According to the USDA, cooked turkey leftovers are good for 3 to 4 days when stored properly in the refrigerator, and 3 to 4 months in the freezer for best quality.
Refrigerated Cooked Turkey
For cooked turkey, the USDA recommends using it within 3 to 4 days if kept refrigerated at 40°F or less. While refrigeration significantly slows down bacterial growth, it does not stop it entirely. Therefore, it's important to consume refrigerated leftovers within this timeframe for safety.
- Duration: 3 to 4 days
- Storage: Refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below
Frozen Cooked Turkey
If you need to store cooked turkey for a longer period, freezing is an option. The USDA states that cooked turkey can be frozen for 3 to 4 months while maintaining good quality. Although frozen leftovers are considered safe indefinitely from a microbial standpoint, extending storage beyond this period can lead to a decline in moisture and flavor.
- Duration: 3 to 4 months (for best quality)
- Storage: Frozen (0°F or below)
- Safety: Safe indefinitely when frozen properly, but quality diminishes over time.
Here is a quick summary based on the USDA guidance:
| Storage Method | Duration (Cooked Turkey) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 3 to 4 days | Keep at 40°F or below |
| Frozen | 3 to 4 months | Best quality; safe indefinitely |
For detailed information, you can refer to the USDA source: How long can you keep leftover cooked turkey? - Ask USDA.
