How Long Are Thanksgiving Leftovers Good For? And How to Keep Them Fresh

Thanksgiving is all about shared moments around the feast. But once the plates are cleared, it’s time to think about how to preserve your delicious leftovers. But just how long are Thanksgiving leftovers good for? While typical storage containers and plastic bags might keep your food fresh for a few days, with FoodSaver® vacuum sealers, you can extend the shelf life of your Thanksgiving leftovers far beyond traditional storage methods.

Thanksgiving table with leftovers

Not only can vacuum sealing help with how long cooked turkey lasts in the fridge (keeping it fresher for days on end), but it’s also perfect for safely storing everything from stuffing to gravy. In this article, we'll cover how long Thanksgiving leftovers are good for, the best ways to store them safely, and tips on making dishes like turkey, stuffing, and gravy last longer in the fridge or freezer. So when you’re prepping those goody bags for guests, vacuum-seal to make the most of your Thanksgiving spread.

How Long Are Thanksgiving Leftovers Good?

When it’s time to save your Thanksgiving spread, generally, leftovers stored in the fridge are edible for a few days longer after the feast. Vacuum sealing them can help extend their shelf life up to five times longer than simply sticking leftovers in a container. But first, it’s important to know how to properly seal Thanksgiving leftovers, so you can enjoy your festive dishes without worrying about the calendar as much.

Minding Your Meals

Your vacuum sealer can preserve several dishes from your holiday feast, but there are certain steps to follow for each to ensure that your food retains its quality and texture. Here’s how to preserve Thanksgiving turkey, stuffing, and more to savor the holidays a little longer.

Thanksgiving stuffing and dishes preserved

How to Preserve Thanksgiving Stuffing

Did you ask yourself, can I freeze stuffing this holiday? Well, the answer is yes! In fact, we recommend starting with your stuffing. Here’s how to preserve stuffing for short-term storage:

  • Spoon the contents of your side into a vacuum sealer bag.
  • Remove the air from the vacuum sealer bag, following the directions of your FoodSaver vacuum sealer.
  • Place it in the fridge or freezer for longer storage. This process works for any non-liquid-based side, like vegetables, meats, or desserts.

For casseroles, Thanksgiving gravy, or other dishes with moisture, use FoodSaver® Liquid Block Quart Bags with moisture strips for optimal storage.

How to Preserve Thanksgiving Turkey

Now for the star of the plate—how long can a turkey stay in the fridge? When it comes to storing leftover turkey, it will generally last 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. Vacuum sealing can extend this significantly. Here’s how to preserve turkey for the short and long term:

  • Place leftover Thanksgiving turkey pieces into a vacuum sealer bag.
  • Use your FoodSaver to remove all the air, creating an airtight seal.
  • Store the sealed turkey in the fridge, or for longer shelf life, place it in the freezer.

How to Make Goody Bags for Guests

Why keep all your Thanksgiving leftovers to yourself? Use your vacuum sealer to create homemade gift bags for your guests:

  • Freeze leftovers for two hours to allow them to firm up.
  • Place individual portions in a vacuum sealer bag and seal.
  • Hand out goody bags as guests leave!

Enjoy Thanksgiving Leftovers For Longer

Thanksgiving may last a day, but with the right storage techniques, you can savor the flavors for longer. With a vacuum sealer, you can extend the freshness of Thanksgiving leftovers significantly, preserving flavor and texture for longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Can You Eat Thanksgiving Leftovers?

Stored in the fridge, they last days, but vacuum-sealed and frozen, they last months, preserving holiday flavors well beyond Thanksgiving.

How Long Does Turkey Last in the Fridge?

Turkey typically lasts days in the fridge. Vacuum sealing extends freshness up to five times longer, making it last even beyond this period.

Can I Freeze Stuffing?

Yes, freezing and vacuum-sealing your stuffing will help retain its flavor and texture for months.

Less Food Waste