How long should a cooked turkey cool before refrigerating it?

A cooked turkey should cool to room temperature before refrigerating it. This typically takes about 2 hours.

Here's why:

* Food Safety: Putting a hot turkey directly into the refrigerator raises the internal temperature of the fridge, creating a risk for other food to spoil.

* Faster Cooling: Allowing the turkey to cool slightly before refrigerating helps it cool more evenly and quickly, preventing bacteria from multiplying.

Here are some tips for cooling your turkey:

* Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest uncovered on a wire rack for at least 2 hours.

* You can speed up the cooling process by placing the turkey in an ice bath. Just be sure to keep the turkey submerged in cold water and change the water every 30 minutes.

* Once the turkey has cooled to room temperature, you can refrigerate it. It should be safe to eat for up to 4 days.

Remember: Always check the internal temperature of your turkey using a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached a safe temperature of 165°F before serving.