What Temperature Should You Cook Turkey To
You’ve probably heard that cooking turkey to 165°F will dry it out. Busted. That’s a myth born from bad technique, not bad temperature. The real culprit is cooking it at too high an oven temp or leaving it in too long after hitting 165°F.
Here’s a pro tip: pull your turkey out of the oven when it hits 160°F in the breast. As it rests—which you must do, by the way—the carryover cooking will bump it up to that safe 165°F. That is how you get tender, juicy meat without any guesswork.
But What If I Like a Little Pink?
Some folks swear by cooking turkey to 150°F or 155°F, citing texture and moisture. And hey, if you’re using a pasteurized bird or a sous-vide setup, that can be safe if held at that temperature long enough. But for your standard, grocery-store bird? Stick to 165°F. It’s the path of least resistance and maximum peace of mind.
How To Cook A Turkey Oven
Remember: your family doesn’t care about your rebel cooking opinions—they just want a tasty, safe meal. Don’t be the rebel who causes a food-safety scandal at the dinner table. Be the legend who nails the temperature.