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.

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.

After the big holiday meal is done, families are sure to take home leftovers from the Thanksgiving table. But the question is: how long can Thanksgiving leftovers last and remain safe to eat? According to the U.