How Long Can You Safely Keep Your Thanksgiving Leftovers?

Now that the table is cleared and the dishes are done, it comes time to chip away at the rest of your Thanksgiving feast. But you should act soon.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that lots of people come down with food born illnesses during the holidays because of improperly stored leftovers.

Cooked foods shouldn’t stay out longer than two hours at room temperature. Stored in the fridge, you can safely snack for up to four days. If frozen, you could extend the clock to four months, says Lisa Yakas from NSF International.

If you want to assure your safety, Yakas advises labeling the containers, especially the ones stuffed into the freezer.

How long do you stretch out leftovers?