Deals and Steals on upgrades for the home!

Open menu

  • Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • GMA3: WYNTK
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2023 ABC News
  • Food
  • Thanksgiving

Guide to Thanksgiving leftovers, how to store and how long it lasts

VIDEO: Too many Thanksgiving leftovers?
2:26
Too many Thanksgiving leftovers?
ABCNews.com
ByGMA Team
November 25, 2022, 4:04 am

Before making a sandwich out of leftovers or a turkey pot pie, be sure to know the fridge life of your favorite Thanksgiving eats.

Here's how long your leftovers will last in the fridge, freezer or both, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

How long turkey lasts after Thanksgiving

The star protein will last four days in the fridge. In the freezer, it can last four months for best quality -- after that span it will dry out and lose flavor.

How to store leftover turkey

Cut the leftover turkey into small pieces and store separately in small, air-tight containers.

PHOTO: Stock photo of a dinner table filled with Thanksgiving foods.
Stock photo of a dinner table filled with Thanksgiving foods.
STOCK PHOTO/Getty Images

How long gravy will last after Thanksgiving

Gravy can last up to four days in fridge and up to four months in freezer.

To easily reheat gravy, add to a sauce pan and bringing to a rolling boil. Cover with a lid to heat all the way through.

How long homemade cranberry sauce stays fresh

The sweet and tart side stays good for a week to 10 days in the fridge. Freezing is not recommended.

Canned cranberry sauce

Store in an air-tight containter and refrigerate after opening to keep for up to two weeks. Like fresh cranberry sauce, freezing is not recommended.

How long potatoes and yams stay good after Thanksgiving

The two starches can be stored for four days in the fridge and up to two months in the freezer.

PHOTO: Thanksgiving Leftovers
Thanksgiving Leftovers
GMA, ABC News Photo Illustration

How long stuffing keeps after Thanksgiving

Up to four days in the fridge and two to three months months in the freezer in properly stored containers.

Editor’s Picks

This turkey soup recipe makes the most of all your Thanksgiving leftovers

  • Nov 27, 2021

Why haven't we thought of this Thanksgiving pizza before?

  • Nov 18, 2020

Apple cider mimosas are the 2020 holiday cocktail we all need right now

  • Nov 10, 2020

How long pies can last after Thanksgiving

Fruit pies can be kept at room temperature for two days, according to Bettycrocker.com. They can then be stored in the fridge, loosely covered, for up to two more days. An unbaked crust will keep for two months in the freezer, while a baked crust will keep for four months.

More tips for Thanksgiving leftovers

Refrigerate all leftovers within two hours at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or colder.

Leftovers should always be reheated to 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

PHOTO: Stock photo of traditional Thanksgiving menu items in containers.
Stock photo of traditional Thanksgiving menu items in containers.
STOCK PHOTO/Getty Images

Editor's note: This story was originally published on November 23, 2018.

Related Topics
  • Thanksgiving

Editor’s Picks

This turkey soup recipe makes the most of all your Thanksgiving leftovers

  • Nov 27, 2021

Why haven't we thought of this Thanksgiving pizza before?

  • Nov 18, 2020

Apple cider mimosas are the 2020 holiday cocktail we all need right now

  • Nov 10, 2020
Up Next in Food—

Fast-food workers in California to earn $20 an hour in 2024

September 29, 2023

Fall produce guide: what's in season this month

September 29, 2023

Yesenia Rodriguez talks inspiration while making pumpkin spice tres leches

September 29, 2023

Fermented garlic honey is the homemade remedy to try this cold and flu season

September 29, 2023

Up Next in Food—

Fast-food workers in California to earn $20 an hour in 2024

September 29, 2023

Fall produce guide: what's in season this month

September 29, 2023

Yesenia Rodriguez talks inspiration while making pumpkin spice tres leches

September 29, 2023

Fermented garlic honey is the homemade remedy to try this cold and flu season

September 29, 2023

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2023 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2023 ABC News