ThawDay

Can you cook a turkey from frozen?

Yes. USDA says it is safe. Roast it at 325 F. It takes at least half again as long as a thawed bird. A 15 lb turkey needs about 5 hours 45 minutes to 6 hours 30 minutes.

Roast times from frozen, at 325 F

Turkey weightTime from frozen
Up to 12 lb4 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 30 minutes
13 to 14 lb4 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours 45 minutes
15 to 18 lb5 hours 45 minutes to 6 hours 30 minutes
19 to 20 lb6 hours 30 minutes to 6 hours 45 minutes
21 to 24 lb6 hours 45 minutes to 7 hours 30 minutes

These times come from the USDA from-frozen chart. They are the same times the ThawDay calculator uses for a frozen bird.

The two rules that matter

Do not use an oven bag. It cannot take the long roast.

Pull the giblet packet out with tongs. Do it 20 to 30 minutes in, once the outside softens. The neck may need longer. Leave both out of the bird.

The chart aims, the thermometer decides: 165 F. Check the thickest part of the breast, the innermost thigh, and the innermost wing. Color is not a reliable signal.

Still have some time?

If dinner is hours away, cold water thawing is the faster full path: seal the bird in a leak-proof plastic bag, submerge it in cold tap water, 30 minutes per pound, change the water every 30 minutes, cook it right after it thaws, then a normal roast. Or plan the thaw next time: how long thawing takes, and the 2026 fridge dates.

The calculator knows this path too

Tell the calculator the bird is still frozen. It plans the long roast and stamps your oven time. Or ask in your own words.

More turkey questions, answered