ThawDay gives plain thaw times for holiday food.
An 8 lb turkey needs about 3 days in the fridge. Move it on Monday, November 23. Dinner is Thursday, November 26. In cold water, it needs 4 hours.
Get my full turkey plan| Turkey weight | In the fridge | In cold water |
|---|---|---|
| 6 lb | About 1½ days | 3 hours |
| 8 lb | About 3 days | 4 hours |
| 10 lb | About 3 days | 5 hours |
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.
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.
The calculator plans buy, thaw, and roast dates. Or ask in your own words.