Thanksgiving food safety series Archives | NC State Extension Homegrown

Protective face masks and Thanksgiving flatlay on wooden background.

Nov 20, 2020

How to Celebrate the Holidays During a Pandemic

The holidays may look a little different amidst COVID-19, but our food safety experts share tips and tools to help keep you and your loved ones safe (and stuffed) this holiday season.

Leftover sliced turkey on a sheet of aluminum foil on the kitchen counter after a big holiday dinner.

Nov 22, 2019

Safely Storing Your Holiday Meal Leftovers

It’s after the big meal that you’ll face some of the biggest questions, like “Can I nap right away?” and “How long can the turkey and fixin’s sit out safely?”

Close-up Photo of Baked Potatoes Wrapped in Foil On a Baking Tray

Nov 22, 2019

Let Your Baked Potatoes Breathe

Baked potatoes are an ideal side for any holiday meal, whether you add some sour cream, cheese, butter or…botulism? We’ll show you how (and why) to give your spuds space to breathe after baking.

Boy and girl eating sweet pie with dirty mouths, their parents eating in the background

Nov 22, 2019

How to Safely Prep Your Holiday Pies

It's not a holiday meal without some sort of pie. Every family member has their favorite, but so do bacteria. Find out which types of pie pose more or less risk and how to address those food safety issues.

Overhead view of fall holidays table with friends hands picking some fingerfood appetizers from a charcuterie board

Nov 21, 2019

Safely Serving Holiday Appetizers

You can always count on a collision of family, friends and finger foods during certain times of the year. We can't guarantee everyone will get along, but we can help you serve them safe and scrumptious appetizers!

Unidentified person removing a pan of roasted turkey with stuffing fresh from the kitchen oven.

Nov 21, 2019

How to Tell When Your Turkey Is Done

How long should I cook my turkey? How do I know if it’s done? Hint: Make sure you cook your bird to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Happy father bringing Thanksgiving turkey to the table for his family's' meal.

Nov 21, 2019

Tips for Timing Your Holiday Meal

With such an ambitious menu, you'll want to make sure everything is timed just right to avoid food safety issues. But what should you cook first? And how long can your prized turkey or other foods sit out?

Mother and her daughters preparing stuffed turkey with side dishes for Thanksgiving

Nov 21, 2019

Should I Precook My Turkey Stuffing?

As far as we’re concerned, it’s not a question of “if” there will be stuffing at Thanksgiving, but “how much”! We’ll help you incorporate this hall-of-fame side dish safely into your holiday meal.

Deep fried turkey that has been cooked in a propane gas deep fryer for Thanksgiving is being taken out of the fryer by a man with protective gloves. The fryer is outside because it is too dangerous to have it indoors.

Nov 21, 2019

The Safest Way to Fry a Turkey

Roasted, smoked, fried. However you cook a turkey, it’s yummy. If you do decide to fry your turkey, there are extra safety issues to consider - good thing we have a food safety rockstar on our team!

A close-up shot of a woman draining the stock from a roast turkey.

Nov 21, 2019

How to Safely Brine Your Turkey

What the heck is brining? And how do I brine my turkey without making a mess?