How Long Do Christmas Leftovers Last?

As you think about what to make for Christmas dinner, keep in mind how long food lasts as you prepare your menu for the feast. Christmas favorites such as turkey and ham may not last as long as your delicious pumpkin pie.

Here’s a helpful guide to use as a quick reference while you’re making your list and checking it twice! Have a Happy Holiday and please feel free to share the chart with your friends! Let us know what your traditional Christmas meal includes!

Christmas Leftovers

How Long Do Christmas Leftovers Last?

Christmas Leftovers

How Do You Store Christmas Leftovers

In order to help make sure that your Christmas leftovers stay fresh for as long as possible, you must make sure that each item is being kept in a safe storage environment. This means that your nice Turkey shouldn’t be left out contaminating other foods. Most Christmas leftovers will stay fresh and tasty for at least a few days in the refrigerator and a month or more in the freezer. Some helpful hints are as follows:

  • Remember to refrigerate proteins and other cooked side dishes within 2 hours of serving.
  • Carve turkey meat off the bones before refrigerating. Place the meat and stuffing in separate containers.
  • Divide leftovers into smaller portions and refrigerate or freeze in covered shallow containers for quicker cooling.

Christmas Leftover Recipes

We know that everyone has their set of go-to Christmas leftover recipes. If you are looking to expand your recipe book, we suggest trying this delicious recipe for turkey pot pie!

To find out how long other foods are good for, please visit the Dairy, Drinks, Fruits, Grains, Proteins, Vegetables and Other sections of Eat By Date or use the search function below.

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