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

Cooking Tips Holidays
2 years ago

How Do You Thaw a Frozen Turkey? 4 Tips to Help You Do It Right for Thanksgiving

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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Elisa Schmitz
So helpful, thank you. Gotta get started! Donna John
Sheri B Doyle
Thanks! I was starting my families today but didn't know how exactly to do it!
Melinda Sharp
Even though I’ve thawed/cooked at least 20 of these, every year I go over the “rules” because I don’t want to make a dire mistake!
Donna John
Yes! Don't want to mess around with poultry. Happy Thanksgiving, Melinda Sharp !

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