Thanksgiving is right around the corner, which means it’s time to start preparing for the big meal. The centerpiece of any Thanksgiving feast is the roasted turkey. But before you can start prepping and cooking your bird, you need to know when to take it out of the freezer to thaw it properly. Taking your turkey out of the freezer at the right time ensures it will be fully thawed and ready to cook on Thanksgiving day.
Overview of Turkey Thawing Timelines
The timeline for thawing your turkey depends on a few factors
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Turkey size – Smaller turkeys thaw faster, Allow 24 hours thawing time per 4-5 lbs
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Thawing method – Fridge thawing takes longer but is safest. Cold water thawing is faster.
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Frozen solid – Ensure turkey is completely frozen when you start thawing.
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Refrigerator temperature – Keep refrigerator around 40°F or below.
Thawing Timeline for Thanksgiving 2023
For Thanksgiving 2023 on November 23rd, follow this timeline:
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November 18th – Take out turkeys 16 lbs or larger to thaw in fridge.
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November 19th – Move turkeys 12-16 lbs to the refrigerator to begin thawing.
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November 20th – Place turkeys 8-12 lbs in fridge to start thaw process.
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November 20th – Last day to thaw small turkeys under 8 lbs.
Turkey Thawing Tips
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Never thaw turkey at room temperature. Thaw in the fridge for safety.
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Check on thawing progress daily. Reposition turkey to thaw evenly.
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Cook within 1-2 days of fridge thawing. Don’t exceed 4 days fridge thawed.
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Use the cold water method if you’re short on time. Change water every 30 mins.
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Cook immediately after cold water thawing. Don’t refreeze.
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Use thawed turkey within 4 days max for optimal freshness and flavor.
Frequently Asked Turkey Thawing Questions
How long does it take to thaw a turkey?
Allow 24 hours of fridge thawing time per 4-5 lbs of turkey weight. A 12 lb turkey takes 3 days. A 20 lb turkey takes 5 days.
Can I thaw my turkey at room temperature?
No, do not thaw turkey at room temperature. Thaw in the fridge only for safety.
What if I’m running out of time to thaw my turkey?
Use the cold water method, changing water every 30 minutes. Estimate 30 minutes thawing time per lb.
Can I cook a frozen turkey without thawing?
Yes, but it will take significantly longer. Ensure turkey reaches 165°F minimum internal temperature.
How do I know if my turkey is fully thawed?
Check that breast, thigh and wing meat is soft with no ice crystals. Inner areas should be ≤ 40°F.
Can I refreeze a thawed turkey?
Only if thawed in fridge, but quality may decline. Best to cook thawed turkey within 1-2 days.
Can I brine a frozen turkey?
No, only brine fully thawed turkeys. Frozen turkeys won’t absorb brine properly.
What if I left my thawed turkey at room temp?
Discard turkey if left out >2 hours. Bacteria multiply rapidly at room temperature.
Is it safe to thaw turkey in the microwave?
No, microwave thawing can partially cook meat and cause uneven thawing.
Can I thaw 2 turkeys in the same freezer?
Yes, but allow extra thawing time for the combined weight. Start thawing earlier.
How should I store a thawed turkey?
Store in fridge for 1-2 days max. Cook thawed turkey as soon as possible for best quality.
Be Prepared for Thanksgiving with Proper Turkey Thawing
Thawing the turkey safely in advance is crucial for a delicious Thanksgiving meal. Follow these guidelines on when to transfer your turkey from freezer to fridge. Proper thawing ensures your turkey will be ready for roasting on the big day. With the right timeline, your holiday cooking will go smoothly and you’ll have a perfectly cooked turkey as the star of your Thanksgiving feast.
What to do if your turkey is still frozen
Updated from an original article written by Beth Waitrovich, Michigan State University Extension.
To avoid the frozen bird disaster, plan ahead. Here are some safe ways of quickly thawing and preparing a frozen turkey.
Photo: Pexels/Monstera.
The turkey is still frozen, and you have a big gathering. It is still possible to safely thaw and prepare the turkey for your event.
First and foremost, do not thaw the turkey at room temperature on the counter! As the frozen turkey begins to thaw, any bacteria present before freezing will still be present after thawing. In addition, thawing the turkey at room temperature allows the bacteria to grow and multiply. This creates an unsafe meal despite being cooked.
According to Michigan State University Extension, it takes 24 hours per four to five pounds of turkey to thaw in the refrigerator. A 20-pound turkey takes four to five days to completely thaw in the fridge.
There are other ways to thaw a turkey, though.
One way is to submerge the turkey in cold water. To do this, leave the turkey in the original package and put it in a properly sanitized sink or container full of cold water under 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Set the timer for 30 minutes. Next, change the water, replacing it with cold water. Changing the cold water every thirty minutes until the turkey is completely thawed. A 20-pound turkey will take up to 10 to 12 hours to thaw, while a four- to 12-pound turkey will take two to six hours.
Once the turkey is thawed, it must be cooked to prevent further bacterial growth.
Check and follow your microwave manufacturer’s instructions for thawing the turkey. Once defrosted, cook the turkey immediately to prevent further bacterial growth. Since microwave ovens do not heat evenly, you may have a partially cooked turkey in one area and still frozen in another.
It is safe to cook a turkey that is frozen. A solidly frozen turkey will take 50% longer to cook than a thawed turkey. If it is only partially frozen, it will still take longer to cook than a thawed one.
Michigan State University Extension recommends using a food thermometer to determine if the turkey has reached a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit in the innermost portion of the thigh and thickest part of the breast. Only when the turkey has reached that temperature is it ready to serve. The oven should be at a minimum temperature of 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
For more information on safely preparing poultry, check out this Michigan Fresh Poultry factsheet.