Careful: Today’s the Last Day for Thanksgiving Leftovers!
How’s your fridge looking? If it still feels like a game of Tetris, tonight’s dinner should probably be a Thanksgiving Leftover Buffet. Because here’s the deal: it’s 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, you’re rolling the dice—not just on flavor, but on food safety.
Sure, some folks push it a little longer (especially with grocery prices these days), but experts say that’s 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 you’re not planning to eat them tonight, get them in the freezer ASAP.
The Cranberry Exception
There’s 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? Don’t 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 “smell test”? Not reliable. Meat and dairy-based dishes are especially risky.
Bottom line: if it’s got turkey, gravy, or cream, tonight’s the night—or it’s freezer time.