How to Store Leftover Turkey

Sometimes the best thing about Thanksgiving is all that leftover turkey. Here's how to safely store the makings for all those sandwiches, soups and casseroles.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Aluminum Foil
• Plastic Wrap
• Aluminum Foil
• Plastic Cutting Board
• Refrigerator Thermometers
• Plastic Wrap

1. Wash your hands with soap and warm water before handling leftover turkey.

2. Remove stuffing from inside the turkey. Refrigerate stuffing in a separate, tightly covered plastic storage container.

3. Take turkey meat off the bones with clean hands. Save bones for making broth.

4. Dice turkey if you plan to use it in soup, turkey tetrazzini or other recipes.

5. Wrap turkey tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

6. Refrigerate or freeze immediately - within 2 hours of preparation.

7. Arrange leftovers at least 2 inches apart in the fridge to allow cold air to circulate.

8. Use leftover turkey within three to four days.

Tips & Warnings

• Use separate dishes, knives and cutting boards for raw and cooked turkey.
• Cool hot turkey in the fridge instead of on the counter. Refrigerate within two hours of preparation.
• Use a refrigerator thermometer to make sure your fridge stays between 35 and 40 degrees F.
• Small portions of leftovers cool faster.
• Toss any turkey leftovers that look or smell odd. But remember, contaminated food may look and smell fine. When in doubt, throw it out.

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on 11/22/2005 We always have a lot of family over, and they all want to take home turkey, stuffing, etc. Instead of separating all the goodies, I make full plates of food - a little turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes (covered in gravy), candied yams, and whatever else was served. Then, when it's time for leftovers, you can just microwave the whole plate for a full meal. I use those disposable Ziploc "tupperware" bowls. They are airtight, and your family won't have to return the Tupperware!