Cooking a perfectly roasted turkey on Thanksgiving can be an intimidating task for first time hosts—or even those who have hosted every year. That's because there's a lot that goes into cooking the bird. For instance, you'll want to know how much turkey you need per person (there's a simple equation), the best turkey recipe (like a maple-rosemary turkey), and whether or not you should brine it (Ree Drummond says to always brine!). Then, there's the question of how long it takes to cook a turkey and how to know when it's done. The answer to this one is simple: you just need to know how to take a turkey's temperature.
Taking a turkey's temperature might just be one of the most important steps in preparing the perfect Thanksgiving feast. After all, a turkey with juicy meat and crispy skin will win over your guests every time. But it isn't just about making sure you don't overcook the turkey! Checking the temperature for the proper doneness also ensures that it's safe to eat. You can follow the USDA's rule of thumb: a whole turkey is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
So, what's the best way to check for the temperature? Ree says that a meat thermometer will be your best friend. "Even if you only use it once a year for this exact purpose, it's worth it," she says. Then, follow our tips below on where you should stick the thermometer and how long you need to wait before you start carving.
How to Check a Turkey's Temperature
- Remove the turkey from the oven completely (closing the door so it doesn't lose heat).
- Insert the instant-read thermometer into thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone. Wait until the thermometer reads 165 degrees—that's when you'll know it's cooked. If it's not quite there yet, return to the oven and continue to roast in 15-minute intervals.
- Once done, cover the turkey loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for about 15 to 30 minutes. This will allow the juices to settle before you're ready to carve!
Turkey tip: If you've decided to stuff your turkey, the USDA recommends using the food thermometer to check the doneness of the stuffing as well. Insert it into the center of the stuffing to ensure it reaches the same safe temperature of 165 degrees.
Where to Put a Thermometer in a Turkey
The best place to stick your instant-read thermometer is in the thickest part of the turkey's thigh. Since it's one of the meatiest areas of the bird, it takes the longest to cook so checking the temperature here will ensure that the rest of the turkey is done. Look for the thighs towards the bottom of the turkey just below the drumsticks which stick out from the body. When you insert the thermometer, it should have a bit of resistance (if it slips right out, you've hit the turkey's cavity and you should try again).
How to Tell If a Turkey Is Done Without a Thermometer
There are all sorts of hacks out there that might suggest when a turkey is done (like seeing if the juices run clear or looking for a wiggling leg), but the most accurate and safest way to do it is with a food thermometer. Even those pop-up timers that some turkeys come with aren't always reliable. Instead, stick to the easy thermometer method and you'll be gobbling up juicy turkey in no time!
