How to Store Thanksgiving Leftovers

A little basic food safety:

First and foremost when storing leftovers, make sure your refrigerator and freezer are at the proper temperatures. Your fridge should be below 41 degrees F (5 degrees C) and the freezer should be at Zero degrees F (-18 degrees C). Avoid cross contamination by washing cutting boards, utensils, and counter tops with hot soapy water after cooking, between uses, and when prepping leftovers for storage.

Because poultry is so susceptible to bacteria, you need to get the leftovers chilled as soon as possible. Cut the turkey off the bones and wrap in small packages or shallow containers within two hours of cooking. Refrigerate stuffing separately from the meat. If you wish to use the bones for stock, you can freeze them (and any drippings you wish to include) in plastic freezer bags. Add water to the bags so the contents do not get freezer burn.

Freeze liquids like stock and gravy in freezer-safe ziptop baggies. Lay them flat to freeze, then you can stand them upright for easy freezer storage. You can also freeze stock/broth in ice cube trays then simply pop the cubes out and store in a freezer-safe ziptop bag.

To freeze cooked turkey without freezer burn it is best to add stock to cover the turkey and freeze that way. Simply thaw it in the refrigerator when you need it and the turkey will be moist from the stock. You can also make frozen turkey dinners complete with dressing and gravy and mashed potatoes.

You can freeze mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, gravy, and mashed sweet potatoes. Cooked vegetable dishes like green bean casserole do not freeze well.

How long will the leftovers keep?

Stuffing: 1-2 days refrigerated, 2 month frozen
Turkey: 4 days refrigerated, 4 months frozen
Gravy: 1-2 days refrigerated, 1 month frozen
Other casseroles: 3-4 days refrigerated
Cranberry Sauce (canned or homemade): 5 to 7 days, 2 months frozen
Baked ham: 3 to 5 days does not freeze well
Cooked vegetables: 3 to 5 days, does not freeze well
Pumpkin pie: 2 to 3 days, does not freeze well
Soups: 2 to 3 days, freezing will depend on ingredients

And to clean out that fridge quickly, we have a whole section on Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes