How long after cooking a turkey is it safe to eat?

It's safe to eat a cooked turkey within 2 hours of it being taken out of the oven.

Here's why:

* The Danger Zone: Bacteria grow rapidly between 40°F and 140°F. This is called the "Danger Zone."

* Staying Safe: To prevent bacteria growth, you want to cool your turkey down to below 40°F as quickly as possible.

* Safe Timeframe: It takes about 2 hours for a whole cooked turkey to cool down to below 40°F if it's properly handled.

Here's how to cool your turkey safely:

1. Carve the turkey: Divide the turkey into smaller pieces to help it cool faster.

2. Refrigerate: Place the carved turkey in shallow containers and refrigerate. You can also place the turkey in a cold water bath to help it cool down more quickly.

3. Don't let it sit out: Never leave cooked turkey sitting out at room temperature for more than two hours.

Important Note: If you're planning to eat leftover turkey the next day, it's best to reheat it to an internal temperature of 165°F. This will ensure that any bacteria that may have grown is killed.