Assuming everything passes the visual and sniff test, ensure you heat leftovers to a proper temperature. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that meat and other leftovers reach at least 165 F like Shruthi Baskaran-Makanju of Urban Farmie does. “Then I know that they’re safe to eat,” she said.

Your Thanksgiving dinner should not sit out for longer than two hours. Make sure to refrigerate leftovers at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or colder within this time period to prevent food poisoning, FoodSafety.gov advises. The website also suggests slicing up the turkey into small quantities before putting them in the fridge, so it cools faster.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, leftovers can be kept in the fridge for three to four days. This means that people have until the Monday after Thanksgiving to eat their leftovers or put them in the freezer. Leftovers should be packed and stored in the fridge within two hours of cooking.

Basic mashed potatoes are a Thanksgiving staple, and there are tons of ways to repurpose them. Fried mashed potato balls are a fun way to take your leftovers to the next level. These crispy, cheesy bites are always a hit and a great app if you’re hosting any football parties on Thanksgiving weekend.

KETV's Melissa Fry talks to Nancy Urbanec with the Nebraska Extension Office about how to keep your Thanksgiving leftovers safe from contamination and how to stretch your dollar this holiday

With Thanksgiving feasts now over, many are left with a bounty of leftovers to enjoy. While the food is undoubtedly a highlight of the holiday, it’s important to remember that proper storage is key to keeping those leftovers safe and fresh.