The Hilarious “How To Cook A Turkey In The Microwave” Meme Explained

The holiday season is a time for joy, togetherness, and copious amounts of delicious food. For many families, the centerpiece of the holiday meal is a juicy, perfectly roasted turkey. However, some turkey novices may find themselves wondering just how exactly to prepare this bird. Enter the viral “How to Cook a Turkey in the Microwave” meme.

The Origin of the Meme

This meme originated in November 2018 when people started texting their moms asking how to cook a 25-pound turkey in the microwave. Of course, microwaving a turkey is not only impractical but downright dangerous. Moms recognized the absurdity of this request and responded with hilarious outrage and concern.

Buzzfeed editor Jon-Michael Poff shared a collection of the funniest mom responses on Twitter, and the meme took off from there People couldn’t get enough of moms telling their kids they “should be in charge of napkins or wine or something,” threatening to call their fathers, and regretting letting their children leave home in the first place

Why It Resonated

There are a few reasons why this meme became so instantly popular. First, people love pranking their moms. Moms are so nurturing that they can’t help but entertain their kids’ ridiculous questions, even when the kids are fully grown adults. The shocked and appalled reactions are comedy gold.

In addition, the meme tapped into the stress and chaos of holiday hosting. Attempting to microwave a 25-pound turkey exemplifies the kind of panicked, last-minute solution an overwhelmed host might have. Moms recognized the absurdity because they’ve been there – frantically trying to pull off the perfect holiday meal.

Finally, the meme highlighted the warm, funny relationships people have with their moms. Even when exasperated, moms couldn’t help but try to really help their hapless kids. Their responses were full of genuine love and care.

Top Mom Reactions

The meme spread like wildfire because moms had so many priceless reactions Here are some of the funniest and most popular

• “Sure. This sounds like a great idea. Bon appétit. See you in hell.” – The perfect blend of sarcasm, passive aggression, and motherly concern.

• “I’m calling your father.” – Laying down the law by getting dad involved.

• “U should be in charge of napkins or wine or something.” – Gently suggesting sticking to jobs more suitable for their skill level.

• Leaving a voicemail expressing deep concern and regret. – Going above and beyond the text message to convey the gravity of the situation.

• “It’s about the gathering, not what you serve.” – Keeping things in perspective with what really matters.

• “YOU SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO LIVE ALONE!!” – Classic mom worry taken to the extreme.

Brands Jump on Board

Brands like Reynolds and Jennie-O leaped at the chance to join in on the fun. Reynolds suggested using their turkey bags instead of attempting to microwave it. Jennie-O sent out a tweet reminding people to thaw turkeys in the refrigerator for 24 hours per 5 pounds. Brands wanted in on the funny, viral moment.

Cooking a Turkey Safely

While the meme highlights the comedic potential of cooking fails, properly preparing turkey is serious business. According to the experts at Butterball, here are some tips for cooking a turkey safely:

• Thaw frozen turkeys in the refrigerator 1 day for every 4 to 5 pounds.

• Preheat the oven to 325°F and use a roasting pan. Cook at 325°F for the entire time.

• Cook turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F as measured in the innermost part of the thigh.

• Tent the turkey with foil and allow to rest for 20 minutes before carving.

And never, ever attempt to microwave your holiday bird. While the meme led to lots of laughs, a microwave turkey can potentially start an electrical fire. Stick to oven roasting and you’ll avoid any holiday disasters.

The Meme Lives On

Years later, the “How to Cook a Turkey in the Microwave” meme remains a beloved Thanksgiving tradition. Every November, people gleefully text their moms the infamous question to reignite the joke. Moms may feign annoyance, but they’re happy to be part of something that brings so much joy.

This meme is truly the gift that keeps on giving. It provides amusement for the masses and spotlights the special relationships between parents and their kids. This Thanksgiving, don’t forget to thank your mom both for her hilarious reaction and for always being there when you need advice – even if that advice is to never microwave a turkey!