Thanksgiving Leftovers: Safe Storage, Creative Recipes, and Reducing Food Waste

Experts share tips on food safety, inventive ways to repurpose leftovers, and strategies to minimize waste during the holiday season.

Thanksgiving leftovers, including turkey, should be refrigerated within two hours of serving and consumed within three to four days to ensure safety.
Freezing leftovers like turkey and gravy can extend their shelf life for up to six months, but cranberry sauce does not freeze well.
Creative recipes such as turkey stir-fry, stuffing waffles, and cranberry muffins help transform leftovers into fresh, exciting meals.
Food waste during Thanksgiving is significant, with millions of pounds of turkey discarded annually; planning portions and repurposing scraps can help reduce this impact.
Proper storage in airtight containers and reheating to at least 165°F are essential to maintaining food safety and preventing spoilage.