This Is How Long Leftover Turkey Is Safe To Eat, According to a Food Safety Expert

Make sure to store it properly, too.

The holidays are right around the corner, which means—at least in my house—a whole lot of cooking and baking. While my family tends to explore a healthy mix of traditional recipes and new takes on the classics, one non-negotiable dish on every holiday table is roast turkey. 

In fact, I grew up in a household with a chicken allergy, which meant we ate roast turkey year-round. This has allowed me to collect a plethora of leftover turkey recipes, from tacos to curry, which I happily prepare for days following the roast. But when it comes to exactly how many days the extra bird lasts, though, it’s always been a little unclear.

So, I reached out to a food safety expert to get the scoop on all things leftover turkey. Here’s what Martin Bucknavage, a food safety specialist at the Penn State Department of Food Science, had to say on the subject.

What’s the Best Way To Store Roast Turkey?

“In general we should not be keeping turkey in the refrigerator for a long time, three to four days at most,” says Bucknavage. As long as it’s covered, it should be safe to keep eating for those days following the initial roast. Bucknavage says any range of storage methods will work, from plastic food storage containers to foil.

The most vital components to extending the shelf life of your leftovers, he says, are “having the refrigerator at the proper temperature (ideally between 34°F and 36°F), getting it refrigerated shortly after serving, and not letting it sit out for more than two hours.” It’s also important to “avoid direct hand contact when handling.”

How Long Does Roast Turkey Last?  

As mentioned above, Bucknavage suggests three to four days as a safe window if covered and refrigerated at a proper temperature. “If one is going to want to keep it longer, then it is worth considering freezing,” he says. “Freezing is a great way to hold turkey for longer periods of time.” It’s important that if you do freeze turkey leftovers, they’re stored in a container that’s as airtight as possible.  

When it comes to defrosting, it’s best to defrost in the refrigerator. However, Bucknavage explains, leftover turkey can be defrosted “under cool running water if in a hurry or thawed in the microwave, provided that it is served immediately.”

How Can I Tell if My Turkey Has Gone Bad?

“It’s always best to use it in the proper timing so that we don’t have to get to the point where there are signs of spoilage,” says Bucknavage. If you’re not sure, however, signs of spoilage to look out for include sliminess, stickiness, or off-putting smells. If you experience any of these undesirable changes in texture, color, or smell, it’s time to toss.