Are soft meringue pies safe to eat?
Yes, if they are prepared properly. Bake a three-egg white meringue spread on a hot, fully cooked pie filling in a preheated 350-degree oven until the meringue reaches 160 degrees, about 15 minutes. For meringues using more whites, bake at 325 degrees (or a lower temperature) until a thermometer registers 160 degrees, about 25 to 30 minutes (or more). The more egg whites, the lower the temperature and longer the time you need to cook the meringue through without excessive browning. Refrigerate meringue-topped pies until serving. Return leftovers to the refrigerator.
