Preparing a holiday meal is no small task, and it can be ruined instantly if you don't properly prepare the main attraction – the almighty turkey. Did you know in some cases, you have to start prepping your turkey almost one week before Thanksgiving?
Frozen whole turkeys and frozen whole turkey breasts need to be thawed before cooking.
According to Butterball, the best ways to thaw your bird are either in the refrigerator or using the cold water method. Depending on the bird's size, thawing could take up to six days.
If you're in charge of the sprawling Thanksgiving spread this year, don't worry! We've got tips on how to thaw your frozen turkey in time for the big day
When thawing your turkey in the refrigerator:
- Thaw breast side up
- Keep the turkey in the original wrapper and place on a tray in the fridge
- Allow at least 1 day of thawing for every 4 lbs.
- Use the turkey within 4 days of fully thawing
If you don't want a 20-pound turkey carcass crowding your fridge for several days, you could adopt the cold water method:
- Thaw breast side down
- Keep the turkey in the original wrapper and cover with enough cold water to cover the turkey completely
- Change water every 30 minutes
- If turkey cannot be completely covered, rotate every 30 minutes to keep the turkey chilled
- Estimate a minimum thawing time of 30 minutes per lb.
Using cold water is quicker than thawing in the fridge, but it's also more labor intensive. It all comes down to personal preference, though, so no matter which route you chose, your guests are sure to gobble up something great.
Thawed turkeys can be kept in a refrigerator up to four days before cooking if the refrigerator is kept at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. If you need more help with your bird, you can call or text Butterball's Turkey Trouble Hotline.