How to Thaw a Butterball Turkey

Thawing your turkey properly is one of the most important steps to ensuring you have a delicious and safe Thanksgiving meal. A frozen or partially frozen turkey takes much longer to cook, which can result in an overcooked outer portion and undercooked interior. Follow these tips to learn the best practices for thawing a Butterball turkey.

Choose an Appropriate Thawing Method

Butterball recommends two methods for thawing turkey – in the refrigerator or in cold water

Refrigerator Thawing

This is the preferred method as it thaws the turkey gradually at a safe temperature. Here are some guidelines when thawing in the fridge

• Allow 24 hours of refrigeration thawing time per 4-5 lbs of turkey. For example, a 12 lb turkey would require 3 full days in the fridge.
• Keep the turkey in its original packaging and place it breast side up on a tray or pan to catch any juices.
• Once thawed, cook within 1-2 days.

The benefit of fridge thawing is it frees up your time on Thanksgiving day since the turkey thaws slowly over the course of several days. Just be sure to check periodically to ensure it’s thawed by Thanksgiving morning.

Cold Water Thawing

If you’re short on time, cold water thawing thaws the turkey faster. Here’s how to do it properly

• Submerge the turkey (still in packaging) in a sink or tub of cold water. Use a cooler if your sink is too small.
• Change the water every 30 minutes to ensure it stays cold.
• Allow 30 minutes per lb of turkey. So a 12 lb turkey would take 6 hours to thaw.
• Cook immediately after thawing.

While quick, cold water thawing requires more hands-on time since you have to monitor the water temperature frequently.

Monitor Progress to Determine If Thawed

Checking doneness periodically prevents any Thanksgiving day surprises. Here are tips for monitoring thawing progress:

• Weigh your turkey and calculate the thawing time needed based on the guidelines above. This gives you an estimated finish time.
• Periodically check for signs of thawing:
  • The turkey flesh should feel soft when pressed firmly.
  • The legs and wings should move freely.
  • The giblet packet should pull out easily.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temp. It should be 35-40°F when thawed.

If the turkey isn’t progressing as expected, you may need to allow more time or switch to the cold water method. Refrigerators in garages or basements may run colder and slow thawing.

Options If Turkey Isn’t Thawed in Time

Hope for the best but plan for the worst. Here are some tips if your turkey isn’t thawed by Thanksgiving morning:

• If partially thawed, finish thawing in cold water if time allows. This quicker method can shave off hours from fridge thawing.
• Cook from frozen as a last resort. It will take 50% longer so plan accordingly. For example, a 12 lb frozen turkey may take 4.5-5 hours at 325°F.
• Use a meat thermometer if cooking frozen or partial thawed turkey. Cook to 165°F thigh temp.
• Consider picking up a fresh turkey if no time to thaw. Most grocers carry fresh turkeys alongside frozen.

While cooking from frozen will still provide turkey on the table, the texture won’t be as juicy or tender. But it beats no turkey at all!

Proper Handling After Thawing

Safely store and handle the thawed turkey to avoid contamination:

• Cook within 1-2 days of thawing. Do not refreeze a thawed turkey.
• Keep thawed turkey refrigerated until ready to cook. Place breast side up on tray.
• Avoid rinsing or washing turkey after thawing. Pat dry with paper towels if needed.
• Do not stuff until right before cooking.

Follow these simple handling procedures and your thawed turkey will be fresh and ready for the oven.

Answers to Common Butterball Turkey Thawing Questions

Still have some lingering questions? Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked turkey thawing questions:

Can I thaw turkey at room temperature or on the counter?

No. Room temperature thawing can allow bacteria to grow rapidly. Always thaw in the refrigerator or in cold water.

Can I thaw my turkey in the microwave?

You can but Butterball doesn’t recommend it. Microwaves often thaw unevenly and you’d need to cook immediately after thawing.

How long is thawed turkey good for in the fridge?

Cook within 1-2 days of thawing for maximum freshness and food safety.

Can I refreeze a thawed turkey?

You can but the texture will degrade after refreezing. Cook within 6 months if refrozen.

My turkey won’t thaw in time! What should I do?

First, finish thawing in cold water if possible. If no time for that, cook from frozen as a last resort. Pick up a fresh turkey if available as another option.

Get Help from the Butterball Turkey Talk Line

For over 40 years, the Butterball Turkey Talk Line has been helping cooks with all their turkey questions. If you need additional support, call 1-800-BUTTERBALL or text 844-877-3456. Real turkey experts are available to help you with thawing, cooking times, leftovers, and anything else turkey-related!

Thawing a turkey properly takes a bit of planning, but is critical for a delicious Thanksgiving meal. Allow plenty of time for thawing based on turkey weight, monitor periodically, and have a backup plan if it’s not ready on time. Follow these tips and you’ll have a juicy, perfectly thawed Butterball turkey ready for the oven. Here’s to a happy and stress-free Thanksgiving!

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