How Long Does It Take to Thaw a Turkey?
We've all been there: The week of Thanksgiving has finally arrived and your most important goal is to cross off everything on your to-do list. Your best pies are baked, your Thanksgiving menu is all mapped out including side dishes and desserts, and your fridge is stocked with all of the must-have groceries. But what about the star of the show—the turkey? You don't want to wake up on Thanksgiving morning to the nightmare scenario where your bird is still frozen.
Some simple math is all you need to determine how long it will take to thaw a frozen turkey—it's an easy formula! First, know how much turkey you need per person and this is determined by weight. Remember that you'll need to know the weight of your bird in order to calculate thawing time, so don't tear off the label or remove the turkey from the packaging. After thawing, the turkey will keep for up to four days in the fridge, so depending on when you purchase your frozen turkey, store it in the freezer (in its original packaging) as soon as possible upon returning home from the store—or get going on the thawing process!
What's the best way to thaw a turkey?
The easiest, safest way to thaw a turkey is in the refrigerator—but this method will also take a few days for the average-size bird. According to the USDA, the general rule for defrosting a turkey in the fridge is as follows: Allow for at least 24 hours for every four to five pounds. (FYI: This is specific to refrigerators at temperatures 40 degrees and below.) When using this method, place the turkey—still in its original packaging—in a roasting pan or on a rimmed baking sheet in case juices leak as it thaws.
How long to thaw a 15-lb. turkey?
Just plug the weight into the formula! To thaw a 15-pound bird, you'll need about a day of thawing in the fridge for every four to five pounds. In other words, plan on at least three to four days for defrosting. If the turkey is closer to 16 pounds, give the bird at least four days to be safe.
When should I start thawing my turkey?
Definitely not Thanksgiving morning! Considering the formula recommended by the USDA, a 15-pound frozen turkey should thaw in the refrigerator for at least three to four days before it's showtime—which means the Sunday of Thanksgiving week would be the right time to start the thawing process or Monday morning at the latest. If you are cooking a larger bird (Ree has been known to cook a 20-pound turkey!), plan on extra time for the thawing process.
Can you leave a turkey out to thaw?
Don't even think about it! The USDA does not recommend leaving a frozen turkey out at room temperature to thaw, whether it's on your kitchen countertop or in the sink—the outside of the turkey will thaw long before the center of the bird does, making it a ripe scenario for bacteria. Similarly, do not let a frozen turkey thaw in a warm spot, such as direct sunlight on your countertop.
A thawed turkey, however, may sit at room temperature for up to two hours—anything longer than that, and you're taking on a food-safety risk that just isn't worth it.
Is there a faster way to thaw a turkey?
You're in luck: The cold-water method will thaw a turkey within a day, depending on the size of your bird—but keep in mind that it requires constant attention. The frozen turkey will need to be in its original packaging—if you've removed it, place the bird in an extra-large resealable plastic bag and seal it closed. Submerge the packaged frozen turkey in a sink or bin filled with very cold water and keep it submerged with a heavy pie plate or baking dish. The water will need to be changed every 30 minutes; it's very important that the water be cold in order to keep the bird at a safe temperature. For a 15- to 16-pound bird, this process will take about eight hours and 16 changes of water. Keep in mind that this takes much longer than if you're planning to reheat a cooked turkey for leftovers.
