One of the biggest questions surrounding Thanksgiving (and its food) is this: How long are those leftovers safe for?
It's a tough thing to answer considering every single serving dish on the table is filled with a different food, meaning every 'expiration' date, so to speak, will differ drastically from one plate to the next. Some dishes have a general rule of thumb while others containing fresher ingredients might have a shorter shelf life. Desserts generally last some time, but not every pie is created equally. Alternatively, there are foods, such as rolls, which are usually left out at room temperature while other things, such as turkey, can actually be stored frozen to extend its shelf life. So, when it comes down to which dishes last the longest, which should be first in the trash, and which can be frozen and thawed weeks from now, what's the best practice? You're about to find out - along with some clever ways to re-use those leftovers in other, more refined dishes.
Leftover Use-By Dates (Also, Go With Your Gut And Your Brain)
As a rough estimate, CNN recommends not eating anything that's been in the fridge longer than three to four days, tops. Anytime past this allows for plenty of bacteria to grow and flourish on a once-delicious dinner which means the risk for an upset stomach runs higher with each passing day. Each dish has a different time table in which it stays fresh vs. when it goes 'bad.' A whole turkey, for example, is usually good for three to four days after it's been cooked. As long as it's been stored properly in an airtight container, there shouldn't be any issues keeping it in the refrigerator. Once all the turkey has been carved, it can also be placed in a freezer-safe container or bag and kept for a total of two to three months. Gravy and bread can also be frozen in an airtight container for two to three months.
When not frozen, gravy will only keep for one to two days in the fridge, as it has the shortest shelf life. Cranberry sauce will last the longest, with a freshness date ranging anywhere from ten to 14 days in the refrigerator, or up to two months in the freezer. Cooked stuffing will last three to four days or up to one month frozen, while mashed potatoes, yams, and green bean casserole can all have a potential shelf life of anywhere from three to five days fresh, and only ten to 12 months in the freezer.
Pies vary as well as just because an apple pie and a pumpkin pie are both pies, that doesn't mean their good-by dates should be treated equally. Apple pie doesn't have an as long shelf life, especially when left at room temperature, which will only give it an extra two days. When refrigerated, apple pie gains an extra day and when frozen, it can last up to two months. On the other hand, pumpkin pie will last three to four days in the refrigerator and up to two months frozen.
So, What Can Be Done With Those Leftovers?
When it comes time to breathe new life into an old Thanksgiving dinner, there are countless recipes out there that will allow a person to completely transform what was once a holiday meal. The turkey, for starters, can be used in anything from turkey croquettes to omelets the next morning as a post-Thanksgiving brunch. Pulled turkey sandwiches can be made with a bit of BBQ sauce, or shredded turkey can be thrown into a chili or soup.
Dishes such as stuffing and mashed potatoes become a bit more complicated and the obvious choice is to make something akin to Shepard's pie. Alternatively, mashed potatoes can be turned into the ever-fancy Duchess potatoes with a few eggs mixed in, a piping bag, and some parchment paper on a baking sheet. Stuffing can be used in a vegetarian dish, such as stuffed portobello mushrooms, with a bit of fontina cheese over the top and some white wine in the baking dish.
Sweet potatoes and yams are best used when baking; added into a muffin or quick bread recipe will give a little extra flavor (and prevents the need to buy a canned pumpkin or roast and puree sweet potatoes just for a dozen muffins). They can also be used in pancakes or to stuff french toast!
Green bean casserole can be upgraded with a few simple additions. Some cooked egg noodles, a can of cream of chicken soup, some freshly-chopped carrots and celery, and some jarred pearl onions make for a unique and satisfying casserole dish. Sprinkle the cheese of your choice over the top along with some more crispy-fried onions, and it's a completely new dinner.