What Should You Do If Your Leftovers Are About to Expire?

Leftovers are a fact of life, but when they are about to expire, you have a small window to act. The right move depends on whether the food is still safe and what type of food it is. This guide gives you nine practical ways to use leftovers before they go bad, plus clear rules for when to throw them away.

First, decide if they are still safe

According to the USDA, leftovers should be refrigerated within two hours of cooking (one hour if the temperature is above 90°F / 32°C). Most cooked leftovers are safe for 3 to 4 days in the fridge. If your leftovers have been in the fridge longer than that, or if they have been left out at room temperature for too long, throw them out. Do not taste food to check if it is safe. If it looks or smells unusual, or has mold, discard it.

Nine ways to use leftovers before they expire

1. Make a soup or stew. Add leftover vegetables, meats, or grains to broth. Simmer until heated through. This works well for almost any savory leftover.
2. Turn them into a stir-fry. Chop leftover proteins and vegetables, then stir-fry with a little oil and soy sauce or your favorite sauce. Serve over rice or noodles.
3. Bake a frittata or quiche. Mix leftover vegetables, meats, or cheese into beaten eggs and bake. This is a great way to use small amounts of many things.
4. Blend a smoothie. Leftover fruit, yogurt, or even cooked oatmeal can go into a blender with milk or juice. Use within a day.
5. Make a grain bowl. Top leftover grains with leftover roasted vegetables, beans, or meat. Add a sauce or dressing.
6. Wrap it up. Use leftover fillings in tortillas, wraps, or sandwiches. Add fresh greens for crunch.
7. Freeze it. If you cannot eat it today, freeze it. Label with the date and use within 2 to 6 months for best quality. Reheat leftovers to 165°F (74°C).
8. Repurpose as a dip or spread. Blend leftover beans, roasted vegetables, or soft cheese into a dip. Serve with chips or vegetables.
9. Compost it. If you cannot safely eat it, compost it instead of throwing it in the trash. This reduces waste and returns nutrients to the soil.

What NOT to do

• Do not leave leftovers out at room temperature for more than two hours.
• Do not reheat leftovers more than once.
• Do not mix old leftovers with fresh food unless you plan to eat it all immediately.
• Do not rely on smell alone. Some harmful bacteria do not produce an odor.
• Do not thaw frozen leftovers on the counter. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

When to throw leftovers away

Throw them out if they have been in the fridge for more than 4 days, if they have been left out too long, if they show any signs of spoilage (mold, slime, off smell), or if you are unsure. The cost of throwing away food is always less than the cost of foodborne illness.

How to prevent leftovers from piling up

Plan meals for the week, store leftovers in clear containers so you can see them, and freeze portions you will not eat within a few days. Label everything with the date. For more guidance, see the USDA's FoodKeeper app or the FDA's refrigerator and freezer storage chart.

Next time your leftovers are about to expire, pick one of these nine methods and use them safely. When in doubt, throw it out.