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how-to

Thanksgiving turkey cooking tips.

7 Thanksgiving Tips

 

1) Frozen Turkey Shelf Life

The USDA advises that poultry will remain safe in your freezer indefinitely. However, for optimum quality, we both recommend no more than twelve months stored in a freezer.

2) 3 Way to Thaw a Turkey

Thaw a turkey safely in the refrigerator, by the cold-water method, or in the microwave following the owner's instructions manual.

3) Thawing Turkey in the Refrigerator

Never thaw frozen turkey at room temperature as this will allow harmful bacteria to grow. Instead, place frozen turkey in a glass dish and defrost in the refrigerator.

4) Don’t Rinse Raw Turkey

It's not necessary to rinse turkey prior to cooking. In fact, rinsing is discouraged because this can cause germs to splatter around your food prep area.

5) Brining for a Moist Turkey

Soak turkey in a saltwater solution (brine) for at least 15 minutes before cooking to keep moist.

6) Keeping Turkey in the Oven

You can hold turkey in a 200°F oven, wrapped tightly, up to two hours. After that, the turkey will likely dry out. Check the temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it doesn't go below 140°F.

7) Rethink Your Turkey Leftovers

Share meals with others, use leftover turkey to create delicious recipes, and make turkey stock or broth.

Cooking Timetables

Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Bone-in turkey is fully cooked when the meat thermometer reads 180˚F in the deepest part of the thigh, not touching the bone. Boneless or ground turkey is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165˚F.

Cooking Timetables See how long took your turkey or chicken based on weight and part with our Roasting Time Tables.

High-Altitude Roasting


At altitudes of 5,000+ feet, add approximately 5 – 10 minutes per pound to recommended “Turkey Roasting Timetable at 325°F”.