As you prepare your Thanksgiving dinner menu, it’s important to consider what to do with the leftovers in the days that follow.

Thanksgiving leftovers are a cherished tradition. However, health authorities stress the need to adhere to food safety guidelines for storing these dishes. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), foodborne illnesses result in approximately 48 million cases, 128,000 hospitalizations, and 3,000 deaths annually in the United States.

“Food safety is crucial during Thanksgiving, especially when people are cooking an elaborate meal for many,” says Meredith Carothers, MPH, a public affairs specialist in food safety at the USDA, to YSL News.

Here’s how to effectively store those leftovers so you can enjoy them safely for several days.

How long can you keep leftover turkey?

Unless you’re using a buffet warming tray that maintains a temperature of at least 140°F, you should refrigerate or freeze your turkey leftovers within two hours, advises Carothers. Store it in an airtight container and make sure to reheat it to at least 165°F before eating, as explained by Caroline Thomason, RD, CDCES, a dietitian based in Washington, D.C.

“Leftover turkey remains safe in the refrigerator for up to four days—through the Monday after Thanksgiving—or you can freeze it for future meals,” says Carothers. “When frozen properly, leftovers are at their best quality for about two to six months.”

This refrigeration guideline applies to all other Thanksgiving leftovers, including mashed potatoes, gravy, mac and cheese, and everything else on your plate.

Creative ways to use leftover turkey

While enjoying Thanksgiving leftovers straight away is great, chef Jerome Grant, who has received James Beard Award nominations, along with Thomason, offers various ideas to refresh those familiar dishes. “Turkey is incredibly versatile as a lean protein,” Thomason says, making it ideal for a variety of recipes, including:

• Turkey and vegetable soup or stew: Combine leftover vegetables and herbs with stock. For a homemade touch, consider simmering the turkey carcass to create your own stock.
• Turkey tacos topped with salsa and avocado.
• Turkey sandwiches or wraps with sweet potato and cranberry sauce.
• Turkey pot pie filled with veggies, gravy, and a crisp pie crust.
• Breakfast hash made with turkey and sweet potato.
• Turkey fried rice garnished with a fried egg and chili crisp.