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When does your turkey go in the fridge?
Allow a full day in the fridge for every 4 pounds, and count back from the day you cook. An 18 lb turkey for Thanksgiving goes in the Saturday before. Never thaw it on the counter.
Saturday
Move it to the fridge 5 days before you cook.
Thaw times by weight
| Turkey | In the fridge | Fridge date | Cold water |
|---|
USDA says a day per 4 to 5 pounds. We use 4, so a cold fridge or a dense bird doesn't leave you with ice in the middle on the morning you cook.
Plan the rest of the meal
A countdown from the day the turkey goes in the fridge to the minute dinner hits the table, built around your menu and your oven.
Plan my dinnerQuestions
I forgot. Now what?
Thaw it in cold water: the turkey sealed in its wrapper, fully covered in cold tap water. Change the water every 30 minutes and allow about 30 minutes per pound. Cook it as soon as it's thawed.
Can it go in the fridge too early?
A little. Once it's thawed, a turkey keeps 1 to 2 days in the fridge before cooking. So you have about a day or two of slack on top of the date above, not a week.
Where in the fridge?
Bottom shelf, on a rimmed sheet pan or in a roasting pan, so nothing drips onto other food.
How do I know it's thawed?
The legs move freely and there's no ice in the cavity. Check the morning you cook; a frozen center adds hours to the roast.
How big a turkey do I need?
About 1½ pounds per guest. Use the turkey size calculator.
How long does it take to cook?
About 13 to 15 minutes a pound at 325°F, unstuffed. See the cooking time chart.
Sources: USDA FSIS, Let's Talk Turkey; UF/IFAS Extension, Thaw Your Turkey Safely.