Use cooked leftovers within how many days?

It's generally recommended to eat cooked leftovers within 3-4 days of cooking.

Here's why:

* Food Safety: Bacteria can grow rapidly in cooked food, especially at room temperature. Refrigerating leftovers helps slow down bacterial growth, but it doesn't stop it entirely.

* Quality: As time goes on, the texture and flavor of leftovers can deteriorate.

Important notes:

* Refrigerate promptly: Cool leftovers to room temperature quickly before putting them in the refrigerator.

* Use a food thermometer: Make sure the internal temperature of your leftovers is below 40°F (4°C).

* Smell and look: If your leftovers smell or look off, don't eat them.

* Different foods: Some foods like rice and potatoes can be riskier to eat after a shorter period than other foods.

For safety, always err on the side of caution and discard leftovers after 4 days.