Here’s How Long These Leftovers Will Last
Leftovers allow us to save time and money, but keeping them too long can lead to waste or foodborne illness. Each type of food has its own safe storage window, depending on how it's prepared and stored.
Knowing when to eat or toss leftovers keeps your meals safe and your fridge organized. Here’s how long common leftovers really last.
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes can last three to five days when refrigerated in a sealed container. To reheat, add a splash of milk or butter to restore their creamy texture.
If they start to smell sour or turn gray, they've gone bad. For longer storage, mashed potatoes can be frozen and reheated smoothly.
Cooked Chicken
Cooked chicken lasts about three to four days in the refrigerator when stored in a sealed container. If you need it to last longer, freeze it for up to three months.
Make sure it's cooled before storing and always reheat thoroughly before eating. If it smells sour or feels slimy, it’s best to throw it out.
Salad
Green salads with dressing should be eaten within a day, as dressing can cause wilting. Undressed salads last up to three days if stored in airtight containers with paper towels to absorb moisture.
Vegetable salads with mayo or dairy dressings should be eaten within two days to stay safe and fresh.
Pasta
Cooked pasta lasts about three to five days when kept in the refrigerator. Store it in a container with a little drizzle of oil to prevent sticking.
If it's mixed with sauce, aim to eat it within three days. Always check for a sour smell or sticky texture before reheating and serving.
Cooked Vegetables
Cooked vegetables last about three to four days in the fridge. Keep them in airtight containers to maintain freshness.
Roasted vegetables may last slightly longer if kept dry. Avoid eating any that develop an off smell or appear slimy.
Cooked Beef
Leftover beef, whether it's steak, roast, or ground beef, keeps for three to four days in the fridge. Store it in airtight containers and avoid leaving it out for more than two hours.
For longer storage, freeze cooked beef for two to three months. Always check for color or odor changes before reheating.
Cooked Fish
Cooked fish should be eaten within two to three days. Seafood spoils quickly, even when refrigerated properly.
Store it in a tightly sealed container and keep it cold. If the fish smells overly strong or feels mushy, it's no longer safe.
Rice
Leftover rice can last three to four days in the fridge if cooled and stored quickly after cooking. Avoid leaving it out at room temperature for long, as it can develop bacteria.
Keep it in a sealed container and reheat it thoroughly before eating.
Soups And Stews
Soups and stews stay good for about four days in the refrigerator. Their liquid base helps preserve them slightly longer than solid dishes.
Store them in airtight containers and reheat until steaming hot. If you made a large batch, freezing portions can help prevent waste and make quick meals later.
Pizza
Leftover pizza lasts about three to four days when stored in the refrigerator. Wrap slices in foil or store them in airtight containers to keep the crust from drying out.
Reheat in the oven or skillet to maintain crispness. After four days, it's best to toss any remaining pieces.
Eggs
Hard-boiled eggs can last up to a week in the refrigerator if kept in their shells. Once peeled, they should be eaten within two days.
Scrambled or fried eggs, however, should be eaten within three days. If there's any sulfur smell or discoloration, it’s safest to throw them away.
Leftovers Make Life Easier
Leftovers can make meal prep easier, but they don't last forever. Most cooked foods are best eaten within three to four days, though freezing extends their life.
Always store food in airtight containers, refrigerate promptly, and reheat fully. Paying attention to smell and texture helps you stay safe while reducing waste and enjoying your meals for longer.