Food Safety Guide for Thanksgiving
The holidays are such a wonderful time to be with family and friends. So follow these food safety tips to keep the good times going and prevent any nasty foodborne illnesses!
How to safely defrost the Thanksgiving turkey
1. Refrigerator
Defrosting your turkey in the refrigerator is the safest defrosting method and is the USDA-recommended method. If defrosting your turkey in the refrigerator, allow 24 hours for every 4-5lbs of turkey. Once the turkey is defrosted, it can be stored for an additional 1-2 days in the refrigerator before being cooked.
2. Cold Water
Once the turkey is defrosted using this method, it must be cooked immediately. To defrost your turkey using cold water, leave it in its original packaging, and submerge it in a large container (or sink) filled with cold water. The water should be changed every 30 minutes until defrosted. Using this method, the turkey should take 30 minutes per pound to defrost.
3. Microwave
If using this method, the turkey must be cooked immediately once it is defrosted. To defrost your turkey using the microwave, remove it from its original packaging, and place it in a microwave-safe dish. Use the defrost function based on the weight of your turkey. Using this method should take about 6 minutes per pound.
To what temperature do you cook the Thanksgiving turkey?
Ensure your turkey (or ham) is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. When cooking, use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. It is important to ensure the thermometer is not touching any bones, as this will result in a falsely elevated temperature reading.
Cooking your stuffing inside the turkey?
If you are cooking your stuffing inside the turkey, ensure that both the turkey meat and the stuffing at the very center of the bird reach a temperature of 165°F.
How long can Thanksgiving food stay out on the table?
Thanksgiving food can stay out for a maximum of two hours. Any food left sitting out longer than two hours enters the "danger zone" and must be thrown away. If you want to store your Thanksgiving leftovers, make sure to put away any leftovers as soon as you are done eating!
Guide to Thanksgiving leftovers
Turkey
How to STORE leftover turkey
The best way to store leftover thanksgiving turkey is by cutting it up into small pieces and storing it in multiple small air-tight containers.
How long does turkey LAST after Thanksgiving?
Turkey can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or in the freezer for 2-6 months.
How to REHEAT turkey
Leftover Thanksgiving turkey can be eaten hot or cold. The best way to reheat turkey is to thaw (if frozen) and reheat in a 325°F oven until an internal temperature of 165°F is reached.
Gravy
How to STORE leftover gravy
Store leftover thanksgiving gravy in airtight containers such as mason jars. If freezing, you can also use freezer bags.
How long does gravy LAST after Thanksgiving?
Gravy can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or in the freezer for 3-4 months.
To preserve the quality of the gravy, store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. After 2 days, boil any remaining gravy for 3 minutes, and you can store it for another 2 days. This process can be repeated for up to 1 week.
If freezing, keep in mind that fat, milk, and cream tend to separate during the thawing process. Flour-thickened gravy can remain frozen for up to 4 months without losing its quality.
How to REHEAT gravy
Leftover gravy should be reheated by bringing it to a rolling boil and cover to heat thoroughly.
Stuffing
How to STORE leftover stuffing
The best way to store leftover thanksgiving stuffing is in a covered air-tight container.
How long does stuffing LAST after Thanksgiving?
Stuffing can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or in the freezer for 2-3 months. Technically, stuffing can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months, though the quality may deteriorate after month 3.
How to REHEAT stuffing
Leftover stuffing should only be eaten after properly reheating. Stuffing can be reheated in the oven or microwave and must reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Mashed Potatoes & Sweet Potato Casserole
How to STORE leftover mashed potatoes and sweet potato casserole
The best way to store leftover mashed potatoes and sweet potato casserole is in covered air-tight containers.
How long do mashed potatoes and sweet potato casserole LAST after Thanksgiving?
Mashed potatoes and sweet potato casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or in the freezer for 1-2 months.
How to REHEAT mashed potatoes and sweet potato casserole
Reheat mashed potatoes or sweet potato casserole in the oven or microwave until an internal temperature of 165°F is reached.
Rolls, Biscuits, and Bread
How long do rolls, biscuits, and bread LAST after Thanksgiving?
Store-bought rolls, biscuits, and bread can be stored at room temperature for 2-4 days, in the refrigerator for 7-9 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Preservative-free bread and biscuits that you bake at home should be stored in the refrigerator and eaten within a few days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Cranberry Sauce
How to STORE leftover cranberry sauce
The best way to store leftover cranberry sauce is in a covered air-tight container. Never store canned cranberry sauce in the can.
How long does cranberry sauce LAST after Thanksgiving?
Homemade cranberry sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. Canned cranberry sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks after opening. Freezing cranberry sauce is not recommended.
Pie
How to STORE leftover pie
The best way to store leftover thanksgiving stuffing is in a covered air-tight container.
How long does pie LAST after Thanksgiving?
Cream-based pie (such as pumpkin and pecan) should be stored in the refrigerator immediately after cooling and can be kept for 3-4 days.
Berry-based pies can be stored at room temperature for 2 days, followed by an additional 2 days in the refrigerator. If refrigerating immediately, berry-based pies can be stored for up to 7 days in the fridge.
Both pies can be stored in the Freezer for about 4-6 months.
How to REHEAT pie
Leftover pie can be reheated in the oven or microwave and should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
