How-To Guides · Kitchen
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers Safely (USDA Rules)
Leftovers are the best part of a big meal, until they make somebody sick. Here are the simple U S D A rules for storing them, and heating them back up.
1. Rule 1: Fridge Within 2 Hours
Get leftovers into the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. If it's hotter than ninety degrees, like a picnic in summer, make that one hour.
2. Rule 2: Shallow Containers
Split big batches into smaller, shallow containers, so they cool down quickly. Carve big items, like a turkey, into smaller pieces before you put them away.
3. Rule 3: 3 To 4 Days
Eat refrigerated leftovers within three to four days. Want them to last longer? Freeze them. Frozen leftovers stay safe, and taste best if you eat them within a few months.
4. Rule 4: Reheat To 165
When you reheat, get the food to one sixty five degrees, and check with a food thermometer. Bring sauces, soups, and gravy to a full rolling boil.
5. Skip The Slow Cooker For Reheating
Don't reheat leftovers in a slow cooker. It may not heat them up fast enough to be safe. Use the stove, oven, or microwave instead.
6. When In Doubt
If you're not sure how long something's been in there, don't taste it to find out. When in doubt, throw it out.
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