>

How Long To Thaw A Turkey

How Long To Thaw A Turkey

Refrigerator Thawing

The safest method is to thaw a 20-24 pound turkey in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days.

A 12-16 pound turkey will take 3 to 4 days to thaw.

An 8-12 pound turkey will take 2 to 3 days.

Cold Water Thawing

For faster thawing, immerse the wrapped turkey breast-side down in cold tap water.

Change the water every 30 minutes to keep it cold, and allow 30 minutes per pound of turkey to thaw.

For a 12-pound turkey, this method will take 6 to 8 hours.

Safety First

Never thaw a turkey at room temperature.

Bacteria will multiply rapidly in the warm, moist environment, and you increase the risk of foodborne illness.

Cook the turkey immediately after thawing