Recipes for curious cooks · Made in North Dakota
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Interactive food-safety calculator

Turkey thaw calculator.

Enter the turkey weight and dinner time to see when to start, which safe thawing method fits, and what to do if you are running late.

lb

The packaged weight is printed on the label.

The roasting estimate assumes an unstuffed turkey at 325°F.

Checking your timing

Building the safest plan for today.

USDA-based guidance

Keep a frozen turkey out of the danger zone.

USDA guidance allows about 24 hours in a refrigerator at 40°F or below for every 4 to 5 pounds, or about 30 minutes per pound in cold water. Change the cold water every 30 minutes and cook the turkey immediately after it thaws.

Never thaw a turkey on the counter. A refrigerator-thawed turkey may remain refrigerated for 1 to 2 additional days before cooking.

The calculator keeps the full thawing and from-frozen timing guidance on this page, then connects directly to the holiday roast planner for the rest of your cooking schedule.

Recommended tools for this guide

These are the tools Justin recommends for easier, more confident cooking.

01

Rimmed Roasting Pan

Contain drips safely while the wrapped turkey thaws in the refrigerator.

View on Amazon
02

12 Quart Food Container

Keep a cold-water thaw contained and separated from other food.

View on Amazon
03

Instant Read Rechargeable Thermometer

Check the breast, inner thigh, and inner wing before serving.

View on Amazon
04

Leave In Thermometer Probe

Watch the turkey temperature during roasting without opening the oven.

View on Amazon

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