PSA: It’s Time to Say Goodbye to Your Thanksgiving Leftovers
Check your fridge. If it still looks like a game of Thanksgiving Tetris, tonight’s dinner better be a leftover buffet.
According to the USDA, today marks the last safe day to enjoy your Thanksgiving feast without risking a trip to food poisoning town.
Most Thanksgiving dishes—turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, gravy, and even pumpkin pie—are good for about three to four days in the fridge.
After that, it’s dicey. Sure, you might think, I’m fine; it still smells okay. But the old “sniff test” isn’t foolproof.
Here’s why: Thanksgiving food usually hangs out in the danger zone (that’s 40 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, per FDA guidelines) longer than your average dinner. Between serving, second helpings, and lounging on the table, bacteria have plenty of time to set up shop.
If you’re not ready to part with your leftovers, toss them in the freezer.
Most dishes can last a few months there, so you can enjoy a taste of Thanksgiving in January. Just make sure to freeze them ASAP—waiting too long doesn’t help.
There’s one star of the Thanksgiving spread that has a little more staying power: cranberry sauce. Homemade versions can chill in the fridge for up to 10 days, while the canned variety can last two weeks.
And let’s be honest: We all know someone (looking at you, Mom) who scoffs at these rules. But it’s better to play it safe. Meat, dairy, and any creamy casseroles are prime spoilage candidates. Unless you’re rocking a vegan spread, most of your leftovers are on borrowed time.
So tonight, make it a feast to remember—or grab some freezer bags and save your faves for later. Just don’t push your luck. Food safety isn’t just common sense; it’s good sense. Your stomach will thank you.
