How long do Thanksgiving leftovers last? When to pitch your extra food

The end of November might mean that Thanksgiving Day is over, but that doesn't mean the enjoyment of the food that comes with the American holiday has to be. If you're looking to spend the last weekend of the month snacking on Thanksgiving leftovers, you can − with some precautions.

Monday, Dec. 1, is likely the last day Thanksgiving leftovers will be safe to eat, according to FoodSafety.gov, an online food safety resource maintained by several federal government agencies. After four days, most food stored in the fridge begins to develop spoilage bacteria, which causes food to develop a bad smell or taste. However, leftovers that are stored in the freezer are good for several months, some even lasting through spring.

Generally, if food items are refrigerated within two hours of coming out of the oven or refrigerator, they should be good to consume safely. For those hoping to make the fall food last just a bit longer, here's what you need to know about keeping it edible.

How long do turkey, trimmings stay good for in the fridge?

Turkey and trimming leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for three to four days, according to FoodSafety.gov. That means meat stored on Thanksgiving is good through Monday, the first day of December.

Leftovers will last longer if stored in the freezer. Freezing the leftovers within the four-day period will ensure the safety of the food for months compared to days, though the quality may decrease over time. The best time to eat stored leftovers in the freezer is within two to six months.

How should I reheat my leftovers?

Leftovers should reach an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit before being eaten, according to FoodSafety.gov. The site recommends arranging the food items evenly in a covered microwave safe glass or ceramic dish.

Make sure to check the internal temperature in different parts of the food that is being reheated due to potential microwave cold spots, especially if you have foods of different densities.

How do I thaw leftovers?

It's advised to thaw leftovers in the refrigerator, microwave, or in cold water. Refrigerator thawing takes the longest amount of time but allows the leftovers to remain safe while they thaw. If thawing in cold water, ensure the leftovers are in a leak-proof package or plastic bag, the Food Safety and Inspection Service advises. If a bag of leftovers begins to leak, water can get into the food and bacteria from the air may enter.

Thawed leftovers can be refrozen after thawing if cooked entirely. Follow the best thawing and reheating practices when consuming leftovers again.

USA TODAY's Greta Cross contributed to this report.