This year, you are in charge of the turkey for Thanksgiving? Fear not, you can handle it as long as you know how to properly thaw the bird.
According to a 2021 survey, half of Americans plan to buy their turkeys in frozen form. Furthermore, 49% of those surveyed stated they were “intimidated” to cook a turkey because they were afraid it would be overdone and dry.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, thawing a frozen bird correctly can help to prevent food poisoning.
According to Butterball, a thawed turkey must be refrigerated for up to four days at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower before cooking, regardless of whether the bird is whole or just the breasts. Furthermore, there are two ways to guarantee that your turkey is completely thawed in time for Thanksgiving.
“Regardless of which turkey thawing method you choose, never thaw a turkey at room temperature,” Butterballs website said. “You’re running low on time, try a Fresh Whole Turkey—they’re just as delicious and require little prep. “.
Furthermore, the CDC states that “even though the center is still frozen, a turkey’s temperature becomes unsafe” if it is left out at room temperature for longer than two hours. “.
Hey there turkey-lovers!
Getting ready for a delicious Thanksgiving feast? Well, before you can roast that beautiful bird to golden perfection, you need to thaw it out safely. ❄️
Don’t worry, Butterball’s got your back! We’ve got all the tips and tricks you need to defrost your frozen turkey like a pro.
So, let’s dive in!
The Two Best Ways to Defrost Your Butterball Turkey:
There are two main methods for thawing your frozen Butterball turkey:
1. The Refrigerator Method (Slow and Steady Wins the Race):
- This is the preferred method by Butterball, and it’s also the easiest.
- Just pop your frozen turkey, breast-side up, in its original packaging onto a tray in your fridge.
- Make sure the temperature is set to 40°F or below.
- Plan ahead, though, because this method takes 1 day for every 4 pounds of turkey.
- For example, a 16-pound turkey will take 4 days to thaw completely.
- Once thawed, you can keep your turkey in the fridge for up to 4 days before cooking.
2. The Cold Water Method (For When Time is Ticking):
- This method is faster than the refrigerator method, but it requires more attention.
- Place your frozen turkey, breast-side down, in its original packaging in a sink or large container filled with cold water.
- Make sure the water completely covers the turkey.
- Change the water every 30 minutes to keep it cold.
- If the turkey is too large to be fully submerged, rotate it every 30 minutes to ensure even thawing.
- This method takes about 30 minutes per pound of turkey.
- So, that 16-pound turkey will be ready in about 8 hours.
- Important note: Once thawed using the cold water method, cook your turkey immediately.
What NOT to Do When Thawing Your Butterball Turkey:
- Don’t thaw your turkey at room temperature. This can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria.
- Don’t thaw your turkey in hot water or the microwave. This can cook the outside of the turkey while the inside remains frozen, which is a recipe for disaster.
- Don’t refreeze a thawed turkey. This can also lead to the growth of bacteria.
Some Extra Tips from Your Butterball Buddies:
- Planning a big Thanksgiving feast? Check out our Turkey Talk-Line for expert advice on everything turkey-related.
- Looking for some inspiration in the kitchen? We’ve got a treasure trove of delicious turkey recipes to tantalize your taste buds.
- Want to learn more about Butterball turkeys? Head over to our Products page to discover the perfect bird for your holiday table.
So there you have it!
Now you know how to safely and effectively thaw your Butterball turkey, so you can focus on what really matters: enjoying a delicious and memorable Thanksgiving feast with your loved ones.
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Butterball!
How to Safely Thaw a Frozen Turkey
FAQ
Can you leave a frozen turkey out overnight to thaw?
How do you defrost a frozen turkey quickly?
How long does it take a 20 pound turkey to thaw in the refrigerator?
How do you defrost a Butterball turkey?
Remove the turkey from the packaging and place it in a large bowl or on a baking sheet. Cover the turkey with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the turkey in the refrigerator and let it defrost for 1-2 days, depending on the size of the turkey. Butterball turkeys are a popular choice for Thanksgiving dinner, and for good reason.
How do you defrost a Turkey?
There are three safe ways to defrost a turkey: in the refrigerator, in cold water, and in a microwave oven. The USDA recommends thawing your turkey in the refrigerator. This is the safest method because the turkey will thaw at a consistent, safe temperature. This method takes some time, so allow one day for each 4 – 5 pounds of weight.
Can You Thaw a Butterball turkey?
Place the turkey in the refrigerator and let it defrost for 1-2 days, depending on the size of the turkey. Butterball turkeys are a popular choice for Thanksgiving dinner, and for good reason. They’re large, juicy, and flavorful. But before you can enjoy your Butterball turkey, you need to thaw it.
How do you Thaw a frozen turkey?
Safely thawing your frozen turkey is one of the most important steps in your meal prep. Watch Christopher demonstrate our two recommended thawing methods: Refrigerator thawing is preferred and the least labor-intensive but requires more time. Cold water thawing takes less time but requires more attention.