Expert Tips for Safely Thawing and Cooking Your Thanksgiving Turkey

From thawing timelines to cooking temperatures, here’s how to prepare your turkey for the big day.

The USDA and Butterball recommend thawing a frozen turkey in the refrigerator, allowing one day for every four pounds, or using the faster cold water method with 30 minutes per pound.
Once thawed, a turkey should be cooked within one to two days to ensure safety and freshness.
Alternative thawing methods include the microwave, though this requires immediate cooking after defrosting.
Cooking times for turkeys vary by weight, with an unstuffed 10-18 pound turkey requiring 3 to 3.5 hours at 325°F in a conventional oven.
The ideal internal temperature for a fully cooked turkey is 165°F, ensuring both safety and optimal taste.