To safely thaw a Thanksgiving turkey, start thawing it several days before you plan to cook, based on its weight and your chosen method.

Refrigerator Thawing (Safest Method)

• Allow one day for every 4 to 5 pounds of turkey in the fridge.

• Example times:
  • 12 pounds: about 3 days.
  • 16 pounds: about 4 days.
  • 20 pounds: about 5 days.
• Once thawed, you can keep the turkey in the refrigerator for an additional 1-2 days before cooking.

Cold Water Thawing (Faster Option)

• Submerge the wrapped turkey in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes.

• Allow about 30 minutes per pound:
  • 16-pound turkey: about 8 hours.
  • 20-pound turkey: about 10 hours.
• Cook immediately after thawing with this method.

Summary Table

Weight| Thaw In Fridge (Days)| Cold Water (Hours)
---|---|---
12 lbs| 3| 6
16 lbs| 4| 8
20 lbs| 5| 10

Starting the process early ensures the turkey is ready to cook safely on Thanksgiving.