Thanksgiving Turkey FAQs

Q: What is the best way to thaw a frozen turkey?

The most fool proof method of defrosting a turkey is to thaw it in the refrigerator. The key to this method is to plan ahead and allow approximately 24 hours for every four to five pounds of bird weight for thawing in the refrigerator. This method is the safest and will result in the best finished product. Place the bird, in the original wrapping, on a shallow baking sheet in the refrigerator. The following chart provides good guidelines for thawing times.

Refrigerator Turkey Thawing Time (40° F)
Turkey Weight	Days to Allow for Thawing Turkey
8 to 12 pounds	2 to 2.5 days
12 to 16 pounds	2.5 to 4 days
16 to 20 pounds	4 to 5 days
20 to 24 pounds	5 to 6 days

The most important thing to remember is NEVER to thaw the turkey at room temperature.

Q: How long should leftovers be stored and how long will they keep?

Leftovers should be stored in shallow containers and refrigerated or frozen within 2 hours of cooking. Remove the stuffing and carve the extra turkey meat from the bones. Use cooked turkey and stuffing within 3-4 days and gravy in 1-2 days. Cooked turkey keeps for 3-4 months in the freezer. Reheat all leftovers to 165 degrees Fahrenheit or until hot and steaming; bring gravy to a boil before serving.

Q: How long do I need to cook my turkey ?

Conventional Oven Open Pan Method Timetable for Roasting a Turkey at 325 Degrees F

Unstuffed Turkey
8 to 12 lbs -- 2 3/4 to 3 hours
12 to 14 lbs--3 to 3 3/4 hours
14 to 18 lbs--3 3/4 t0 4 1/4 hours
18 to 20 lbs--4 1/4 to 4 1/2 hours
20 to 24 lbs--4 1/2 to 5 hours

Stuffed Turkey
8 to 12 lbs--3 to 3 1/2 hours
12 to 14 lbs--3 1/2 to 4 hours
14 to 18 lbs--4 to 4 1/4 hours
18 to 20 lbs--4 1/4 to 4 3/4 hours
20 to 24 lbs--4 3/4 to 5 1/4 hours