The temperature of a stuffed turkey can be measured by:

The best method to determine the temperature of a stuffed turkey is by placing a penetration probe into the center of the stuffing and the thickest part of the turkey. This approach ensures that the thermometer is measuring the internal temperature where it is crucial for food safety, especially since both the turkey and stuffing need to reach a safe minimum internal temperature to eliminate harmful bacteria.

When cooking poultry, the goal is to reach a temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) throughout the meat and stuffing. Using a penetration probe allows for accurate measurement in the thickest parts, where cold spots may be present. This helps guarantee that all components of the dish are cooked thoroughly and safely.

While checking the juices around the turkey can provide some temperature insight, it does not accurately reflect the internal temperature of the turkey and stuffing. An infrared thermometer is useful for measuring surface temperatures but cannot penetrate the meat or stuffing to provide internal temperatures. Finally, measuring the oven temperature with an air probe does not provide information about the turkey’s safety and doneness.

In summary, measuring the temperature at the center of the stuffing and the thickest part of the turkey with a penetration probe is the most effective and accurate method to ensure food safety.