How Long Is Turkey Good In The Fridge?

When it’s time to pack up your Thanksgiving feast, you may wonder how long turkey lasts past the big day. Cooked, leftover turkey can be preserved in both the refrigerator and freezer. The even better news is that leftover turkey is a delicious addition to casserole recipes like Turkey Tetrazzini, soups, or in sandwiches such as the Kentucky Hot Brown.

So, how long is turkey good for in the refrigerator? Properly stored and refrigerated turkey lasts for up to four days.

“Leftover turkey is safe to eat as long as it’s handled properly (from start to finish) and refrigerated promptly,” Chelsea Edwards, a registered dietitian and the owner of Huntsville Nutrition Collective in Huntsville, Alabama, tells Southern Living.

In other words, you’re safe to keep eating turkey leftovers from Thanksgiving through the holiday weekend, but by Monday, it’s time to throw them out.

How Long Does Turkey Last in the Fridge?

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends using cooked turkey within three to four days as long as it is kept refrigerated at a temperature that is 40°F or lower. 

“Refrigeration slows but does not stop bacterial growth,” the website states.

To prevent bacterial growth, leftovers should never be left at room temperature.

“Leftover turkey should be put into the refrigerator within two hours of cooking,” Edwards explains. “It’s best to cut the turkey up to expedite cooling and place it in a covered container in the fridge to help retain moisture.”

Can You Freeze Leftover Turkey?

Yes, you can freeze leftover turkey. The USDA states that turkey can be frozen for three to four months. 

“Although safe indefinitely, frozen leftovers can lose moisture and flavor when stored for longer times in the freezer,” the USDA website states.

Can Cooked Turkey Go Bad?

There’s nothing worse than having your heart set on a plate of leftovers, only to find that there’s a bit of fuzz on the corn and the turkey suddenly looks slimy. Like other leftovers, leftover cooked turkey can—and will—go bad.

“The texture and smell of turkey will indicate when it has gone bad,” Edwards says. “Generally it will smell bad and get a slimy texture. It’s best to throw it away after four days in the fridge or move it to the freezer at that point.”

Turkey Food Safety

The best way to maximize the shelf life of turkey is to handle it properly from start to finish. According to FoodSafety.gov, the best way to do this is to follow the four steps of food safety, which include cleaning your hands and prep area, avoiding cross contamination, cooking food to the correct temperature and storing food (refrigerator or freezer) properly.