How Do You Thaw a Frozen Turkey? 4 Tips to Help You Do It Right! by Donna John

The National Turkey Federation wants you to be thankful for a perfectly thawed turkey to cook this Thanksgiving. To help, they’ve shared these four tips on how to properly thaw a turkey. 

• Allow 24 hours thawing time for every 4 to 5 pounds of whole, frozen turkey.

• Thaw turkey, unopened, in the refrigerator.

• For an 8- to 12-pound turkey, allow 2 to 2 1/2 days; 12 to 16 pounds, 2 1/2 to 4 days; 16 to 20 pounds, 4 to 5 days; and 20 to 24 pounds, 5 to 6 days.

• If you need to thaw the turkey more quickly, you may thaw the bird in COLD water, in the original wrapping. The cold water must be changed every 30 minutes. Allow approximately 30 minutes per pound using this method.

Get more turkey tips!

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