How should I thaw my frozen turkey?

The preferred method is to thaw your turkey in the refrigerator in its original wrapper. Allow one day (24 hours) for each five pounds of turkey.

But if you have forgotten to take the turkey out of your freezer or if you don't have room in your refrigerator, you can thaw out the turkey by submerging it (still in its original wrapper) in cold water.

Only, remember to change the water every 30 minutes. If you use this method, allow about 30 minutes per pound of turkey.

If you are really pressed for time, and your turkey fits, you can use your microwave to thaw out your turkey. Follow your manufacturer's instructions for power level and time. If you use this method, cook the turkey immediately after thawing.

Turkey	Refrigerator Thawing Time	Cold Water Thawing Time
8-12 lbs.	1-2 days	4-6 hrs.
12-16 lbs.	2-3 days	6-9 hrs.
16-20 lbs.	3-4 days	9-12 hrs.
20-24 lbs.	4-5 days	11-12 hrs.

After thawing, remove the bag containing the neck and giblets, wash the turkey inside and out with cold water, then drain well.

When finished, be sure to thoroughly wash your hands, as well any kitchen utensils or anything else that has come in contact with the raw turkey.

When should I stuff my turkey?

Stuff your turkey right before placing it in the oven. Don't stuff the turkey the night before. Stuff the turkey loosely, using about 3/4 cups of stuffing per pound of turkey. The stuffing should be moist, not dry. You may also bake the stuffing separately.

How should I cook my turkey?

There are several methods to use to cook your turkey: roasting it by putting it in an oven; using a cooking bag; and grilling it on an outdoor grill. Use the method you prefer.

When roasting your turkey, use an oven temperature of at least 325°F. Allow about 15-18 minutes per pound for an un-stuffed turkey; 18-24 minutes per pound for a stuffed turkey.

Approximate cooking times at 325°F are listed below. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thigh (not touching bone) to check the internal temperature of the turkey. It should read 180°F when the turkey is done. Juices should be clear, not pink.

After you remove your turkey from the oven, remove the stuffing, then let is stand for about 15-20 minutes before carving.

Turkey	Unstuffed	Stuffed
6-8 lbs.	2 1/4 - 3 1/4 hrs.	3-3 1/2 hrs.
8-12 lbs.	3 1/4 - 4 hrs.	3 1/2 - 4 1/2 hrs.
12-16 lbs.	4 - 4 1/2 hrs.	4 1/2 - 5 1/2 hrs.
16-20 lbs.	4 1/2 - 5 hrs.	5 1/2 - 6 1/2 hrs.
20-24 lbs.	5 - 5 1/2 hrs.	6 1/2 - 7 hrs.

How should I store any leftovers?

Refrigerate any leftover turkey or stuffing within 2 hours after removing them from the oven. (Keep this in mind when planning when to serve your meal.) Use leftover turkey within 3-4 days and stuffing and gravy within 1-2 days. Reheat leftovers until "steamy hot", 165 ° F.

If you have any questions about your holiday turkey, call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-800-535-4555.

Their hours are: Monday-Friday, November 1-30, 9am to 5pm EST
Thanksgiving Day: 8am to 2pm EST Saturday and Sunday, 9am to 5pm EST
Monday-Friday, Year Round, 10am to 4pm EST

Adapted from information provided by the United States Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Services.