ThawDay gives plain thaw times for holiday food.
Fridge: 1 day per 4 to 5 lb. Cold water: 30 minutes per pound. Buy a 14 lb bird on Friday, November 20. Put it in the fridge by Sunday, November 22.
Get my full turkey plan| Turkey weight | In the fridge | In cold water |
|---|---|---|
| 8 lb | 3 days | 4 hours |
| 12 lb | 3 days | 6 hours |
| 16 lb | 4 days | 8 hours |
| 20 lb | 5 days | 10 hours |
| 24 lb | 6 days | 12 hours |
USDA rate: 24 hours per 4 to 5 pounds. Keep the fridge at 40 F or below. Leave the bird in its wrap, on a tray.
USDA rate: 30 minutes per pound. Seal the bird in a leak-proof bag. 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 turns your weight into buy, thaw, and roast dates. Or ask in your own words.