ThawDay gives plain thaw times for holiday food.
A 21 lb turkey needs about 6 days in the fridge. Move it on Friday, November 20. Dinner is Thursday, November 26. In cold water, it needs 10 hours 30 minutes.
Get my full turkey plan| Turkey weight | In the fridge | In cold water |
|---|---|---|
| 19 lb | About 5 days | 9 hours 30 minutes |
| 21 lb | About 6 days | 10 hours 30 minutes |
| 23 lb | About 6 days | 11 hours 30 minutes |
Keep the fridge at 40 F or below. Leave the bird in its wrap, on a tray. USDA rate: 24 hours per 4 to 5 pounds. Start a big bird a full week out.
Seal the bird in a leak-proof bag. Sink it in cold tap water. Change the water each 30 minutes. Cook it right after it thaws.
Never thaw a turkey on the counter. The skin warms while the core stays frozen. Germs grow fast in that warm zone. Cook a thawed bird in 1 to 2 days.
Read how to thaw a turkey fast. The calculator plans the full week. Or ask in your own words.