Thanksgiving is here, and after the feast, you’re likely to find yourself with a table full of delicious leftovers. From turkey and mashed potatoes to gravy, green beans, corn, dinner rolls, cranberry sauce, and even pumpkin pie, here’s how to make the most of every bite.
When storing leftovers it’s crucial to freeze or refrigerate whatever food–no matter what–within two hours of serving it to prevent bacterial growth. Most recommend to do that before the food reaches the “danger zone,” which is 40°-140° Fahrenheit.
But how long can I keep them in the refrigerator or freezer?:
| Food Item | Fridge Storage | Freezer Storage |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey | 3–4 days | Best quality within 2–6 months |
| Stuffing | 3–4 days | Best quality within 1–2 months |
| Gravy | 1–2 days | Best quality within 2–3 months |
| Cranberry Sauce | Up to 10–14 days | Up to 2 months |
| Mashed Potatoes and Vegetables | 3–4 days | 10–12 months (if stored airtight) |
| Pumpkin Pie | 3–4 days | 1–2 months |
Sources: USDA Thanksgiving Food Safety Guide, FoodSafety.gov Leftovers Recommendations and Food52 Thanksgiving Storage Tips.
If your not just wanting to store, but make it something else. Here are some common recipes for common Thanksgiving foods.
1. Turkey Recipes
- Turkey Casserole: Combine shredded turkey, leftover stuffing, and mashed potatoes layered in a baking dish. Add gravy for moisture, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly.
- Recipe | Click me
- Thanksgiving Pie: Layer turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, corn, and gravy inside pie crusts. Bake until golden and serve with cranberry sauce
- Recipe | Click me.
2. Stuffing
- Stuffing Waffles: Press leftover stuffing into a waffle iron for a crispy twist. Top with turkey and a drizzle of gravy or cranberry sauce for a savory breakfast .
- Recipe | Click me.
3. Mashed Potatoes and Vegetables
- Potato Pancakes: Mix mashed potatoes with an egg and breadcrumbs, then pan-fry until golden. Add leftover green beans or corn for texture
- Recipe | Click me.
4. Gravy
- Pot Pie Sauce: Use leftover gravy as the base for a turkey or chicken pot pie. Stir in shredded turkey and vegetables before baking in a pie crust
- Recipe | Click me.
5. Cranberry Sauce
- Cranberry BBQ Sauce: Blend leftover cranberry sauce with barbecue sauce and use it as a glaze for turkey or pork
- Recipe | Click me.
6. Pumpkin Pie
- Pumpkin Pie Milkshake: Blend leftover pie with milk, ice cream, and a dash of cinnamon for a festive dessert .
- Recipe | Click me
There are so many options you could take into consideration when storing or re-making your Thanksgiving leftovers.
