For some people, leftovers are the best part of Thanksgiving. But how long—really——does that turkey last? Can you continue to work away at that pot of mashed potatoes 2, 3, even 5 days later? Check out this list of traditional Turkey Day dishes and their average refrigerator shelf life so you know when to partake, and when to toss.
Remember to promptly refrigerate leftovers—no need to wait until they cool—and reheat gravies and soups to steaming.
Sour cream dip (or other dairy-based dips)
— Homemade — 2 days
— Commercial, opened — 1 week
Turkey — 3 to 4 days
Gravy — 1 to 2 days
Stuffing — 3 to 4 days
Mashed potatoes — 3 to 5 days
Sweet potatoes or yams — 3 to 5 days
Green bean casserole — 3 to 5 days
Pumpkin pie — 3 to 4 days
Apple pie — 4 to 5 days
Cranberry sauce — 10 to 14 days