How long after cooking turkey can you put in fridge?

Can you put warm cooked turkey in the fridge?

Put the leftovers in shallow layers or in shallow containers so they will cool quickly and then cover and put them in the refrigerator. Reheat leftovers to at least 165 F (73.9 C). … It’s a good idea to have a refrigerator thermometer to make sure your food is never in the “danger zone.”

How long should a turkey cool before refrigerating?

Ideally, your turkey should rest 30 to 40 minutes to let the juices redistribute. (This gives you enough time to make gravy, too.) We usually recommend that the turkey get back into the refrigerator within 2 hours, so by the time you carve and serve, that timeframe works pretty well.

Can I put the turkey back in the fridge?

Thawing in the Refrigerator:



Keep the turkey in its original wrapper. Place it on a tray to catch any juices that may leak. A thawed turkey can remain in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days. If necessary, a turkey that has been properly thawed in the refrigerator may be refrozen.

Should you let turkey cool before refrigerating?

2: You should cool your turkey to room temperature for a while before putting it in the fridge. FACT: Decades ago, when people plopped a hot turkey into the refrigerator, the heat would overload the system and lead to spoiled milk. … But it doesn’t release its toxins until it has a food source, like turkey meat.

Is it safe to cook a turkey on low overnight?

You can slow roast a turkey overnight without checking on it periodically. Roasting a turkey is so much easier when cooked overnight. … Not just ok, your turkey will be moist and tender and ready for your finishing touches before you place it on the Thanksgiving turkey serving platter.

Can I keep a turkey in the fridge for a week?

Refrigerated turkey leftovers will keep for three days. After that, the turkey proteins begin to break down. Either toss any remaining leftovers by Sunday or freeze them for up to two months.

Should you let your turkey come to room temperature before cooking?

First, Bring Your Bird to Room Temp



Your turkey will cook more evenly and faster if you start it out at room temperature so remove the turkey from the refrigerator 1 hour before roasting. If you plan to stuff your turkey, wait until you’re ready to put it in the oven before putting the stuffing in the turkey.

Do you have to wait for food to cool before refrigerating?

You should at least wait for the food to come down to room temperature before refrigerating. … “If you are storing cooked food do so within 2 hours of cooking. Cooling it faster also helps, divide the food into smaller portions so that it cools fast and can be frozen sooner to avoid contamination.

What if I thawed my turkey at room temperature?

At room temperature, the turkey will thaw on the outside and rise well above the “danger zone” of 40°F, FoodSafety.gov explains. Bacteria in the turkey can multiply quickly when it’s at room temperature for more than two hours. You may serve up salmonella poisoning along with your famous candied yams. Not so yum!

Is it OK to put warm food in the fridge?

FACT: Hot food can be placed in the refrigerator. Large amounts of food should be divided into small portions and put in shallow containers for quicker cooling in the refrigerator. … Bacteria can grow rapidly on food left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Is it OK to put hot food directly in the fridge?

Small amounts of hot food can be placed directly in the refrigerator or it can be rapidly chilled in ice or cold water bath before refrigerating. A large pot of food like soup or stew should be divided into small portions and put in shallow containers before being refrigerated.

What if turkey is not fully thawed?

If There’s No Time to Thaw



If you’re up against the clock and have no time left for even the “quick” cold-water thaw, then just cook the turkey as it is. It’s perfectly safe to cook a frozen or partially frozen turkey — you just need to allow some extra cooking time.