Defrost turkey how long

Any longer than that and you're just begging for a case of food poisoning. So, don't even think about this one. And that's all there is to it. As you can see, thawing a pound turkey in the refrigerator can take the better part of a week. So plan ahead! A bit of preparation will ensure that you're not faced with a still-frozen turkey on Thanksgiving morning.

Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Use precise geolocation data. Select personalised content. Create a personalised content profile. Measure ad performance. Select basic ads. Create a personalised ads profile. Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. In This Article Expand. How to Thaw a Frozen 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. Just plug the weight into the formula!

To thaw a 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. Definitely not Thanksgiving morning!

Considering the formula recommended by the USDA, a 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.

Raw thawed Thanksgiving turkey. Credit: kajakiki. How Long to Thaw a Turkey Chart. Credit: Caitlin-Marie Miner Ong. Turkey Size. Time to Thaw in Refrigerator set to 40 degrees F or below.

Time to Thaw in Cold Water change water every 30 minutes. Fill a cooler or the kitchen sink with cool water. Plunge the bird in, in the original wrapper, breast-side down. Frozen Whole Turkey Breast. Need more turkey tips? Check out our How To's section so you can cook your top turkey.

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