Sometimes it may be easier to prepare your turkey the day before you plan to serve it. Here is how to do it safely.
Cook the Turkey
Follow these steps to safely cook a turkey. First, set your oven temperature no lower than 325°F. Always wash hands, utensils, the sink, and anything else that comes in contact with raw turkey and its juices with soap and water. Remove the giblet package before cooking. Remember to use a food thermometer. If your turkey has a "pop-up" temperature indicator, it is recommended that you also check the internal temperature of the turkey in the innermost part of the thigh and wing and the thickest part of the breast with a food thermometer. A whole turkey is safe when cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165 °F as measured with a food thermometer.
Reheat the Turkey
When serving your turkey the next day, the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline advises that cooked turkey may be eaten cold or reheated. To reheat your turkey, USDA gives the following recommendations:
In the Oven:
In the Microwave Oven:
Leftover Turkey
Throw out any leftovers left at room temperature longer than 2 hours. Either freeze leftover turkey or plan to eat it within 3-4 days of the day it was originally prepared. For best safety and quality, avoid reheating and cooling turkey multiple times.
Traveling with Turkey
It is easier and safer to bring turkey pre-cooked and cold. Carry it in an insulated cooler packed with ice or frozen gel-packs to keep the cooler temperature under 40°F. Then reheat the turkey at your final destination.
Source: Nebraska Extension Food Calendar