How Long Do Leftovers Last?

Most cooked leftovers keep for 3 to 4 days in a fridge at 40°F (4°C) or colder. Put them in the fridge within 2 hours of cooking (1 hour if the room is above 90°F / 32°C), and reheat to 165°F (74°C) before eating. Pick a food below to get your eat-by date.

Eat-by date calculator

Food

Date it was cooked

Fridge and freezer chart

Times follow US USDA / FoodSafety.gov storage guidance for food kept at 40°F (4°C) or colder in the fridge and 0°F (−18°C) in the freezer. Frozen food stays safe indefinitely; the freezer times are for best quality.

Rules that matter more than the number of days

• The 2-hour rule: food left between 40°F and 140°F (4–60°C), the danger zone, for more than 2 hours should be thrown away. In hot weather (above 90°F / 32°C) the limit is 1 hour.
• Cool fast: split big batches, such as a whole pot of soup or a turkey carcass, into shallow containers so they chill quickly.
• Count from the day you cooked it, not the day you opened the container.
• Reheat to 165°F (74°C) throughout, and bring gravy and sauces to a rolling boil.
• Freeze early if you will not finish something in 3–4 days: freezing on day 1 or 2 gives better results than freezing on day 4.
• Thaw in the fridge, in cold water or in the microwave, never on the counter. Food thawed in the fridge can be refrozen without cooking; food thawed in the microwave or cold water should be eaten first.
• When in doubt, throw it out. Smell and looks are not a reliable test: bacteria that cause food poisoning often do not change how food smells or tastes.

FAQ

How long do leftovers last in the fridge?

Cooked leftovers are generally safe for 3 to 4 days in a fridge at 40°F (4°C) or below. Gravy should be used within 1 to 2 days, and cooked ham within 3 to 5 days.

How long is Thanksgiving turkey good for?

Cooked turkey keeps for 3 to 4 days in the fridge. If you cooked on Thursday, plan to finish it by the weekend, or freeze it in portions for up to 4 months of best quality.

How long can cooked food sit out?

No more than 2 hours at room temperature, or 1 hour when the temperature is above 90°F (32°C). After that, bacteria can multiply to unsafe levels, and reheating does not make the food safe again.

How long can you keep cooked rice?

US guidance groups cooked rice with other leftovers, 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Some other authorities, such as the UK NHS, advise a shorter limit of about 1 day. Cool rice quickly, refrigerate it within an hour or so, and reheat it until steaming hot.

Can you freeze leftovers?

Yes. Food kept at 0°F (−18°C) stays safe indefinitely; the times in the chart are for best flavour and texture. Wrap or box food airtight, label it with the date, and reheat to 165°F (74°C).

See also: Meat cooking temperatures · Turkey cooking time · Ham cooking time · Prime rib time · Oven temperatures · Baking substitutions · When is Thanksgiving? · What day is Christmas? · All holiday dates · All converters · All tools