The turkey is a memory that many people have over the holidays. The smell of the turkey roasting in the oven and everyone coming together around the table over the holidays. For us cooks, this can be nerve breaking since we want to make the perfect turkey that everyone remembers.
Fresh or Frozen?
If you purchase a fresh turkey, be sure to purchase the turkey a day or two before you plan on cooking it. Frozen Turkeys are fine whenever, just be sure you have the space to keep it in your freezer. To thaw a frozen turkey review the chart below because the size of the bird does count. (You can keep a thawed turkey in the refrigerator for about a day or two). If you cannot thaw in the refrigerator, or you need to have it thawed faster, you can compeletly submerge the turkey in cold water changing the water every 30 minutes. When thawing in cold water, you will need to cook the turkey immediately after. (Review the second chart on thawing a turkey by cold water)
Fresh or Frozen?
If you purchase a fresh turkey, be sure to purchase the turkey a day or two before you plan on cooking it. Frozen Turkeys are fine whenever, just be sure you have the space to keep it in your freezer. To thaw a frozen turkey review the chart below because the size of the bird does count. (You can keep a thawed turkey in the refrigerator for about a day or two). If you cannot thaw in the refrigerator, or you need to have it thawed faster, you can compeletly submerge the turkey in cold water changing the water every 30 minutes. When thawing in cold water, you will need to cook the turkey immediately after. (Review the second chart on thawing a turkey by cold water)
Thawing in the refrigerator:
4-12 Pounds 1-3 Days
12-16 Pounds 3-4 Days
16-20 Pounds 4-5 Days
20-24 Pounds 5-6 Days
Thawing in cold water:
4-12 Pounds 2-6 hours Defrost time
12-16 Pounds 6-8 hours Defrost time
16-20 Pounds 8-10 hours Defrost time
20-24 Pounds 10-12 hours Defrost time
4-12 Pounds 2-6 hours Defrost time
12-16 Pounds 6-8 hours Defrost time
16-20 Pounds 8-10 hours Defrost time
20-24 Pounds 10-12 hours Defrost time
How much turkey should I buy?
It depends on the type of turkey and how many people you plan on having over for dinner. Follow the chart to determine what kind of turkey is best for you.
Boneless brest turkey 1/2 pound per person
Brest of turkey 3/4 pounds per person
Pre stuffed frozen turkey 1 1/4 pounds per person
Whole turkey 1 pound per person
Boneless brest turkey 1/2 pound per person
Brest of turkey 3/4 pounds per person
Pre stuffed frozen turkey 1 1/4 pounds per person
Whole turkey 1 pound per person
How long should I roast my whole turkey?
Always use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey. A whole turkey is safely cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165 °F throughout the entire turkey. Be sure to check the internal temp in the inner thigh, wing, and the thickest part of the breast. All turkey meat, including any that remains pink, is safe to eat as soon as all parts reach at least 165 °F. The stuffing should reach 165 °F, whether it is cooked inside the turkey -or- in a separate dish. Follow the charts below for your cooking times.
Approximate cooking time for a stuffed turkey:
8-12 Pounds 3-3 1/2 Hours
12-14 Pounds 3 1/2-4 Hours
14-18 Pounds 4-4 1/4 Hours
18-20 Pounds 4 1/4-4 3/4 Hours
20-24 Pounds 4 3/4-5 1/4 Hours
Approximate cooking time for an un-stuffed turkey:
8-12 Pounds 2 3/4-3 Hours
12-14 Pounds 3-3 3/4 Hours
14-18 Pounds 3 3/4-4 1/4 Hours
18-20 Pounds 4 1/4-4 1/2 Hours
20-24 Pounds 4 1/2-5 Hours
When turkey is finished cooking, remove from oven and let stand about 20 minutes. Remove the stuffing and get ready to carve the turkey for your holiday meal. Happy Thanksgiving!
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