leftovers should be used within how many days
Safe ways to thaw leftovers include the refrigerator, cold water and the microwave oven. Refrigerator thaw-. ing takes the longest but is safest the leftovers stay. safe the entire time. After thawing, the food should be. used within 3 to 4 days or can be refrozen. Cold water thawing is faster than refrigerator thaw-. ing but requires more attention.