How Long Can I Keep Leftovers?

In the Kitchen

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How long can I keep leftovers?

We've all been there: a delicious meal, a little too much enthusiasm, and a fridge full of potential future dinners, aka leftovers. I get this question all the time - How long can I keep leftovers?

But how long can you really keep those culinary creations before they transform from treasure to trash? 

This is something I deal with all the time as I test recipes weekly, so I thought I would share some guidelines I follow, which you can consider.  Let’s look at the science and art of leftover longevity!

Why is using leftovers so important (and delicious)?

Food waste is something I’m passionate about.  I think it comes from my over 20 years in the food and restaurant industry. According to the US Food and Drug Administration:

“food waste is estimated at between 30–40 percent of the food supply…corresponded to approximately 133 billion pounds and $161 billion worth of food.”

Certainly, there is the obvious waste of throwing food away, which is what these figures correspond to, but taking it a step further, that also means wasting the time, money, and energy to produce that food in the first place.  We don’t always think about that component, and it is huge!  

Beyond avoiding food waste, understanding leftover safety is crucial for preventing you and others from getting sick. Nobody wants a delightful dinner to turn into a night of discomfort. 

Plus, maximizing the lifespan of your leftovers means more delicious meals with minimal effort!

It is a delight to come home after a busy day, and pop dinner in the oven from the freezer.  While you wrap up your day, the oven is your personal chef doing all the work.  Within 30-40 minutes, you can sit down to a comforting homemade meal and enjoy.  

For me, last night it was a vegetable lasagna with homemade pasta.  The night before, it was a delicious pumpkin stew.  What’s better?  It’s like having a menu to choose from every night.

The Refrigerator Rules: A Guide to Safe Storage

The refrigerator is your first line of defense against bacterial invaders. But even in the chill, time is of the essence.

• General Guideline: Most cooked leftovers, including meats, poultry, cooked vegetables, and casseroles, are safe to eat for 3-4 days when stored properly in air-tight containers or resealable bags at 40°F (4°C) or below.  

Of course, you can cover leftovers with plastic wrap or aluminum foil (generating a different kind of waste), but you reduce the time leftovers remain fresh. Think about the leftover Thanksgiving turkey wrapped in foil.  It will be drier than if you take the meat off the bones and store in an air-tight container.

• Seafood and Cooked Ground Meats: These are a bit more delicate. Aim to consume them within 1-2 days for optimal safety and quality.  I think most of us have thought about this for seafood, but how many of you have considered those leftover hamburgers, cottage pie, or meatloaf?

• Soups and Stews: These hearty dishes can often last the full 3-4 days, but ensure they're cooled quickly and stored in airtight containers. I prefer to freeze these sooner rather than later to help retain their freshness.

The Freezer: A Time Capsule for Your Creations

When I say time capsule, I don’t mean something you find years later and open with surprise.  I mean creating a frozen moment/meal in time that you can bring back to life months later.

I prefer to freeze my leftovers in meals rather than individual components when it makes sense.  That way, when I reheat, I have everything in one container. 

Even frozen food has its limits, though.

• General Guideline: Most cooked leftovers can be frozen for 2-6 months without significant loss of quality.  After that, you may see flavors diminish. 

• Meats and Poultry: These tend to fare well in the freezer. Cooked beef, pork, and poultry can maintain good quality for 2-6 months.

• Soups and Stews: These freeze beautifully! Aim for 2-3 months for best results. They can last longer.  My recommendation is when you defrost and prepare, taste for seasoning and adjust as needed.

• Casseroles and Baked Goods: These can be frozen for 2-3 months, but texture changes may occur.  Here’s an experiment I did. 

I froze several puff pastry creations.  I took them out 6 months and 12 months later and reheated them in the oven.  I noticed first that they didn’t take long to reheat (10 minutes max with a preheated oven).  And, you needed to eat them when they were warm, especially the older items, because as they cooled, they became stale.  I stored them in resealable plastic bags.

Important Note: While freezing extends shelf life, it doesn't eliminate bacteria. Whatever bacteria was there when you stored it will still be there when you reheat it. Always reheat leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety.

Expert Insight:

"The key to safe leftover storage is rapid cooling," says Dr. Benjamin Chapman, a food safety specialist at North Carolina State University. "The faster you can get those leftovers below 40°F, the slower bacteria will grow." 

This means dividing large portions into smaller containers to speed up cooling.  At the end of a meal, I prepare individual portions of the meal I just ate.  They are usually cool enough in minutes to put in the freezer.

Additionally, you want to label and date your leftovers when you put them in the freezer.  This not only helps you recognize a dish from a couple of months ago, but also tells you what you need to eat first.

I highly recommend investing in an additional freezer if you have the space.  Today, you can find small chest freezers or upright freezers that will take the pressure off your kitchen freezer.  You need proper air flow in your freezer to maintain efficient freezing without using excessive energy.

If you don’t have room for an additional freezer, then devise a system to manage your freezer.  I love using these Pyrex glass storage containers because they hold a perfect portion of a meal, plus they stack well without taking up a lot of space.

Beyond the Fridge and Freezer: Exploring Preservation Techniques

If you want to be creative and extend the life of your culinary creations, other preservation methods offer exciting possibilities.

• Canning: This method involves sealing food in airtight jars and applying heat to kill bacteria. It's perfect for preserving fruits, vegetables, and sauces.  This is my favorite.  I constantly have a collection of jams and tomato sauce on hand whenever I need them.

• Pickling: This ancient technique uses vinegar, salt, and spices to create flavorful and long-lasting preserves.

• Dehydration: Removing moisture from food inhibits bacterial growth. Dried fruits, vegetables, and jerky are popular examples. Did you know that you can dehydrate mushrooms to make mushroom powder.  Obviously these aren’t cooked, but if you have mushrooms you haven’t used, you might consider making this delicious homemade “seasoning.” You can also do the same with onion and garlic skins.  Who knew?  I’m going to be experimenting with this so I’ll let you know.

• Fermentation: This method uses beneficial bacteria to transform food, creating products like sauerkraut, kimchi, and yogurt.

Tips for Maximizing Leftover Longevity - Putting it all together

• Cool Quickly: Don't let leftovers sit at room temperature for more than two hours.

• Store Properly: Use airtight containers or resealable bags.

• Label and Date: This helps you keep track of how long your leftovers have been stored.

• Reheat Thoroughly: Always reheat leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

• When in Doubt, Throw it Out: If you're unsure about the safety of your leftovers, err on the side of caution.  This has always been my motto.  

Understanding leftover safety is a crucial skill for any home cook. By following these guidelines and exploring preservation techniques, you can minimize food waste, maximize flavor, and ensure the safety of your culinary creations. 

Happy cooking, and happy leftover feasting!  Share your tips for saving leftovers in the comments!

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Jen Vondenbrink is a cooking, food, and lifestyle blogger at Appetite for Life since 2020.  Jen Vondenbrink has over 35 years of professional cooking experience apprenticing with local pastry and artisan bread makers, working for culinary innovator J. Bildner & Sons in Boston, as well as Starbucks Coffee Company in Seattle, Washington. Jen Vondenbrink has published cookbooks such as Thanksgiving Recipes From Home, Fun Summer Recipes, and the Cozy Soup Cookbook.  Jen Vondenbrink also hosts the Appetite for Life Cooking Club, where members get insights to enhance their cooking.  Jen Vondenbrink offers cooking classes and cooking coaching, working one-on-one with people to strengthen their cooking knowledge and skills.