Picture this: It’s Thanksgiving Day and you suddenly realize that your turkey is in the freezer. Panic ensues… Thanksgiving is surely ruined! But before you start thinking about calling it quits, here’s some good news: you can still cook a frozen turkey!
Sure, you might not have enough time for traditional thawing methods. But there are also options for cooking your turkey right from its frozen state. According to the USDA, you shouldnt expect the cooking time to be the same as your typical roasted turkey recipe. “The cooking time will take at least 50 percent longer than recommended for a fully thawed turkey,” they say.
You might need to adjust your Thanksgiving timeline, but it’s better than takeout and at least you know youll have a fully cooked turkey thats safe to eat. So, here’s a simple guide for how to cook a frozen turkey.
It’s the day before Thanksgiving and you realize your turkey is still partially frozen! Now you’re wondering – how long does it take to cook a partially frozen turkey? With some planning and patience, you can absolutely cook a partially thawed turkey in time for the big feast.
Cooking a partially frozen turkey just requires some extra steps and safety precautions. Follow this complete guide for tips on safely thawing, prepping, roasting, and determining cook times for a not-quite-ready turkey.
How Long Does it Take to Thaw a Turkey?
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Fully thawing a turkey before cooking is always best for evenly cooking and food safety.
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Thawing in the refrigerator allows about 24 hours per 4-5 lbs of turkey. A 20 lb bird needs 4-5 days.
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Quick thaw options: Submerge wrapped turkey in cold water, changing water every 30 mins. This takes about 30 mins per lb.
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Or thaw in cold water in a cooler, changing water every 60 mins. Takes 60 mins per lb.
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Microwave thawing is not recommended. Uneven heating can partly cook meat.
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Never thaw at room temperature over 40°F. Dangerous bacteria can grow rapidly.
Cook Times for a Partially Frozen Turkey
Cooking a partially frozen turkey takes longer than a fully thawed one. Here’s how much extra time to allow:
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Oven: Cook at 325°F. Plan on 25% more time than normal.
- Ex: 15 lb turkey normally takes 3 hrs → 3.75 hrs partially frozen.
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Smoker: Cook at 250°F. Expect 50% extra time for a fully frozen turkey.
- Ex: 6 lb turkey takes 2 hrs → 3 hrs if partially frozen.
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Use a meat thermometer for doneness, not a timer. Cook to an internal temp of 165°F.
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Let rest 20-30 minutes before carving for juices to redistribute.
Step-by-Step Guide for Cooking a Partially Frozen Turkey
Follow these tips for roasting or smoking a partially frozen turkey safely:
Prep
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Don’t stuff a partially frozen turkey. Stuffing won’t reach safe temp. Cook it separately.
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Brine if desired, using ice to keep cold. Adds moisture and flavor.
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Pat turkey dry. Apply oil and seasonings on the skin.
Roast in Oven
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Preheat oven to 325°F. Use rack in lower third.
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Place turkey in roasting pan, breast side up.
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Tent loosely with foil at first to prevent overbrowning. Remove later for crispy skin.
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Use a meat thermometer to check temp in thickest part of breast and thigh.
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Cook to an internal temp of 165°F. Allow 25% extra time.
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Let rest 20-30 mins before carving.
Smoke on a Grill
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Prep smoker with soaked wood chips, heat to 250°F.
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Place turkey breast up on cooking grates.
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Insert probed thermometer in thickest area. Close lid.
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Smoke turkey to internal temp of 165°F. Allow 50% extra time if fully frozen.
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Let rest 20-30 minutes before slicing.
Food Safety Tips
When working with partially frozen poultry:
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Only thaw using refrigerator, cold water or microwave methods. Never at room temp.
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Cook from partially frozen state only. Don’t let turkey linger at “danger zone” temps above 40°F during thawing.
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Use thawed turkey within 1-2 days; if brined, cook within 12 hours. Don’t refreeze thawed meat.
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Discard any turkey over 40°F for over 2 hours. Don’t risk bacteria growth.
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Wash hands and prep tools thoroughly before and after handling raw turkey.
Alternatives if Turkey is Still Frozen
If time is too short to safely thaw and cook the turkey:
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Cook a boneless turkey breast instead – faster thaw and cook time.
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Heat up sliced deli turkey or get a rotisserie turkey from the store.
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Make dishes like turkey chili or soup using leftover frozen turkey pieces.
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Prepare smaller turkey tenderloins, breasts or drumsticks for faster cooking.
With proper thawing, monitoring, and some extra patience, you can still enjoy a perfectly cooked and tasty holiday turkey, even if it’s not completely thawed. Just be sure to take food safety precautions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to cook a frozen 12 lb turkey?
- At 325°F, a fully frozen 12 lb turkey will take around 4-5 hours total to cook. Allow 50% extra time compared to a thawed turkey.
Can you cook a turkey breast from frozen?
- Yes, it is safe to cook turkey breasts directly from the frozen state. Use a meat thermometer and allow 50% extra cooking time compared to thawed.
Is it okay if my turkey is still a little frozen?
- It’s fine to cook a partially frozen turkey as long as you take precautions – cook at 325°F and allow about 25% extra time. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F internally.
Should I brine a partially frozen turkey?
- Yes, you can still brine a partially frozen turkey to add flavor and moisture. Just make sure to use ice to keep the temperature cold during brining.
Can I stuff my partially thawed turkey?
- Stuffing a partially frozen turkey is unsafe, as the stuffing won’t reach the proper internal temperature fast enough. Cook stuffing separately to prevent bacterial growth.
How to Cook a Frozen Turkey
It’s surprisingly easy to cook a frozen turkey, just be sure to follow these simple steps. For starters, you can choose a quick-thawing method (like thawing in the microwave) which wont take as long as thawing in the refrigerator or in cold water. Or, just cooking it straight from the freezer.
To thaw a frozen turkey in the microwave: The USDA recommends ensuring that your turkey will fit in the microwave first. Then, use the manufacturer guidelines to thaw for about 6 minutes per pound. “Plan to cook it immediately after thawing because some areas of the food may become warm and begin to cook during microwaving. Holding partially cooked food is not recommended because any bacteria present wouldnt have been destroyed,” the USDA says.
To cook straight from frozen: Start by unwrapping the turkey and set your oven temperature to 325 degrees. Place the turkey on a roasting pan and pop it in the oven—don’t worry about the bag of giblets quite yet! Once the turkey has been in the oven for 20 to 30 minutes, you can use a pair of tongs to carefully remove the packet of giblets. Now that the turkey has thawed a bit in the oven, you can also season the turkey by brushing the outside with butter and seasoning with salt and pepper. Continue to roast until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees, covering with foil as necessary if it starts to darken too much. Roasting times will vary depending on the weight, but since it’s frozen, you can expect it to take at least 50 percent longer compared to a thawed bird. See the cooking times below!
Cook Times by Weight
Based on USDA guidelines, this is how long it will take to cook a frozen turkey at 325 degrees:
- 8- to 12-pound turkey: 4 to 4 1/2 hours
- 12- to 14-pound turkey: 4 1/2 to 5 3/4 hours
- 14- to 18-pound turkey: 5 3/4 to 6 1/4 hours
- 18- to 20-pound turkey: 6 1/4 to 6 3/4 hours
- 20- to 24-pound turkey: 6 3/4 to 7 1/2 hours