Should you cool stuffing before putting it into the turkey?

No, stuffing should never be put in a turkey raw. Stuffing needs to be cooked to an internal temperature of 165° F (74° C), and leaving it in the turkey while it cooks does not allow for even heat distribution and can lead to harmful bacteria.

Cooking stuffing inside the turkey can be dangerous because the stuffing is not likely to reach a safe temperature before the turkey is done cooking, while the turkey meat might overcook. This is especially true for large turkeys and those stuffed with dense ingredients like sausage, nuts, or celery.