Thanksgiving Leftovers: Safety Tips and Creative Recipes

Experts share guidelines for storing leftovers safely and offer ideas for turning them into delicious new meals.

Leftovers should be stored within two hours of the meal to prevent bacterial growth; most can be refrigerated for three to four days or frozen for two to six months.
Ensure your refrigerator is set to 40°F or lower and use shallow containers for quicker cooling to maintain food safety.
Reheat leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F, and sauces, soups, and gravies should be brought to a rolling boil before serving.
Creative recipes like turkey pot pie, baked turkey sandwiches with cranberry sauce, and turkey hand pies offer tasty ways to repurpose Thanksgiving dishes.
Experts recommend discarding food with unusual smells, textures, or visible mold, following the rule: 'When in doubt, throw it out.'