Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on all that we are thankful for and to partake of good food and spend quality time with those we love. It’s also a time when we allow ourselves to eat until our heart’s content. And with good reason. With the amount of food prepared for this one meal, I sometimes feel it’s my duty to make sure it doesn’t go to waste. But Thanksgiving leftovers are inevitable. So what do you do with all that food? I’m going to share with you some of my solutions on how to handle Thanksgiving leftovers.
How Long are Leftovers safe to eat?
Before we talk about what to do with Thanksgiving leftovers, it’s equally important to know about food safety. How do you handle leftovers? Thanksgiving leftovers can usually be safely eaten for 3 to 4 days if kept in the refrigerator. Make sure to properly refrigerate your leftovers within 2 hours of cooking. The food should always be stored in airtight containers or bags. When storing leftovers in the freezer, They will retain their best quality within 2-6 months.
Freeze them
Let’s talk about freezing leftovers. The easiest thing to do with any extra food is to freeze it. Here are some instructions on how to freeze leftovers.
- Turkey freezes well for up to 6 months if properly handled, packed, and frozen within 3 days of the original preparation.
- Ham can be stored just like turkey. It can be frozen within 3 days of preparation and can be kept in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- When it comes to Mashed Potatoes, I usually don’t freeze them after Thanksgiving. Mashed potatoes is one dish that is usually all gone after dinner. They can be frozen if properly handled. See this article from Southern Living.
- Collard Greens can be kept in the freezer after they have been cooked. To freeze cooked collard greens, place the greens in a freezer-safe bag or container making sure to remove as much air as possible. Label and date the bags or containers, and freeze them for up to 3 months.
- Baked Mac and Cheese can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months when packaged in an airtight container/bag I usually freeze in small portions for easy unthawing.
- Yeast Rolls when placed in an airtight container, they can last for more than 2 months. Yeast rolls are great to pop in the oven and eat with your favorite meal.
- Homemade Cranberry Sauce can be kept in an airtight container/bag in the freezer for up to 3 months.
It’s important to make sure that if you plan to freeze any leftovers during the holidays, assure that they have not been sitting on the dinner table for too long. Try to move anything you want to freeze to the refrigerator immediately after dinner. Always practice safety first.
Make a Soup/Pie
Soup is such a great way to repurpose leftover ham or turkey. Here are a few ideas for Thanksgiving leftover soups:
- Turkey noodle soup: I use the same recipe that I use to create my chicken noodle soup. I simply substitute the chicken with leftover turkey, you can have delicious meal that is great for any night of the week.
- Turkey pot pie: Who doesn’t love pot pie? Turkey pot pie or turkey pot pie soup if you prefer, is also a delicious idea. Again, I use the same recipe that I use for my chicken pot pie substituting the chicken with turkey.
- Ham and Potato Soup: I love my Ham and potato soup recipe. It is a hearty and tasty soup that can easily be made with a few ingredients.
Make Sandwiches
Thanksgiving wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without the infamous leftover sandwich.
- Turkey sandwich: This is a classic Thanksgiving leftover sandwich. Simply combine turkey on fresh bread with the topping of your choice.
- Ham sandwich: This is a hearty and delicious sandwich that’s perfect anytime.
Tips for Storing Thanksgiving Leftovers
Two tips to remember in storing and reheating Thanksgiving leftovers:
- Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- After 3 day freeze the leftovers or discard them.
Other Ideas
Other great ideas for leftovers include tacos, quesadillas, omelets and salads. Whatever you choose to do I’m sure will be pleasing to you and your family as you continue to enjoy the busy holiday season.
Happy Thanksgiving!!
