Careful: Todayâs the Last Day for Thanksgiving Leftovers!
Howâs your fridge looking? If it still feels like a game of Tetris, tonightâs dinner should probably be a Thanksgiving Leftover Buffet. Because hereâs the deal: itâs been four days since Thanksgiving, and that means today is the last safe day to eat most of those holiday favorites.
The 4-Day Rule
According to the USDA, turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, gravy, and pumpkin pie are all good for about three to four days in the fridge. After that, youâre rolling the diceânot just on flavor, but on food safety.
Sure, some folks push it a little longer (especially with grocery prices these days), but experts say thatâs risky. You could get sick for real, not just sick of eating leftovers.
Freezer = Your Best Friend
Not ready to say goodbye to the feast? Most Thanksgiving dishes freeze well and can last for months. So if youâre not planning to eat them tonight, get them in the freezer ASAP.
The Cranberry Exception
Thereâs one holiday hero that lasts longer: homemade cranberry sauce can hang out in the fridge for 7 to 10 days. The canned stuff? Up to two weeks. Everything else? Donât push it.
Why the Rush?
Thanksgiving food spoils faster than your average meal because it sits out longer during the big feast. And the old âsmell testâ? Not reliable. Meat and dairy-based dishes are especially risky.
Bottom line: if itâs got turkey, gravy, or cream, tonightâs the nightâor itâs freezer time.