Reheating Leftover Turkey to a Safe Internal Temperature

As we gear up for the holidays, many of us will be enjoying a delicious roast turkey dinner. And let’s be honest, one of the best parts about cooking a turkey is getting to eat the leftovers! Nothing beats a hot turkey sandwich or casserole made with those leftover bits of juicy, flavorful meat.

But before you dive into those leftovers, it’s important to make sure you properly reheat them to a safe internal temperature. Eating undercooked poultry can put you at risk for foodborne illness. So let’s talk about the best practices for reheating leftover turkey safely.

Why Temperature Matters

Cooking turkey initially to the right internal temperature kills any harmful bacteria that may be present. The USDA recommends cooking whole turkeys to an internal temperature of 165°F. At this temperature, salmonella and other pathogens are destroyed.

However the bacteria can reappear if the cooked turkey is not handled properly. As the leftovers sit in the fridge bacteria have a chance to recontaminate the food. So you need to heat the turkey thoroughly again to make sure it reaches 165°F before eating it. This step re-kills the bacteria and makes the turkey safe to consume.

Reheating Methods

There are a few different ways you can reheat leftover turkey to get it piping hot throughout:

• Oven Place sliced turkey in a baking dish add a bit of broth or gravy, cover tightly with foil and bake at 300°F until the turkey reaches 165°F internally about 30 minutes.

• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium-low heat, warm up turkey slices with a splash of chicken or turkey broth until heated through, about 15 minutes.

• Microwave: On a microwave-safe plate, reheat turkey slices with a spoonful or two of gravy or broth until 165°F, about 2-3 minutes per serving. Cover with a paper towel to prevent splatter.

No matter which reheating method you choose, the most important thing is bringing the turkey up to 165°F as measured with a food thermometer. This ensures any bacteria present will be destroyed and the turkey is safe to eat.

Why 165°F?

You may be wondering, why is 165°F the magic number? According to the FDA, this temperature is sufficient to kill any present salmonella, E. coli, campylobacter and other bacteria that may be lingering in the food.

Below 140°F, bacteria can survive and even thrive. So you need to get the turkey into at least the 140s. But for an added safety buffer, the USDA recommends hitting 165°F to guarantee harmful microorganisms are destroyed.

So remember, 165°F is the minimum temperature leftover turkey needs to reach before you eat it. Shooting for this temp every time you reheat those delicious leftovers helps protect you and your loved ones.

Use a Thermometer

Because harmful bacteria can recontaminate cooked turkey, using an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature is the only way to confirm if your leftovers have reached 165°F.

Visual cues like color or texture alone cannot tell you whether the turkey has been sufficiently reheated. Plenty of foodborne illnesses have come from eyeballing leftovers and assuming they were hot enough. So break out that thermometer and use it!

Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey, avoiding any bones. Make sure to clean the thermometer well with soap and hot water after each use.

Safety First

Being vigilant about properly reheating leftover turkey is one way we can all stay healthy and avoid food poisoning this holiday season. It only takes a couple of minutes to use a thermometer and confirm your turkey has hit 165°F. This simple step helps remove the guesswork and ensures you and your family can safely enjoy all those delicious leftovers.

Here are some key food safety tips to remember:

• Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours
• Reheat turkey thoroughly until internal temp reaches 165°F
• Check temp using an instant-read food thermometer
• When in doubt, throw it out. Don’t take risks with food safety.

Follow these reheating guidelines and you can feel confident that your leftover turkey is safe to enjoy for several days after the initial meal. Just be sure to consume the leftovers within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and quality.

With a little care and attention to temperature, you can keep your leftover turkey tasty and safe all holiday season long. So go ahead and indulge in those yummy leftover turkey sandwiches, casseroles and soups without worry. Happy and healthy holidays, everyone!