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You Need to Start Thawing Your Thanksgiving Turkey Today, if It's This Size
USDA and Butterball recommend thawing a turkey 24 hours per 4-5 pounds in the fridge or 30 minutes per pound in cold water to avoid foodborne illness.
- As Thanksgiving approaches, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends refrigerator thawing, which requires 24 hours per 4 to 5 pounds, to be ready for Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025.
- Many home cooks preparing Thanksgiving turkeys face time pressure as raw poultry can linger in the CDC-defined "danger zone" between 40 and 140°F, allowing bacteria to multiply.
- For thawing specifics, the cold-water thawing method requires the turkey stay wrapped, submerged breast-side down, with water changed every 30 minutes; refrigerator thawing uses 24 hours per 4–5 pounds on the bottom shelf on a tray.
- After thawing, an instant-read thermometer showing 165°F in the thigh indicates food safety, Butterball spokesperson Charla Draper said, and the turkey can remain refrigerated for about 1 to 2 days while cooking to 180°F thigh and 170°F breast is recommended.
- For last-minute help, start defrosting a 16-pound turkey on Sunday, Nov. 23, call Butterball turkey hotline at 1-800-BUTTERBALL or text 844-877-3456, or try a fresh whole turkey.
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·New Hampshire, United States
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Total News Sources12
Leaning Left1Leaning Right0Center8Last UpdatedBias Distribution89% Center
Bias Distribution
- 89% of the sources are Center
89% Center
11%
C 89%
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