Thawing a Frozen Turkey
Never thaw the bird at room temperature, unless using the cold-water method (see below).
Allow several days for the bird to thaw: it takes 3-4 days to thaw in the refrigerator, the method most recommended.
Thawing Methods:
- Recommended: Thawing in the Refrigerator
Leave the bird in its original wrapping and place it on a tray in the refrigerator. Allow 5 hours per pound or 3-4 days for a 14-19 pound turkey to defrost.
- "Quick" Thawing:
Place turkey in its original wrapping in sink and cover with COLD water. Change the water every 1/2 hour to maintain the temperature. Allow 1/2 hour per pound to defrost the turkey. Most turkeys will take from 5 to 10 hours to thaw.
- Microwave Thawing: NOT RECOMMENDED
Microwave ovens do not heat evenly, and they also heat quicker along the bone. Microwave thawing of a turkey is generally not recommended.
Turkey Thawing Time in the Refrigerator (40 degrees F):
Approximately 24 hours per 5 pounds
| Whole Turkey Weight |
Thawing Time |
| 8 to 12 lbs |
1 to 2 days |
| 12 to 16 lbs |
2 to 3 days |
| 16 to 20 lbs |
3 to 4 days |
| 20 to 24 lbs |
4 to 5 days |
Turkey Thawing Time in Cold Water: Approximately 30 minutes per pound.
Change water every 1/2 hour.
| Whole Turkey Weight |
Thawing Time |
| 8 to 12 lbs |
4 to 6 hours |
| 12 to 16 lbs |
6 to 8 hours |
| 16 to 20 lbs |
8 to 10 hours |
| 20 to 24 lbs |
10 to 12 hours |
Lets Talk Turkey
Safety Tips Before Cooking
Buying a Turkey
What size turkey should I buy?
Is it better to buy one large turkey or two small ones?
Should I buy fresh or frozen?
What about turkeys that have been injected with fats and seasonings?
What about turkey parts and frozen stuffed turkeys?
Storing an Uncooked Turkey
How long can a whole turkey be kept frozen?
How long can a fresh turkey be kept refrigerated?
Thawing a Frozen Turkey
Thawing Rules
Thawing Methods
Turkey Thawing Charts
Stuffing (or Not Stuffing) a Turkey
Is it best to cook the stuffing inside the bird, or separately in a baking dish?
If I do want to stuff the bird, what's the best way to do it?
How much stuffing do I need?
Do I need to close up the cavity after it has been stuffed?
Preparing the Turkey for Roasting
Preparations Step-by-Step
Stuffing & Trussing
Do I need to truss the bird's legs, or can I just roast it the extra effort?
Roasting the Turkey
Roasting Step-by-Step
How do I keep the breast meat moist when cooking?
How dowe know when its done
Use a Meat Thermometer
My turkey comes with a plastic pop-up timer. Can't I use that instead?
How accurate are "recommended cooking times"?
How can I tell when the turkey is done?
USDA Timetable for Turkey Roasted at 325 degrees F.
Making the Gravy
Rules for Making Gravy
Making the Basic Gravy
Additions to Gravy
Carving the Bird
Basic Carving steps
Removing the Thigh, Drumstick & Wings
Carving the breast
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