Jennie James

Jennie James

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Exactly How Long to Store Leftovers Before Tossing Them

Top view of hands of family members holding plates with homemade food

Photo: Getty Images

I love leftovers after Christmas. The turkey, the mashed potatoes, the stuffing, etc. But how long do they keep?

Looking for a more specific food to find out how long the leftovers will last? Try USDA's FoodKeeper App where you can search for products. You can also use Better Homes & Gardens’ Test Kitchen's guide for how to stock and store your groceries.

You can't always see, taste, or smell the bacteria that cause foodborne illness. Use a food thermometer to reheat leftovers to 165°F, which is a high enough temperature to destroy harmful bacteria.

If your leftovers are frozen, be sure to thaw gradually in the refrigerator and not at room temperature (breads and sweets are OK to thaw on the counter).

(BHG)


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