Most cooked leftovers last 3 to 4 days in the fridge, according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). Cooked rice is the big exception: UK food safety advice is to eat it within 24 hours. Advice can differ slightly from country to country, so follow your local food agency if it is stricter. Always put leftovers in the fridge within 2 hours of cooking, or within 1 hour on a very hot day.
Leftovers save time and money, but storing them the wrong way is a common cause of food poisoning. This guide gives a simple chart of how long common leftovers last in the fridge and freezer, explains the 2-hour rule, and shows how to cool, store and reheat food safely. If you are ever unsure whether food is still safe, throw it out.
- Most leftovers: 3 to 4 days in the fridge
- Cooked rice: within 24 hours, and reheat it only once
- The 2-hour rule: refrigerate within 2 hours (1 hour above 32°C / 90°F)
- Freezer: 3 to 4 months for best quality
- Reheat: until steaming hot all the way through (74°C / 165°F)
How long do leftovers last? A quick chart
| Food | Fridge | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked meat or chicken | 3 to 4 days | 2 to 6 months |
| Soups and stews | 3 to 4 days | 2 to 3 months |
| Pizza | 3 to 4 days | 1 to 2 months |
| Chicken nuggets or patties | 3 to 4 days | 1 to 3 months |
| Casseroles with eggs (after baking) | 3 to 4 days | 2 to 3 months |
| Egg, chicken, tuna or pasta salads | 3 to 4 days | Do not freeze well |
| Hard-boiled eggs | 1 week | Do not freeze |
| Cooked rice | Within 24 hours | – |
What about curries, stir-fries, pasta dishes and other home cooking? The charts don’t list every dish by name, but the USDA’s general advice for cooked leftovers is 3 to 4 days in the fridge, and dishes with rice need extra care.
The 2-hour rule
Bacteria grow rapidly in what food safety experts call the “danger zone”. The USDA puts this between 40°F and 140°F (about 4°C to 60°C). That is why the USDA says to refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking, and to throw away perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours. If it is hotter than 90°F (about 32°C), such as at a summer picnic or in a hot kitchen, the limit drops to just 1 hour.
Your fridge should be at 4°C (40°F) or colder, the safe storage temperature the USDA gives for cold food.
Why cooked rice needs extra care
Food Standards Scotland explains that uncooked rice can contain spores of a bacterium called Bacillus cereus, which can cause food poisoning. The spores can survive cooking. So its advice is:
- Cool cooked rice quickly, ideally within 1 hour. Take it out of the cooker or pan so it cools faster.
- Put it straight in the fridge once it reaches room temperature.
- Eat it within 24 hours. Cold cooked rice is safe if it was cooled quickly and kept in the fridge.
- Reheat until steaming hot all the way through, and never reheat rice more than once.
How to store leftovers safely
- Cool food quickly. Split big pots of food into small, shallow containers so they cool faster. The USDA says hot food can go straight into the fridge.
- Cover it well. Use airtight containers or wrap food to keep bacteria out and stop it drying or picking up smells.
- Label the date. A strip of tape with the date makes the 3-to-4-day rule easy to follow.
- Don’t overfill the fridge. Cold air needs room to flow around food.
- Freeze what you won’t eat soon. Frozen leftovers are safe indefinitely, but the USDA says they lose moisture and flavour over time, so use them within 3 to 4 months.
How to reheat leftovers safely
- Heat until piping hot. The USDA says leftovers should reach 165°F (about 74°C). Bring sauces, soups and gravies to a rolling boil.
- Cover and stir in the microwave. Microwaves leave cold spots, so stir or turn the food and check it in several places.
- Frozen leftovers can be reheated without thawing first. It just takes longer.
- Thaw safely: in the fridge, in cold water, or in the microwave, then use thawed leftovers within 3 to 4 days.
Signs leftovers have gone bad
A sour smell, slimy texture or mould are clear signs to throw food away. But food can be unsafe even when it looks and smells fine, because the bacteria that cause food poisoning are usually invisible. That’s why the time limits matter more than a sniff test. When in doubt, throw it out.
Want to keep food fresh for longer? Read our guide on how to store fresh herbs, and find out why a mini fridge can be handy at home.
Frequently asked questions
How long can cooked food stay in the fridge?
Most cooked leftovers last 3 to 4 days in the fridge, according to the USDA. Cooked rice should be eaten within 24 hours.
Can I eat leftovers after 5 days?
It’s not recommended. The USDA’s limit for most leftovers is 3 to 4 days. After that, throw them out, even if they look fine.
How long can cooked food sit out?
No more than 2 hours at room temperature, or 1 hour if it is above 90°F (about 32°C).
Is it safe to eat cold rice from the fridge?
Yes, if it was cooled quickly, kept in the fridge and is eaten within 24 hours, according to Food Standards Scotland.
Can I reheat food more than once?
Never reheat rice more than once. For other leftovers, the USDA says food remaining after reheating previously frozen leftovers to 165°F can be refrozen, but it is best to reheat only what you will eat.
Can I put hot food straight in the fridge?
Yes. The USDA says hot food can be placed directly in the refrigerator. Splitting it into small, shallow containers helps it cool faster.
