When should you stop eating Thanksgiving leftovers? Here's what to know.

Family and friends are back at home and work following the holiday weekend, but fridges may still be packed full of Thanksgiving leftovers. For folks wondering how long the turkey, potatoes and casserole are good for, the clock is ticking.

Monday is the final day most Thanksgiving leftovers will be safe to eat by, according to FoodSafety.gov, an online food safety resource maintained by several federals 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 stored in the freezer are good for several months, some even lasting through spring.

Ideally, leftovers were stored property for the past four days − food stored within two hours of cooking, since storing food after it has cooled provides bacteria the chance to multiply.

If you're looking to clean out the fridge this week, here's what to know about heating up and enjoying those Thanksgiving leftovers.

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.

Turkey and trimmings stored in the freezer, however, will be of best quality within two to six months.

Best practices for reheating refrigerated leftovers

When reheating leftovers, make sure they reach at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit, as measured by a food thermometer, FoodSafety.gov advises. Measure the temperature of several places in the leftovers to check for uneven reheating.

If reheating leftovers in a microwave, cover them to help retain moisture in a microwave-safe dish. Covering leftovers ensures the food is heated thoroughly. Also arrange food evenly throughout a dish to help with cooking.

If reheating sauce, soup or gravy, do so in a pan on the stove. Bring liquid dishes to a rolling boil, FoodSafety.gov advises.

Is it safe to reheat frozen leftovers without thawing?

Yes, frozen Thanksgiving leftovers can be safely reheated without thawing first. Reheating will take longer than if the food were thawed first though.

Best practices for thawing leftovers

If thawing leftovers, it's best to do so in the fridge, microwave or in cold water. Refrigerator thawing takes the longest but leftovers remain safe throughout the process.

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.

Leftover 'leftovers'

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

How to dispose of a Thanksgiving turkey carcass

If a full Thanksgiving turkey carcass is still hanging around, it can be disposed of in the trash heading to the standard landfill. Before throwing it out though, consider enclosing the carcass in a plastic bag or airtight container.

Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretalcross. Story idea? Email her at gcross@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How long are Thanksgiving leftovers good for? Here's what to know.