Having Thanksgiving leftovers doesn’t mean you’re destined for weeks of turkey sandwiches. Instead, make a plan for creative and delicious leftovers.
Start with safety
The right prep is key. Cut the turkey off the bone. Refrigerate the meat within two hours of the turkey coming out of the oven.
Leftover turkey will last in the refrigerator for four days. If you’re not going to use it right away, place it in freezer bags or airtight containers and put it in the freezer. Frozen leftover turkey will be good indefinitely, but will start to lose its flavor and dry out after four months.
Packaging leftover turkey in meal-sized or recipe-sized portions can make future preparation much easier. And remember to check the internal temperature of the meat when reheating it. Use a food thermometer and aim for at least 165 degrees.
