Food Safety Tips: Thaw Your Turkey Safely!
We’re here to remind you to thaw your turkey safely!
If you don’t thaw your turkey properly, bacteria and germs can grow and make you sick.
Pick 1 of 3 options to thaw your turkey:
In the refrigerator
In a sink of cold water (change the water every 30 minutes)
In the microwave
Do not thaw your turkey on the counter.
When thawing your turkey in the refrigerator:
Plan ahead!
You need about 24 hours for each 4 to 5 pounds of turkey/meat
Your refrigerator should be set at 40 °F or below
Put your turkey in a container so the juices don’t drip on other foods
Refrigerator thawing times:
Whole turkey:
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
A refrigerator-thawed turkey can stay in the refrigerator for 1 or 2 days before cooking.
If you’re thawing your turkey in cold water:
You need about 30 minutes per pound
Change the water every 30 minutes
Cold Water Thawing Times
4 to 12 pounds — 2 to 6 hours
12 to 16 pounds — 6 to 8 hours
16 to 20 pounds — 8 to 10 hours
20 to 24 pounds — 10 to 12 hours
A turkey thawed by the cold water method should be cooked immediately!
If you’re thawing your turkey in the microwave:
Follow the microwave manufacturer's instructions
Plan to cook your turkey immediately after thawing in the microwave
Don’t forget to wash your hands and store your leftovers within 2 hours!
Learn more here: Turkey Basics: Safe Thawing | Food Safety and Inspection Service