Turkey
For general information on preparing and storing poultry, see Poultry.
For versions of these fact sheets in PDF format and en Español, see Poultry Preparation (USDA).
Turkey Basics
Turkey Basics: Safe Thawing (USDA)
Three safe methods for thawing turkey.
Turkey Basics: Stuffing (USDA)
Use a food thermometer to ensure that the stuffing temperature reaches 165 °F.
Stuffing and Food Safety (USDA)
Can you prepare stuffing ahead of time? Is it safer to cook stuffing separately? Get answers to these questions and more.
Turkey Basics: Safe Cooking (USDA)
Includes cooking times for stuffed and unstuffed birds.
Turkey Basics: Handling Cooked Dinners (USDA)
Handling and storing leftovers and cooked meals.
YouTube video: Let's Talk About Thawing a Turkey (USDA)
Learn the three safe methods for thawing a turkey.
Turkey Basics (USDA)
Expert guidance for safely storing, handling, and preparing your holiday turkey.
Listen to the podcast or read the script (4:24 minutes)
Buying and Thawing a Turkey (USDA)
Answers to questions on when to buy a turkey and how to thaw it.
Listen to the podcast or read the script (4:24 minutes)
Stuffing and Roasting a Turkey (USDA)
Don't even think about stuffing a turkey if you don't have a meat thermometer to make sure it's safe.
Listen to the podcast or read the script (9:53 minutes)
Turkey Charts
Turkey Thawing Chart
Approximate times for thawing in the refrigerator and in cold water.
Turkey Roasting Chart
Details on roasting stuffed and unstuffed turkeys.
Alternative Ways to Cook Turkey
How to grill, smoke, microwave, and deep fat fry turkeys.
Other Turkey Tips
Let's Talk Turkey—A Consumer Guide to Safely Roasting a Turkey (USDA)
Includes charts for thawing (in the refrigerator or in water) and roasting (stuffed or unstuffed).
Is Pink Turkey Meat Safe? (USDA)
The color of cooked meat and poultry is not always a sure sign of its degree of doneness.
Turkey: Alternate Routes to the Table (USDA)
Includes a summary chart on smoking, deep-fat frying, microwaving, and other methods for preparing turkey.
Turkey from Farm to Table (USDA)
Safe storage, handling, cooking methods and approximate cooking times (traditional and microwave).
Let's Talk Turkey (USDA)
Answers to questions on how to safely plan, select, thaw, and prepare a turkey.
Listen to the podcast or read the script (11:29 minutes)