label with the name and date. Maintain a temperature of 0°F or below for safe frozen food storage. Use frozen leftovers within 2 to 6 months for best quality.
Thawing Leftovers
Always thaw leftovers in the refrigerator, not on the counter. Place frozen containers on a plate or baking sheet to catch any drips as food thaws. Thaw leftovers overnight or for 24 hours before reheating.
You can also thaw in the microwave using the defrost setting if you plan to eat the leftovers immediately. Cook food right after microwave thawing. Do not refreeze food once it has been thawed.
Reheating Leftovers
The safest way to reheat leftovers is on the stove, in the oven, or in the microwave until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Bring sauces, soups, and gravies to a full rolling boil. Heat other leftovers thoroughly, stirring and rotating for even heating.
Here are some other reheating tips:
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure leftovers reach safe temperatures.
- Bring stuffing and dishes containing eggs to 165°F.
- Reheat mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and other dense dishes thoroughly.
- Cover dishes to retain moisture. Stir often.
- Reheat only the amount you plan to eat. Do not reheat more than once.
Do not eat any leftovers that have an off smell or appearance. When in doubt, throw it out. Reheating does not destroy toxins produced by bacteria.
Leftover Ingredients
Besides reheating entire dishes, many leftover ingredients can be incorporated into new meals. Get creative with leftovers!
Turkey
Turkey is very versatile. Dice and add to soups, salads, pasta, pizza, tacos, sandwiches, casseroles, and more. Turkey pot pie and turkey tetrazzini are popular ways to use leftover turkey. Make turkey stock from the bones.
Stuffing and Mashed Potatoes
Stuffing and mashed potatoes make delicious pancakes when combined with eggs and parsley. Simply form into patties and cook like pancakes until golden brown. Add cranberry sauce on top.
Vegetables
Roast, mash, or puree vegetables into soups, dips, and side dishes. Toss roasted Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, and other veggies into pasta or frittatas. Turn green beans into pesto or sauté with garlic and olive oil.
Cranberry Sauce
Sweet and tangy cranberry sauce perks up a variety of recipes. Swirl into yogurt, bake into muffins and breads, blend into smoothies, or stir into oatmeal. Drizzle over roast pork or chicken.
Gravy and Broth
Gravy can be frozen and reheated for up to 3-4 months. Use as a sauce for chicken, beef, or vegetables. Add broth to rice, pasta dishes, stews, and chilis. Reduce and add to pan sauces.
Bread and Rolls
Stale bread and rolls make wonderful croutons, bread pudding, and stuffing. Use cranberry sauce or jam to make quick bread or muffins. Bread cubes also add bulk to meatloaves and casseroles.
Pies and Desserts
Repurpose extra pie into trifles or parfaits. Crumble cookies, cakes, and brownies to use as an ice cream topping. Bake bread pudding with leftover desserts mixed in. Fruit pies also work well baked into muffins.
Creative Leftover Meals
Here are some creative recipes to use up a variety of Thanksgiving leftovers:
Turkey Pot Pie
Mix turkey, veggies, sauce, and seasonings topped with biscuit dough or pie crust.
Turkey Tetrazzini
Combine spaghetti, turkey, mushrooms, Parmesan, and sherry sauce. Top with breadcrumbs.
Turkey Enchiladas
Fill tortillas with turkey, onions, beans, cheese, and enchilada sauce. Bake until bubbly.
Turkey Shepherd’s Pie
Layer mashed potatoes, turkey, vegetables, and gravy in a casserole dish. Bake until hot.
Turkey Soup
Simmer turkey, veggies, beans, pasta, and broth. Season to taste.
Leftover Sandwiches
Pile turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and veggies on bread, rolls, or croissants.
Breakfast Hash
Cook potatoes or stuffing with turkey, veggies, eggs, cheese, and seasonings.
Food Safety First
Getting sick from food poisoning is an unpleasant experience. Be diligent about food safety when preparing, storing, and reheating leftovers. Follow the basic rules:
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours, and within 1 hour if temperatures exceed 90°F.
- Store leftovers in shallow, covered containers at 40°F or colder.
- Freeze leftovers you won’t eat within 3-4 days.
- Thaw frozen leftovers in the refrigerator or microwave only.
- Reheat thoroughly to 165°F until hot and steaming.
- Bring sauces, soups, and gravies to a rolling boil.
- When in doubt, throw it out!
Being mindful of food safety guidelines ensures you can savor Thanksgiving leftovers without worry. With proper storage and reheating, you can continue enjoying the flavors of Thanksgiving long after the holiday ends.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving leftovers are both a blessing and a challenge. While the bounty of delicious food is exciting, you need to be careful about safely storing, freezing, thawing, and reheating leftovers after the big meal. Follow food safety guidelines like the 2 hour rule and reheating to the proper temperature. Get creative repurposing leftovers into fun new dishes. With some simple planning and creativity, you can stretch your Thanksgiving leftovers safely and deliciously.