Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and you know what that means: awkward family dinners. Just kidding, it means you’ll probably get a bigger turkey than you actually need and be left with plenty of turkey leftovers. Here is how you should store them.
Be Quick
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), turkey leftovers should be stored in the fridge or freezer within two hours after being cooked. Leave it on the table or the kitchen counter for longer, and you risk bacteria growth.
Slice it Up and Organize the Meat
Slice up the entire turkey and organize the meat. Have dark meat on one pile and the white meat on the other pile. This will allow turkey leftovers to cool down faster while allowing you to store them more easily.
Pack in a Plastic Bag
Packing turkey leftovers in a plastic bag will keep the air out and allow the turkey meat to retain its freshness for longer. It will also take up less space when stored.
Decide Between Refrigerating and Freezing
If you intend to eat the turkey leftovers in the next three to four days, you can store them in the fridge. However, in case you want them to remain safe to eat for longer, you should store them in the freezer, where they will retain their quality for several months.
