Thawing your Thanksgiving turkey in the refrigerator is the safest method. The general rule of thumb is to allow 24 hours of thawing time for every 4-5 pounds of turkey. Here is a handy chart to help you determine the approximate thawing time for your turkey:
If you’re short on time, you can opt for the cold water thawing method. This involves submerging the turkey in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. Here is a general guideline for how long it takes to thaw a turkey using this method:
| Weight of Turkey | Thawing Time in Cold Water |
|---|---|
| 4-12 pounds | 2-6 hours |
| 12-16 pounds | 6-8 hours |
| 16-20 pounds | 8-10 hours |
| 20-24 pounds | 10-12 hours |
Now that you have a handy turkey thaw time chart at your disposal, you can ensure that your Thanksgiving turkey is perfectly thawed and ready for cooking. Happy Thanksgiving!