Here's how you can safely store your Thanksgiving leftovers

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FILE-People sit at the table enjoying Thanksgiving dinner. (Photo by Kirk Mckoy/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

One of the best parts of Thanksgiving besides the special time with loved ones is the meal, but sometimes it can get dicey when you are trying to create space in your refrigerator to store the turkey, stuffing, and other side dishes.

Fortunately, there are ways to safely store your delicious items if you want to enjoy them a little longer.

What’s the best way to store Thanksgiving leftovers?

According to FoodSafety.gov, leftovers should be stored within two hours of cooking, divided into smaller portions so you can refrigerate or freeze them in covered shallow containers, allowing them to cool quickly. If you cooked a turkey, it should also be portioned to guarantee quick cooling in the refrigerator.

Leftovers should be placed in the refrigerator or freezer as soon as possible, even if they still have steam or heat coming from them.

How long will the turkey and trimmings stay safe in the refrigerator or freezer?

Leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for three to four days. FoodSafety.gov noted that this gives you until the Monday after Thanksgiving to eat all your leftovers or put them in the freezer for a later time.

Thanksgiving leftovers stored in the freezer will be of the best quality between two and six months. The agency explains that food can become unsafe in the refrigerator after four days.

In case you forget to use or freeze your leftovers by the Monday after Thanksgiving, the United States Department of Agriculture has an app that’s helpful to provide reminders to your smartphone or tablet called the FoodKeeper app.

What’s the best way to reheat Thanksgiving leftovers safely?

Thanksgiving leftovers like casseroles can be safely reheated without thawing them out by using a saucepan, microwave, or in the oven.

According to FoodSafety.gov, reheating takes longer than if the food is thawed first, but it is safe to do when time is short. Make sure the temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when reheating leftovers, it is also ideal to cover leftovers when reheating them.

Separately, when reheating sauces, soups and gravies, make sure to bring them to a rolling boil on the stovetop.

Reheating leftovers in the microwave requires you to cover and rotate the food for even heating, and it is recommended to arrange food evenly in a covered microwave-safe glass of ceramic dish and add liquid when needed.

Since microwaves have cold spots, it is important to check the temperature of the food in a few spots with a food thermometer and allow a resting time before checking the internal temperature of the food with a food thermometer, per FoodSafety.gov.

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