SnapLarderThree to four days in the fridge. For Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 26, 2026, that means eating or freezing everything by Monday, November 30.
Your leftovers timeline
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| Within 2 hours of dinner | Everything perishable goes in the fridge. Throw out anything left out longer. |
| Friday to Sunday | Eat them. Reheat each portion to 165°F. |
| By Monday, November 30 | Eat what's left, or freeze it. |
| Up to 3 to 4 months | Frozen leftovers keep their best quality this long. |
Storing the turkey and sides
- Cut the turkey up. Slice the breast meat; legs and wings can stay whole. Smaller pieces cool faster.
- Use shallow containers. Divide large amounts so they chill quickly all the way through.
- Watch the clock. The 2-hour limit starts when food comes out of the oven, or out of anything keeping it warm.
Freezing leftovers
Frozen food stays safe indefinitely, but it slowly loses moisture and flavor. The USDA suggests eating frozen leftovers within 3 to 4 months for the best quality.
The safest way to thaw them is in the fridge. Once thawed, eat them within 3 to 4 days, or refreeze them.
Reheating safely
- Reheat leftovers until they reach 165°F, checked with a food thermometer.
- Bring gravy, soups and sauces to a rolling boil.
- Microwaved leftovers should also reach 165°F all the way through.
Get a reminder on Monday
Add your leftovers to SnapLarder on Thursday night and set the date to Monday, November 30. It reminds you before then, so the last of the turkey gets eaten or frozen instead of forgotten.
Don't lose track of the leftovers
Add "leftover turkey", set the date, and SnapLarder reminds you in time. No account needed.
Download on the App StoreSources: USDA FSIS, Leftovers and Food Safety; USDA FSIS, Leftovers: Let's Keep the Best Part of Thanksgiving Safe. Checked October 2026. See also what US food dates mean.