This is how to know when your Thanksgiving turkey is done

Thanksgiving is right around the corner and you might be wondering -- what temperature should my turkey be when it’s done?

The answer is a little complex. Up until 2008, the USDA recommended cooking turkey to an internal temperature of 180 degrees, but now the FDA suggests a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees. This is because salmonella can’t withstand temperatures above 160 degrees after 30 seconds.

However this doesn’t take in account the fact that breasts cook slower than thighs. So if you want to play it safe, Butterball recommends cooking the breast to 165 degrees and the thigh to 180 degrees.

The USDA also recommends not stuffing a turkey and preparing the stuffing ahead of time because the middle of the bird is very porous and the juices that may contain salmonella will soak into the stuffing, meaning the stuffing itself would also have to reach a temperature of 165 degrees.

For more on how to perfectly cook your turkey, watch the video above!