Most of us look forward to taking the turkey out of the oven to enjoy its delicious aromas and crispy golden-brown skin after all of the work and time that goes into cooking one. And everyone wants to be sure to save the leftovers (there always are some) for turkey soup. How can you be sure your leftovers are safe?.
In the danger zone, which is between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, a turkey can be left outside for no more than two hours. Turkey should only be left out for an hour at a time if the room temperature is higher than ninety degrees. After that, it needs to be stored in the freezer or refrigerator to stop dangerous bacteria from growing on the surface.
Continue reading to find out about food safety and how to store your delectable leftovers before letting your cooked turkey sit out in the temperature danger zone for an extended period of time.
So, you’ve conquered the challenge of roasting a delicious turkey, but dinner is still hours away. Now what? Leaving a cooked turkey out for an extended period can be a recipe for food safety issues, so knowing how to keep it warm and safe until serving time is crucial.
Here’s a breakdown of your options for post-roasting turkey care:
Option 1: Resting and Refrigeration
This is the most common and recommended approach. After removing the turkey from the oven, let it rest for at least 20 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute for a more tender and flavorful bird. Then, carve the turkey and store the portions you won’t be serving immediately in the refrigerator.
Pros:
- Safe: Refrigeration keeps the turkey at a safe temperature, preventing bacterial growth.
- Preserves Quality: Refrigeration helps maintain the turkey’s moisture and texture.
Cons:
- Time-consuming: Requires carving and storing portions separately.
- Reheating Required: Leftovers will need to be reheated before serving.
Option 2: Holding in a Warm Oven
This option involves keeping the whole turkey or carved portions warm in a low-temperature oven (around 150°F) until serving time.
Pros:
- Convenient: No need to carve or refrigerate beforehand.
- Ready to Serve: Turkey stays warm and ready to eat.
Cons:
- Drying Out: Prolonged holding can dry out the turkey.
- Safety Concerns: Holding for extended periods (more than a few hours) can increase the risk of foodborne illness.
Option 3: Holding in a Cooler
This method involves wrapping the cooked turkey tightly in foil and placing it in a cooler with a few ice packs.
Pros:
- Safe: Keeps the turkey at a safe temperature for several hours.
- Portable: Convenient for transporting the turkey.
Cons:
- Temperature Control: Requires monitoring the temperature of the cooler and ice packs.
- Moisture Loss: Can lead to some moisture loss in the turkey.
Additional Tips:
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Always ensure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before consuming it.
- Carve Safely: When carving, use a clean cutting board and knife to prevent cross-contamination.
- Store Properly: Refrigerate leftover turkey within 2 hours of cooking.
- Reheat Thoroughly: Reheat leftover turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
Choosing the best method for keeping your turkey warm and safe depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider factors like convenience, safety, and desired texture when making your decision. Remember, proper handling and storage are essential for enjoying a delicious and safe turkey meal.
Now, go forth and feast on your perfectly cooked turkey, knowing you’ve taken all the necessary steps to keep it safe and delicious!
How Long Can Turkey Sit Out at Room Temperature?
The exact time period cooked turkey can sit out depends on a few different factors. As a rule of thumb, if your meat has been out in the temperature danger zone for more than two hours, even after being refrigerated, throw it out.
If the turkey was just cooked and is cooling down, try to put it away within two hours. If the turkey had previously been in the fridge, it can still only stay out for two hours.
The timing is all about how long the turkey remains within the temperature range where bacteria grow easily, not about what temperature the turkey meat was at in the first place.
To be safe, store your cooked turkey as soon as possible to eliminate the chance for bacterial growth.
Clean Kitchen Surfaces and Materials Thoroughly and Often
You are aware that after preparing the raw turkey, you need to clean the knife, cutting board, and any other surfaces that came into contact with the meat. Before the meat is cooked, it can leave bacteria behind on surfaces. Thus, it’s crucial to wash everything that comes into contact with the raw meat with hot water and soap before using it to prepare vegetables or even to carve the turkey after it’s cooked.
It is crucial to ensure that every surface and utensil you use to cut up the meat for storage is sanitized and clean before beginning. What will happen when your delicious turkey comes into contact with your knife and cutting board if they are contaminated with bacteria? Spoiler alert: it won’t be good.
Can I leave turkey in oven after cooking?
FAQ
How long can a turkey sit out of the oven after cooking?
How do you keep a turkey warm for 3 hours?
Can you let turkey rest in the oven?
Can a cooked turkey be left out overnight?
How to cook a Turkey in the oven?
Using your oven will suit you best if your turkey is done 2-3 hours before the time of serving. The following steps will help you use this method effectively. Once fully cooked, cover the turkey in aluminum foil. Set the temperature of your oven between 200 and 225°F (93 and 107°C). Place the wrapped bird back in the oven till you can serve it.
Should you cover a Turkey before cooking?
If you cover it right away, the trapped heat will continue to cook your bird and will result in overcooked (aka dry) meat. After 20 minutes, cover the turkey with foil and then place a kitchen towel on top. The towel will further help keep things warm. Your turkey should stay warm for about 1½ to 2 hours using this method.
How do you keep a Turkey warm after cooking?
The simplest way to keep a turkey warm is to cover it. To do so, remove the turkey from the oven when it’s done cooking and let it cool down for about 20 minutes. If you cover it right away, the trapped heat will continue to cook your bird and will result in overcooked (aka dry) meat.
How long can you keep a cooked turkey in the oven?
Use refrigerated turkey, stuffing, and gravy within 3 to 4 days. If freezing leftovers, use within 2 to 6 months for best quality. Cooked turkey may be eaten cold or reheated. Set the oven temperature no lower than 325 °F.