Your turkey will arrive frozen, with enough time to fully thaw before the holidays. Here's how to defrost your turkey worry-free.
- Leave the turkey in its original, unopened plastic.
- Put the turkey, breast side up, in a tray or pan to catch any drippings.
- Place the frozen turkey in the fridge. Make sure the fridge is set to 40°F or lower.
- Allow around 6-7 hours per pound for thawing.
Here are approximate times to defrost in the fridge for the turkeys, according to the USDA:
- Medium (12-15 pounds): 3-4 days
- Large (15-18 pounds): 4-5 days
- X-Large (18-20 pounds): 5-6 days
We have found it helpful to check on your turkey at least 24-36 hours ahead of time to ensure it defrosts at the right pace. If the turkey is still solid on the outside, take it out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for up to 6 hours before cooking. While it rests, you should check it hourly to confirm that your turkey is cool to the touch but not frozen.
Once thawed, your turkey can stay in the fridge for another 1-2 days before cooking.