If you are cooking the Thanksgiving Turkey and it is in the freezer, it is going to take a bit to thaw it in time for cooking. So, when do you start thawing your Thanksgiving Turkey?
It depends on the size of the bird… We are getting close to Thanksgiving and it will soon be time to get the turkey out of the freezer and begin thawing. Meredith Carothers with the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline says thaw in the fridge.
Thawing in the Fridge is the safest method.
Thawing takes 24 hours for every 4 – 5 ponds.
- 4 to 12 pounds — 1 to 3 days
- 12 to 16 pounds — 3 to 4 days
- 16 to 20 pounds — 4 to 5 days
- 20 to 24 pounds —5 to 6 days
Once the turkey is thawed, you can keep it in the refrigerator for one to two additional days before cooking.