Cooked leftovers: how long they last in the fridge and how to store them
Leftovers are a great way not to waste food, as long as they're stored properly. The critical moment is cooling.
General guidance for a fridge at 0–4 °C and a freezer at −18 °C. Always follow the instructions on the pack and, when in doubt, throw it out.
Cool it quickly
Don't leave cooked food on the hob for hours: put it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. To cool it faster, split it into shallow, wide containers.
How long they last in the fridge
| Leftover | In the fridge |
|---|---|
| Pasta, meat, cooked vegetables, soups | 3–4 days |
| Cooked rice | ideally within 1 day |
| Cooked fish | 1–2 days |
| Sauces and ragù | 3–4 days |
Cooked rice deserves care: it can contain spores that survive cooking. Cool it quickly, keep it in the fridge and eat it soon.
Reheat well, only once
- Reheat until it's piping hot in the middle.
- Reheat only the portion you'll eat: leftovers shouldn't be reheated more than once.
Freezing leftovers
If you know you won't eat them within a few days, freeze them straight away, in portions and labelled: they keep well for 2–3 months.
Frequently asked questions
How long does cooked pasta last in the fridge?
3–4 days in a closed container, put in the fridge within two hours of cooking.
Why should cooked rice be eaten soon?
It can contain spores that survive cooking: cool it quickly, keep it in the fridge and eat it within about a day.
Can leftovers be reheated more than once?
No: reheat only the portion you'll eat, once, until piping hot in the middle.
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