How long do leftovers keep?

Most cooked meat, poultry and seafood keeps 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator, or 2 to 6 months frozen.

What temperature should leftovers be reheated to?

165 F in the center, measured with an instant-read thermometer.

What to Make with Leftovers

Updated November 4, 2026

Last night's roast, chicken or salmon can be tonight's dinner. Here are the recipes on the site that put leftovers to good use, with a few tips for each.

How long does it keep? See our storage and freezing guide.

Keep leftovers safe: refrigerate cooked food within 2 hours (1 hour on a hot day), eat it within 3 to 4 days, and reheat leftovers to 165 F. When in doubt, throw it out.

Roast beef or steak

Slice cold and thin for cheesesteaks and salads, or dice for hash. Warm it gently; leftover steak toughens if it is cooked again.

Roast chicken or turkey

Pull the meat off the bone while it is still warm; it shreds more easily and keeps 3 to 4 days.

Salmon and other fish

Flake cooked fish into cakes, salads or tacos. Use it within 3 days.

Lobster and shrimp

Cooked lobster and shrimp make the best rolls and tacos; serve them cold or warm them for only a minute.

Ham

Dice it into hash or simmer it in a pot of pea soup.

Rice and potatoes

Day-old rice makes the best fried rice; cold boiled or baked potatoes are perfect for hash.

Have something else in the refrigerator? Try What can I make? with whatever you have on hand.

Day-old bread

Bread a day or two old soaks up eggs and broth without falling apart, so it is better than fresh for these.

Holiday odds and ends

Leftover cranberry sauce and bananas past their best both have a good second use.

Frequently asked questions

How long do leftovers keep?: Most cooked meat, poultry and seafood keeps 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator, or 2 to 6 months frozen.
What temperature should leftovers be reheated to?: 165 F in the center, measured with an instant-read thermometer.