How Long Are Leftovers Good For?

How long are leftovers good for? Finally, the important questions are being asked! Leftovers are a staple part of many meals, whether it’s a delicious home-cooked dinner or a monthly takeout treat. They can come in handy, especially when you least expect it. Tired after a long day at work? Leftovers! Looking for ways to cut costs? Leftovers! All the deliciousness without the effort of cooking everything from scratch.  

While convenient, it’s essential to know how long leftovers are good for, to ensure that we stay safe and healthy while tucking into our favorite dishes. In this article, we’ll explore how to properly store leftovers, highlighting the factors that can affect their shelf life. We’ll also find out how long restaurant leftovers are good for and include tips for keeping them fresh and safe for consumption.

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• How Soon Should You Store Leftovers?
• How Long Do Leftovers Last?
• How To Store Leftover Food
• How To Make Leftover Food Last Longer

How Soon Should You Store Leftovers?

Before answering the question of how long leftovers are good for, we have to consider when to store leftovers. Leftovers, whether home-cooked or takeout, should be stored within two hours of being cooked. If left outside at room temperature, you risk your leftovers entering the temperature danger zone of 40 to 140 degrees, where bacteria such as E.coli thrive and can multiply at an alarming rate within those two hours.

At this point, it might not be visibly noticeable in appearance, but if consumed, your leftovers can make you incredibly sick. To avoid this, always refrigerate your leftovers promptly and ensure they are stored in airtight containers.

How Long Do Leftovers Last?

How long are leftovers good for? Leftovers remain good for a few days but the exact amount of time depends on how you store it, how soon you pop it in the refrigerator, the type of dish and the container it’s in. For example, foods that are acidic or sugary tend to be somewhat resistant to bacterial growth and can sometimes be consumed outside the standard timeline.

However, as a general rule, leftovers are good for three to four days and a maximum of seven days, according to the FDA food code. Following this period, your perishable food is more likely to experience bacterial growth because refrigeration doesn’t prevent harmful bacteria from taking over your once delicious leftovers.

That’s why knowing how long leftovers are good for is important; consuming leftovers outside the recommended days can cause foodborne illness, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and more.

When it comes to specific types of food, meat dishes vary in how long leftovers are good for in the fridge. Cooked bacon can last up to one week, while cooked chicken lasts three to four days and cooked turkey typically lasts only one to two days. For pizza, cooked pasta, rice, mashed potatoes and other starchy dishes, these leftovers are good for three to four days.

For salads, these leftovers are good for three to five days but they last fewer days if they include cheese or dressing. These foods are perishable and can invite harmful bacteria if left too long, so it’s best to consume them sooner rather than later. Always check for any signs that your leftovers are spoiling, such as an off smell or discoloration, before eating. 

How Long Are Leftovers Good for in the Fridge?  

You don't have to wonder, “How long does takeout last in the fridge?” or “How long are leftovers good for?” anymore. The answer is simple: leftovers, whether takeout or homemade, typically follow the same timeline. If refrigerated within two hours in airtight containers, leftovers are good for three to four days.  

It’s important to note that there are always exceptions and some food items may last longer or spoil more quickly in the fridge. While more processed foods can last longer due to their additives and preservatives, certain types of food, like seafood, may only last one to two days.

How Long Are Restaurant Leftovers Good For?  

How long are leftovers good for, especially after a night of restaurant dining? When dining out, sometimes we eat with our eyes more than our stomachs and suddenly there are unexpected leftovers. If you bring home a doggy bag, it's important to refrigerate your food within two hours.

You can then enjoy those leftovers for up to four days. When in doubt about how long leftovers have been sitting out, it's best to play it safe and throw them away. An extra bite of your leftover pasta isn’t worth a trip to the hospital.

How To Store Leftover Food 

The best way to store leftover food is in the refrigerator, arranged in a manner that allows for good airflow and prevents overcrowding, as this can affect temperature control. While refrigerators are great for delaying the inevitable, your leftovers will eventually become inedible within a few days.  

If you suspect that your leftovers might go to waste because you can’t consume them within the recommended timeline, consider storing them in the freezer instead. Freezing works well to extend the shelf life of many food items, allowing you to enjoy them later without affecting the taste and most importantly, safety.

Storing Leftovers in the Freezer  

To store your leftovers in the freezer, get an airtight container and freezer-safe sealable bags. Label your container with the contents and date, then place it in the freezer — it’s simple! Using this storage method, your leftovers remain good for much longer, typically up to three to four months, before succumbing to the dreaded freezer burn and experiencing general degradation.  

To safely enjoy your food after freezing, first remove it from the freezer within the recommended time frame of three to four months. Gradually thaw your leftovers in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave as needed.

Remember that not all leftovers can handle freezing, especially those with high water content, cream-based ingredients or starchy foods like cucumber salads, sour cream and cooked rice. These foods tend to lose their texture and flavor after freezing.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers 

To ensure your leftovers remain good for longer, endeavor to store them properly. This keeps them fresh and safe to eat. To safely store leftovers, first allow your food to cool completely at room temperature. If possible, separate different foods to prevent cross-contamination and use a clean, airtight container to keep bacteria out before putting your leftovers in the fridge. 

When it’s time to reheat your leftovers, pop them in the microwave or on the stove to heat them. Use a food thermometer to ensure that your reheated food reaches 165°F, at which point any harmful bacteria will be destroyed.  

How To Make Leftover Food Last Longer

There are several ways to make sure your leftovers are good for longer. First and foremost, keep your fridge as clean as possible; a dirty fridge means your leftovers don’t stand a chance, as this poor environment can accelerate bacterial growth.

Additionally, utilizing your refrigerators’ often-forgotten crisper drawers can help extend the life of your leftovers. Finally, the container you use matters significantly; opt for glass containers, as they are sturdier and provide an airtight seal that prevents air and moisture from entering, keeping bacteria out.

Although you can extend the shelf life of your leftovers, that doesn’t mean the week-old salad sitting in your fridge is safe to eat. If you are still wondering “How long are leftovers good for?” the general guideline is to discard them within three to four days unless you freeze them.

At this point, you likely no longer have to ask, “How long are leftovers good for?” or “How long are restaurant leftovers good for?” Whether you are too full to have another bite of your favorite takeaway pizza or you made enough dinner for five in your household of two, knowing how to properly store leftovers is invaluable.

So, next time you have extra food, you can enjoy your meal without worrying about wasting food or getting sick. There’s no need to feel rushed either, as freezing is always an option if short-term refrigeration doesn’t work for you. When considering how long leftovers are good for, just remember to put them in the fridge as soon as possible, use airtight containers and make sure to always reheat them thoroughly before eating.

For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.