How to Thaw a Turkey
Your turkey arrives frozen with time to thaw before Thanksgiving — here's how to defrost it worry-free.
Plan ahead so your turkey is fully defrosted by Thanksgiving morning. Check 24-36 hours before cooking to make sure it's thawing at the right pace.
Method
Directions
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1
Leave the turkey in its original, unopened plastic.
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2
Put the turkey, breast side up, in a tray or pan to catch any drippings.
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3
Place the frozen turkey in the fridge. Make sure it's set to 40°F or below.
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4
Allow around 6 hours per pound for thawing. Approximate fridge thaw times per USDA: medium (12-15 lbs) 3-4 days; large (15-16 lbs) 4-5 days; x-large (18+ lbs) 5-6 days.
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5
If the turkey is still solid on the outside the day before cooking, let it sit at room temperature for up to 6 hours, checking hourly to confirm it stays cool to the touch but not frozen.
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6
Once thawed, the turkey can stay in the fridge for another 1-2 days before cooking.
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