How long do leftover gravy, broth, patties and nuggets last?
Quick answer
Leftover gravy, broth, patties and nuggets keep 1-2 days in the fridge and 1-3 months in the freezer.
Fridge
1-2days
Freezer
Can be frozen: yes
1-3months
Pantry
No known time
-
Mine has been in the fridge for
Refreeze after thawing in the fridge?
- United States
- Yes
- United Kingdom
- Only after cooking
How long do leftover gravy, broth, patties and nuggets last in the fridge?
- Cooked Meat, Poultry, and Fish Leftovers: Gravy and broth, patties, and nuggets1-2 days
Your fridge should be set between 0 and 5°C.
Refrigerators should be set to maintain a temperature of 40 °F or below.
How long do leftover gravy, broth, patties and nuggets last in the freezer?
- Cooked Meat, Poultry, and Fish Leftovers: Gravy and broth, patties, and nuggets1-3 months
Freezer times are for quality; frozen food stays safe.
Your freezer should be around -18°C
A freezer acts as a pause button - food in a freezer won’t go bad and most bacteria cannot grow in it.
Food stored constantly at 0 °F will always be safe. Only the quality suffers with lengthy freezer storage.
Can you freeze leftover gravy, broth, patties and nuggets?
Yes.
How to defrost leftover gravy, broth, patties and nuggets safely
- In the fridge
- In cold water, cook it straight after defrosting
- In the microwave, cook it straight after defrosting
- Cook it from frozen
You should defrost your food in the fridge so that it doesn’t get too warm
It’s also important to use food within 24 hours after it’s been fully defrosted
There are three safe ways to thaw food: in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave.
Check the water frequently to be sure it stays cold. Change the water every 30 minutes. After thawing, cook immediately.
It is safe to cook foods from the frozen state. The cooking will take approximately 50% longer than the recommended time for fully thawed or fresh meat and poultry.
Can you refreeze leftover gravy, broth, patties and nuggets?
- In the United KingdomOnly after cooking
- In the United StatesYes
You can freeze food again once cooked, but you’ll only be able to reheat it once after that
Food thawed in the refrigerator can be refrozen without cooking, although there may be some loss of quality.
Foods thawed by the cold water method should be cooked before refreezing.
After cooking raw foods which were previously frozen, it is safe to freeze the cooked foods.
Can leftover gravy, broth, patties and nuggets be kept out of the fridge?
Official sources give no room-temperature (cupboard) storage time for leftover gravy, broth, patties and nuggets.
What the official sources say
“Gravy and broth, patties, and nuggets 3-4 days”
“Gravy & meat broth 1 - 2 days 2 - 3 months”
“Gravy and meat broth 1-2 days 2-3 months”
“Gravy and meat broth 1–2 days 2–3 months”
Frequently asked questions
How long do leftover gravy, broth, patties and nuggets last in the fridge?
Cooked Meat, Poultry, and Fish Leftovers: Gravy and broth, patties, and nuggets: 1-2 days.
How long do leftover gravy, broth, patties and nuggets last in the freezer?
Cooked Meat, Poultry, and Fish Leftovers: Gravy and broth, patties, and nuggets: 1-3 months. Freezer times are for quality; frozen food stays safe.
Can you freeze leftover gravy, broth, patties and nuggets?
Yes.
Can you refreeze leftover gravy, broth, patties and nuggets?
In the United Kingdom: Only after cooking; In the United States: Yes.
Can leftover gravy, broth, patties and nuggets be kept out of the fridge?
Official sources give no room-temperature (cupboard) storage time for leftover gravy, broth, patties and nuggets.
Sources
We always show the most cautious time among official sources. Last checked: 1 October 2026.
- Food Standards Agency - consumer food hygiene guidance GB
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension US
- Colorado State University Extension US
- University of Illinois Extension US
- Oregon State University Extension US
- University of Georgia Extension US
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration US
- Clemson University Extension US
- Ohio State University Extension US
- University of Kentucky Extension US
- USDA FSIS Safe Food Handling and Preparation US
Values we do not display (2)
Values below were set aside: unconfirmed by a second independent source, or contradicted by a shorter time.
- Cooked Meat, Poultry, and Fish Leftovers: Gravy and broth, patties, and nuggets, fridge: 3-4 days (fsis.usda.gov, a source gives a shorter time)
- Cooked Meat, Poultry, and Fish Leftovers: Gravy and broth, patties, and nuggets, fridge: 3-4 days (fda.gov, a source gives a shorter time)