Complete Thanksgiving Turkey FAQ

 

Preparing your Thanksgiving turkey can be a tough and confusing task. Knowing all the details of how to safely thaw it, prepare it and cook it can seem out of reach. Below you'll find a list of the most common questions and answers. The most important points to remember are those that deal with safety. If you're cooking for a large group of people, you need to be extra careful on how you handle the food you're cooking. Don't assume that oven temperatures will kill off all harmful microbes, this isn't always the case. Always use a meat thermometer. Clean cutting surfaces often and avoid cross contamination by using different utensils for meat and produce. If you're using a deep fryer, MAKE SURE you read ALL of the safety instructions. Once you are sure everything is safe, you'll need to make a delicious turkey that everyone can enjoy.

1. When should I buy my turkey?

  • If you're getting a fresh turkey, buy it 1-2 days before you plan on cooking it. Frozen turkeys can be stored in a freezer indefinitely but should be used within an year of purchase.

2. How big of a turkey should I buy?

  • The average turkey consumption is 1 pound per person. If you have a lot of heavy or light eaters, adjust the amount to fit your needs. Also take into account the amount of leftovers you want to have.

3. What's the difference between a fresh and frozen turkey?

  • A turkey can only be labeled as "fresh" if it hasn't been stored below 26 degrees F. Because a fresh turkey never gets as frozen as a frozen turkey, thawing is almost non existent. Frozen turkeys can last longer (when stored in a freezer) but take more time to thaw. If you are pressed on time, get a fresh turkey so you don't have to deal with improper thawing.

4. Can I cook a frozen turkey without thawing?

  • You can roast a frozen turkey in the oven but cooking times will be about 50% longer. Never deep fry a frozen turkey. Doing so can cause severe damage to your house and put your life in danger.

5. How long does it take to thaw a frozen turkey?

6. What are the different ways I can thaw a turkey?

  • You can thaw a turkey in the refrigerator, using cold water or in a microwave. Refrigerator thawing is the slowest but easiest method. It takes a few days but no extra work is needed. Cold water thawing takes less time but requires that you replace the water every 30 minutes. Check your owner's manual for more information on microwave thawing. Read more: How to Thaw a Turkey.

7. How long can I leave the turkey in the refrigerator after thawing?

  • A fresh turkey should only stay in your refrigerator for 2 days before cooking. A frozen turkey that is thawed in the refrigerator can stay there up to 2 days and can be refrozen if you no longer need to cook it. A frozen turkey thawed in cold water or in the microwave should be cooked immediately after thawing. It shouldn't be refrozen.

8. What should I do with the giblets and neck?

  • Remove the giblets and neck from the cavities before cooking your turkey. You can use the giblets to make a broth or gravy by simmering them separately.

9. What do I do with the metal brackets and/or wires that are on the turkey?

  • Read the packaging instructions for details. Usually these pieces stay on the turkey to keep it together.

10. When should I stuff the turkey?

  • Stuff the turkey right before you cook it. Do not mix wet and dry ingredients the night before and always use separate utensils and cutting surfaces for cutting meat and produce.

11. How much stuffing should I use?

  • This depends on the size of the turkey. Remember to pack the stuffing loosely.

12. What should I do before putting the turkey in the oven?

  • To end up with a nice brown colored turkey, spread some butter, vegetable spread or oil over the skin. You can also season it with herbs, spices, salt or anything else you like.

13. What temperature should I set the oven at?

  • Preheat your oven to at least 325 degrees F.

14. Do I have to baste the turkey?

  • Basting keeps a turkey moist but not all turkeys require this. Some turkeys are self basting which means they've been injected with butter, oil or a broth. Check your packaging for more information.

15. How often should I baste the turkey?

  • Every 30-45 minutes. Don't worry if you forget to baste a few times.

16. How long should the turkey stay in the oven?

17. When should I place aluminum foil over the turkey?

  • Place a sheet of aluminum foil over the turkey after it has reached the desired shade of brown. Aluminum foil will keep it from getting any darker.

18. How do I know when the turkey is ready?

  • The Turkey Cook Time Calculator will give you a good idea of when the turkey should be done but only a calibrated meat thermometer should be used to be sure. The meat thermometer should read 165 degrees F at the thickest part of the breast and innermost part of the thigh (not touching the bone). If you stuffed your turkey, check the temperature in the middle of stuffing. It should also be at 165 degrees F.

19. How do I calibrate a meat thermometer?

20. My turkey is done, now what?

  • Wait 20 minutes after taking it out of the oven and then carve it.

21. Is it safe to keep leftovers?

  • Keeping leftover Thanksgiving food can be safe as long as certain rules are followed. Throw away leftovers that were left at room temperature for longer than 2 hours or longer than 1 hour at 90 degrees F. Divide leftovers into small and shallow containers so they can cool more evenly. If you store them in large containers, the food will stay warm in the middle making a perfect breeding ground for bacteria.

22. How long are leftovers good for?

  • Turkey should be used within 3-4 days. Gravy should be used within 1-2 days.

23. How long can I store frozen leftovers?

  • Frozen leftovers should be used within 2-6 months.

24. How do I reheat my Thanksgiving leftovers?

  • Leftovers can be heated in the oven or microwave. The leftovers should be reheated to an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees F. Set your oven to 325 degrees F. Check your owner's manual for microwave times and power levels.

For more information on a safe Thanksgiving, visit the Guide to a Healthy Holiday. If you have any other questions or want to share some Thanksgiving cooking tips, visit the nutrition forums.

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