Holiday Grub

Talking Turkey

Indispensable guidelines from the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service. Remember to allow 1 pound of turkey per person.

Thawing Your Turkey

There are three ways to thaw your turkey safely—in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave oven.

Allow approximately 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds

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

Keep the turkey in its original wrapper. Place it on a tray or in a pan to catch any juices that may leak. A thawed turkey can remain in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days. If necessary, a turkey that has been properly thawed in the refrigerator may be refrozen.

Allow approximately 30 minutes per pound

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

Make sure the water is not able to leak through the turkey’s wrapping. Submerge your wrapped turkey in cold tap water. Change the water every 30 minutes. Cook the turkey immediately after it is thawed. Do not refreeze.

Check your owner's manual for the size turkey that will fit in your microwave oven, the minutes per pound and power level to use for thawing.

Remove all outside wrapping.

Place on a microwave-safe dish to catch any juices that may leak.

Cook your turkey immediately. Do not refreeze or refrigerate your turkey after thawing in the microwave oven.