USDA: stuffing must reach 165°F (74°C) in the center, whether it's cooked inside the bird or separately. USDA recommends baking it separately for safety and even cooking.
- USDA safe minimum
- 165°F74°C internal temperature
- Rest time
- NoneNo rest required
- In Celsius
- 74°CSame safe minimum
- Check with
- ProbeA food thermometer, not color
Safe minimums from USDA FSIS and FoodSafety.gov. Checked .
Safe temperature for stuffing
USDA: stuffing must reach 165°F (74°C) in the center, whether it's cooked inside the bird or separately. USDA recommends baking it separately for safety and even cooking.
When to take it off the heat
FSIS: let a stuffed turkey stand 20 minutes before removing the stuffing and carving.
Where to put the thermometer
Insert into the center of the stuffing, whether in the bird or a baking dish (USDA FSIS).
Questions people ask
Is it safe to cook stuffing inside the turkey?
It can be if the center of the stuffing reaches 165°F, but USDA recommends cooking it separately.
What if the turkey is done but the stuffing isn't?
Keep cooking until the stuffing's center hits 165°F (USDA FSIS).
What temp is stuffing done?
USDA: stuffing must reach 165°F (74°C) in the center, whether it's cooked inside the bird or separately. USDA recommends baking it separately for safety and even cooking.