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14 Thanksgiving Day Fails and How to Fix Them

November 08, 2023

Whether it's your first time or your 15th time hosting Thanksgiving dinner, we've gathered a list of solutions to the most common Thanksgiving Day mishaps.

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Photo: Shutterstock/Joe Belanger

How To Fix Holiday Mishaps

A big blunder on Turkey Day doesn't have to derail the entire celebration. You can overcome spills, stained clothes and burnt food this Thanksgiving with our helpful how-to guides.

Thanksgiving Hacks

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Fail: The Turkey Is Undercooked

Is there anything worse than being ready to sit down for your meal and finding the turkey isn't done? Poultry must reach an internal temperature of 165 F at the thickest part of the bird to ensure that it is cooked fully and safe to eat.

Cook the Perfect Turkey

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Fix: Carve the Turkey and Continue Cooking

If your turkey is struggling to reach a safe internal temperature, cut it up into smaller pieces and return it to the oven so it will get done faster.

See More Turkey Tips

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Photo: Bethany Nauert

Fail: The Turkey Isn't Salvageable

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, the turkey is overcooked, unevenly cooked or simply too burnt to serve.

What to Do Now

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