So, you bought a frozen turkey. Congrats! That’s one thing you can mark off your Thanksgiving checklist. But you won’t want to forget to thaw your turkey! Luckily, we can help you answer the question, “How long does it take to thaw a turkey?”
What are the best ways to thaw a frozen turkey? We’ve broken them down so you can use them right away or plan ahead. So, even first-time hosts (or seasoned veterans) can master the Thanksgiving turkey without any stress. It only takes a foolproof formula based on the size of your turkey and a few different ways to thaw it ahead of time. Learn how to thaw a turkey in the refrigerator, in cold water, or even in the microwave. But before the big day, you should either buy your turkey in the freezer section of your local grocery store or order one through the mail. According to the USDA, a turkey can be frozen for an indefinite amount of time. However, you should always plan to thaw it according to the weight guidelines below.
Tip: Before you begin, keep the packaging for your turkey intact. Youll need to know the weight to calculate its thaw time. Then, once the turkey is thawed, youll need to brine it and cook it. Land on your preferred turkey recipes early so you have all the ingredients in place.
As Thanksgiving and the holidays approach, many home cooks face the same question – when should I pull my frozen turkey out of the freezer to thaw? Knowing the right timeline for thawing is crucial to ensuring your turkey is fully defrosted in time for roasting on the big day. Here, we’ll cover everything you need to know about safely thawing a frozen turkey.
Why Thawing is Important
Thawing is a critical part of preparing a frozen turkey. The turkey must be completely thawed before cooking for even heat penetration. Any frozen or partially frozen areas can lead to uneven cooking. At best, you’ll end up with dry, overcooked outer areas. At worst, the frozen center could harbor dangerous bacteria.
Thawing slowly and safely gives the ice time to fully melt and lets the turkey tissues relax for better moisture retention. Rushing the process with warm water leads to a more dry, less tender bird. Follow proper thaw times and temperatures for the best results.
Refrigerator Thawing Times
For food safety, it’s best to thaw a frozen turkey gradually in the refrigerator. This helps prevent bacterial growth that can occur if thawed at room temperature. Here are the recommendeded refrigerator thaw times by turkey size:
- 4 to 12 pounds: 1 to 3 days
- 12 to 16 pounds: 3 to 4 days
- 16 to 20 pounds: 4 to 5 days
- 20 to 24 pounds: 5 to 6 days
The fridge allows slow, even thawing. Place the frozen turkey on a tray or pan to catch any drips as it defrosts. Use these thawing times as a guideline, checking to ensure the cavity and neck areas are fully thawed before cooking. Cook within 1-2 days of refrigerator thawing.
Thawing in Cold Water
The fastest safe way to thaw a frozen turkey is in cold water. This thaws the turkey at a temperature of 40 degrees F or below to prevent bacterial growth.
To cold water thaw, keep the turkey in its airtight packaging or leakproof bag. Submerge in cold tap water, allowing 30 minutes per pound. Change the water every 30 minutes so it stays cold. Once thawed, cook immediately – don’t refreeze.
For example a 12 pound turkey will take about 6 hours to thaw in cold water. Make sure you monitor the water temperature with a thermometer to keep it consistently at 40 degrees or below. This rapid thaw cuts thawing time significantly compared to the refrigerator method.
Don’t Use Warm Water Thawing
It may be tempting to speed things up by thawing the turkey with warm water. But this method is extremely dangerous, as the warm environment promotes rapid bacterial growth. The water must be kept at a food-safe 40 degrees F or less during thawing. Thawing on the counter also provides an unsafe temperature range.
Thawing Timeline for Thanksgiving
To ensure your turkey is fully thawed and ready to cook on Thanksgiving day, follow this timeline:
- Turkeys 12 pounds or under: Pull from freezer by the Monday before Thanksgiving. Thaw in the refrigerator for 1-3 days.
- Turkeys over 12 pounds: Pull from freezer 1 week before Thanksgiving. Allow more time in fridge thawing.
- Very large turkeys: Begin thawing in refrigerator 10-14 days before. Monitor closely.
- Emergency thaw: Use cold water method 1-2 days before if you forget!
Pulling the turkey out according to these timeframes will provide cool, gradual thawing with time to spare You’ll have a fully thawed, ready-to-roast bird just in time for the big meal.
Checking Doneness After Thawing
Once your turkey has gone through the proper thawing method and timeframe, check that it is fully thawed before proceeding. Look for any ice crystals remaining in the cavity or neck area. Check the innermost joint of the drumsticks and thighs to see if frozen meat remains.
Press on thicker breast portions, which tend to thaw last. If there is any squishy feeling or visible ice, continue thawing until the turkey is completely defrosted. Test with a meat thermometer to ensure the innermost areas reach 40 degrees F or higher before roasting.
Pro Tips for Thawing Success
Follow these tips for a foolproof thawing process:
- Choose an adequately sized turkey with time to thaw – don’t wait until last minute.
- Maximize fridge space for thawing – keep other items to a minimum.
- Use a tray to contain leaks and keep turkey stable in fridge.
- Submerge in cold water in a leakproof bag or turkey container.
- Monitor water temp with a thermometer during cold water thawing.
- Check the turkey carefully and use a thermometer to verify full thawing.
With the right guidelines and techniques, you can thaw your turkey safely and be guaranteed it will be ready for the oven in time for holiday feasting. Never leave thawing until the last minute! Follow these recommendations for a stress-free thawing process.
Thawing a turkey in cold water
If youre short on time, thawing a turkey in cold water is the best method to try. It works faster than letting it thaw in the fridge, but not fast enough to start on Thanksgiving morning, so still plan ahead. You should also keep in mind that the water-thawing method isnt exactly hands-off. In fact, it requires constant attention.
Keep the turkey in its original packaging, or if you’ve already taken it out, put it in an extra-large plastic bag that can be sealed again and again. Put the frozen turkey in a sink or large bin that is full of cold water. Place a heavy pie plate or baking dish on top of the turkey to keep it submerged. Changing the water every 30 minutes to keep it cold is the hard part. You need to make sure the bird stays safe. Expect this method to take most of the day. For a 15- to 16-pound bird, this process will take about eight hours and 16 changes of water.
How long does it take to thaw turkey?
There are three easy methods for thawing a turkey. You don’t want to wait until Thanksgiving morning to thaw a 16-pound frozen turkey in the fridge. According to the USDA, it should be thawed at least four days before it’s served, so the Sunday before Thanksgiving is the best time to start the process. If you’re cooking a bigger bird (Ree Drummond has cooked a 20-pound turkey), give it more time to thaw. If you’re in a hurry, you can also try thawing it faster in cold water or the microwave.
When should I take my turkey out of the freezer?
FAQ
How long does it take to thaw a 10 pound turkey?
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Turkey Thawing Times
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Turkey Weight
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How Long to Thaw in the Fridge
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How Long to Thaw in Cold Water
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10 to 18 pounds
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2 to 3½ days
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5 to 9 hours
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18 to 22 pounds
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3½ to 4½ days
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9 to 11 hours
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22 to 24 pounds
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4½ to 5 days
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11 to 12 hours
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Is a 2 year frozen turkey safe to eat?
When should I take my butterball turkey out of the freezer?
When should I take my Turkey out of the freezer?
Here is a general rule of thumb on when to move your turkey from the freezer to the refrigerator, according to the USDA: 4 to 12 pounds — 1 to 3 days. 12 to 16 pounds — 3 to 4 days. 16 to 20 pounds — 4 to 5 days. 21 нояб. 2019 г.
How long should you Thaw a frozen turkey?
The USDA recommends thawing a frozen turkey in the refrigerator, which translates to one day for each 4 to 5 pounds of weight. So for a 12-pound turkey that would imply at least three days of thawing, ideally with a bonus day thrown in. Here’s the thing, though. I simply don’t find that that’s enough. Ever.
How long does it take to defrost a 16 pound turkey?
This method will take about 30 minutes per pound, totaling around eight hours for a fully frozen 16-pound bird. Although it is possible to speed up the process, the easiest and safest way to defrost your Thanksgiving turkey remains using the refrigerator.
How long does a frozen turkey last in the freezer?
When properly held, frozen turkey can safely last for years, so you’re in the clear to buy frozen turkey at any point during the year to cook for Thanksgiving. In fact, “Turkeys can be kept in the freezer indefinitely,” Per the Minnesota Department of Health. But for the best quality, they recommend cooking a frozen turkey within one year.
Should you buy a frozen turkey?
While buying a fresh or deeply chilled turkey avoids this issue, frozen turkeys are more commonly available. A high-quality frozen turkey can be just as delicious, as they are frozen at their freshest. The only real downside is the time needed to thaw that solid block of poultry. Allocate 24 hours of thawing time for every four pounds of turkey.
How do you freeze a frozen turkey?
Keep your turkey frozen at or below 0 degrees Fahrenheit and then defrost it in the refrigerator, set to cool at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. Keep the turkey in its original wrapping and place it in a deep sheet pan or baking dish to catch any leaking liquids.