Food safety tips for handling, thawing, roasting, storing, and reheating turkey. Show
Download a print version of this document: Handle Food Safely
Fresh Turkey
Frozen Turkey
Thawing Your TurkeyThere are three ways to thaw your turkey safely:
REMINDER : Remove the giblets from the turkey cavities after thawing. Cook separately. Roasting Your Turkey
REMEMBER : Always wash (with soap and water) hands, utensils, the sink, and anything else that comes in contact with raw turkey and its juices.
These times are estimates. Always use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of your turkey and stuffing (165°F).
Storing Leftover Turkey
Reheating Leftovers
How long does it take a 20 pound turkey to thaw in the refrigerator?Make some room in the bottom of your fridge and have a rimmed baking sheet or roasting pan nearby. Here's the calculation: plan on 24 hours of fridge thawing for every 5 pounds of frozen turkey (for example: budget 4 full days of thawing in the fridge for a 20-pound turkey).
Can I put my frozen turkey in the fridge a week before Thanksgiving?Birds weighing 12 to 16 pounds should be in the fridge starting the Sunday of Thanksgiving week. For smaller birds - four to 12 pounds, you should start fridge thawing on Monday. The USDA urges "safe thawing" in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave oven.
Can I leave a frozen turkey in the fridge for 5 days?Thawing in the Refrigerator:
Place it on a tray to catch any juices that may leak. A thawed turkey can remain in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days. If necessary, a turkey that has been properly thawed in the refrigerator may be refrozen.
How many days in advance do you take out a frozen turkey?Refrigerator Thawing
Allow at least one day of thawing for every 4 lbs of turkey. Keep turkey in original wrapper and place on tray. Use turkey within four days after thawing.
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