Leftover gravy, broth, patties and nuggets
Can you freeze leftover gravy, broth, patties and nuggets?
Yes, leftover gravy, broth, patties and nuggets can be frozen.
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.
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.
After thawing
It’s also important to use food within 24 hours after it’s been fully defrosted
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.
Frequently asked questions
Can you freeze leftover gravy, broth, patties and nuggets?
Yes, leftover gravy, broth, patties and nuggets can be frozen. Cooked Meat, Poultry, and Fish Leftovers: Gravy and broth, patties, and nuggets: 1-3 months.
Can you refreeze leftover gravy, broth, patties and nuggets?
In the United Kingdom: Only after cooking; In the United States: Yes.
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