How To Safely Thaw A Turkey

As easy as it would be to set the turkey out on the counter for a few hours before cooking, it is not the safe way to thaw the turkey for your Thanksgiving dinner.  Infact it can cause bacteria to grow, and then it will make everyone sick, and that is no fun at all!

So I have decided to share 2 safe ways that I know of to thaw a turkey out before cooking.  Once you decide which method you want to use, it is important to plan ahead of time because these methods take time! 

Method #1

Place your frozen turkey in a large dish.  Then place it on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator.  Allow roughly 24 hours of thaw time for every 4-5 pounds of turkey.  Scroll down and you will find a chart that can help you determine how much time you will need. 

The turkey can stay in the fridge for a day or so before being cooked when thawed using this method. 


Methed #2

seal your frozen turkey in a leak proof plastic bag and fill your sink with cold tap water.  Submerge the plastic wrapped turkey in the water.    When thawing your turkey using this method, you will want to allow 30 minutes of thaw time for each pound.  Again, you will find a chart to help you determine times below. 

When using this method, it is important to change the water every half hour so that it stays cold enough.