Quiz

BuzzFeed Staff

Food

Cooking a turkey is surprising hard. Are you up to the task?

Only A Top Chef Can Get 8/8 On This "How To Cook A Thanksgiving Turkey" Quiz

Can You Pass This "How To Cook A Thanksgiving Turkey" Quiz?

According to [Martha Stewart](https://www.marthastewart.com/274812/turkey-tips), you should get a 15-20 pound turkey for a party of ten.

15-20 pounds!

You're having 10 people over to eat at your Thanksgiving dinner. How big a turkey should you get?

You'll need five hours per pound, according to [Martha Stewart.](https://www.marthastewart.com/268069/how-big-a-bird-and-other-turkey-tips)

Five hours per pound!

How long should you thaw/defrost a turkey in the fridge before cooking?

For safety reasons, the USDA doesn't recommend cooking lower than 325°F. But if you cook your turkey at a higher temp than 350°F, it will likely come out dry.

325°F-350°F

At what temperature is it best to cook a turkey?

This can vary depending on the size of the bird and whether it is stuffed or unstuffed, but about 15 minutes is the [best answer](https://www.buzzfeed.com/jesseszewczyk/how-to-roast-a-thanksgiving-turkey-recipe) here.

15 minutes

Around how long should you cook a turkey in the oven?

According to the USDA, your bird's innermost part of the thigh should [reach 165 °F](https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/food-safety-fact-sheets/poultry-preparation/lets-talk-turkey/CT_Index) to be safe to eat. A turkey with a 185 °F temperature would be safe to eat, but dry!

165 °F

What minimum temperature should the innermost part of the thigh reach before eating your turkey?

Stuffing cooked inside the turkey will soak up the turkey's juices, so, in order for it to be safe to eat, it too must reach 165 °F. But if you leave it in long enough to reach that temperature, [your bird will be overcooked](https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/food-safety-fact-sheets/poultry-preparation/lets-talk-turkey/CT_Index). You're better off cooking your stuffing separately.

Nope.

Should you cook your stuffing inside the turkey?

If you put the turkey in the oven as is, the skin will likely come out a little soggy at the end. [For crispier, tastier skin](https://www.simplyrecipes.com/crispy_golden_turkey_skin_4_methods_put_to_the_test_and_one_winner/), you'll want to pat down the turkey to soak up some of the moisture.

Definitely pat it down!

Is it a good idea to pat down your turkey with a paper towel before putting it in the oven?

If you cut the bird directly out of the oven, all of the juices will end up on the pan and your slices will be dry. [Waiting at least 15 minutes is ideal](https://www.buzzfeed.com/christinebyrne/turkey-mistakes-everyone-makes), wait too much longer than that and your bird will be cold!

After 15 minutes

When should you cut the turkey?

No offense, but cooking a turkey right now is a little beyond your culinary expertise. If you want to cook one of your own next year, watch someone experienced cook the bird this year. And in the meantime, bring pie!

You should bring pie.

You have some idea of how to cook a turkey and could probably pull it off if you really wanted to (and did your research). But maybe save yourself the stress and just offer to make a side dish?

You should make a side dish like mashed potatoes.

You know your stuff and your family and friends should turn the kitchen over to you! Impressive!

You should cook the turkey!

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Only A Top Chef Can Get 8/8 On This "How To Cook A Thanksgiving Turkey" Quiz

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