Learn our best method for thawing frozen turkey in time for the big feast.
Hint: It just takes a little bit of planning.
The whole meal revolves around theroasted turkey, so cooking it perfectly is crucial!
Credit:Jake Sternquist
How long does it take to thaw a turkey?
The answer depends primarily on the weight of the bird.
Never thaw at room temperature.
Credit:BHG/Nelly Cuanalo
Read the packaging carefully to see if this was done.
Most turkeys we found in stores had been treated with this solution even if the packaging said all-natural.
How Long Does it Take to Thaw a Turkey in the Fridge?
Credit:BHG/Nelly Cuanalo
It’s always good to plan ahead of time for how long you’ll need to thaw your bird.
We found you need 1 day in the fridge for every 312 to 4 pounds of turkey.
An average-size turkey today takes about 4 days to thaw in the fridge.
Given that guideline, here’s how many days to thaw a turkey.
There will be more liquid in the turkey, and consequently, more frozen matter to thaw.
Estimate about 30 minutes per pound of turkey to thaw in the sink.
Don’t worry: you might still enjoy a delectable turkey, you just need to speed things up.
Disinfect your sink after handling the turkey to prevent the edges and sponges from harboring harmful bacteria.
What Next?Once the turkey is thawed, it’s time to prep before roasting!
We recommend our favoritedry-brine methodfor the juiciest and most flavorful turkey.