Whether selecting a turkey that’s fresh or frozen, large or small, pre-stuffed, un-stuffed or one you plan to stuff at home, special care is required in preparing and cooking turkey to destroy harmful bacteria that can produce illness.
To make sure your Thanksgiving dinner is as safe as possible, follow these important guidelines on purchasing, thawing, cooking, storing and reheating your holiday turkey.
If you’re wondering how large a turkey to buy for a crowd, plan on one pound of turkey per person. If you’re going to buy a frozen, pre-stuffed turkey, allow 1¼ pounds of turkey per person.
Here are safety guidelines recommended by the United States Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service:
Purchasing Turkey
Fresh Turkey — Buy fresh turkey only 1 to 2 days before you plan to cook it. Keep it refrigerated until ready to cook. Place it in a pan to catch any juices that may leak. DO NOT BUY FRESH, PRE-STUFFED TURKEYS. If handled improperly, the stuffing can contain harmful bacteria that can multiply rapidly.
Frozen Turkey — Keep frozen until you’re ready to thaw it.Turkeys can be kept frozen in the freezer indefinitely; however, cook within one year for best quality. See “Thawing Turkey” for thawing instructions.
Frozen Pre-Stuffed Turkey — The USDA recommends buying only frozen pre-stuffed turkeys that display the USDA or a State mark of inspection on the packaging. These turkeys are safe because they have been processed under controlled conditions. DO NOT THAW FROZEN, PRE-STUFFED TURKEYS before cooking. Cook from the frozen state. Follow package directions for proper handling and cooking.
Thawing Turkey
Frozen turkey can be safely thawed in the refrigerator, in cold water or in the microwave.
Refrigerator Thawing (40° F or below) — Allow approximately 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds. (For example: 4 to 12 pounds, 1 to 3 days; 20 to 24 pounds, 5 to 6 days.) Keep the turkey in its original wrapper and place it in a pan to catch any juices that may leak. A thawed turkey can remain in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days. If necessary, a turkey that has been properly thawed in the refrigerator may be refrozen.
Cold Water Thawing — Allow approximately 30 minutes per pound. (For example: 4 to 12 pounds, 2 to 6 hours; 20 to 24 pounds, 10 to 12 hours.) Keep turkey in its original wrapping and secure it in a plastic bag or plastic wrap, making sure water can’t leak through. Submerge the wrapped turkey in cold tap water. Change the water every 30 minutes. Cook the turkey immediately after it’s thawed. DO NOT REFREEZE.
Microwave Thawing — Check your owner’s manual for the size turkey that will fit in your microwave oven, the minutes per pound, and power level to use for thawing. Remove all outside wrapping. Place on a microwave-safe dish to catch any juices that may leak. Remember to remove the giblets from the turkey cavities after thawing. Cook giblets separately. Cook the microwave-thawed turkey immediately. DO NOT REFREEZE OR REFRIGERATE the turkey after thawing in the microwave.
Roasting Turkey
- Set oven temperature no lower than 325° F and place turkey on a rack in a shallow roasting pan.
- For optimum safety, stuffing a turkey is not recommended. Instead, cook stuffing outside the bird in a casserole. Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the stuffing, which must reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 165° F.
- If you choose to stuff the turkey, fill cavities loosely. Cook the turkey immediately. Use a food thermometer to make sure the center of the stuffing reaches the minimum of 165° F.
- A whole turkey is safe when cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165° F as measured with a food thermometer. Check the internal temperature in the innermost part of the thigh and wing, and the thickest part of the breast. Even turkey with a “pop-up” temperature indicator should be checked with a food thermometer.
- For quality and easier carving, remove all stuffing from the turkey cavities and let the turkey stand for 20 minutes before carving.
Roasting Timetables
(325° F oven temperature) Use as a guide the timetables below to determine how long to cook thawed turkey. Times are approximate. Always use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey and the stuffing. Each should be a minimum of 165° F for safety.
Unstuffed Turkey
8 to 12 pounds – 2¾ to 3 hours
14 to 18 pounds – 3¾ to 4¼ hours
20 to 24 pounds – 4½ to 5 hours
Stuffed Turkey
8 to 12 pounds – 3 to 3½ hours
14 to 18 pounds – 4 to 4¼ hours
20 to 24 pounds – 4¾ to 5¼ hours
Turkey can be cooked from the frozen state, but cooking time will take at least 50 percent longer than for a fully thawed turkey. Remember to remove the giblet packages before cooking the frozen turkey. Remove carefully with tongs or a fork.
Storing Turkey Leftovers
Discard any turkey, stuffing and gravy left out at room temperature longer than 2 hours or longer than 1 hour in temperatures above 90 °F. Divide leftovers into smaller portions. Refrigerate or freeze in covered shallow containers for quicker cooling. Use refrigerated turkey and stuffing within 3 to 4 days. Use gravy within 1 to 2 days. If freezing leftovers, use within 2 to 6 months for best quality.
Reheating Turkey Leftovers
In the Oven — Set the oven temperature no lower than 325 °F. Reheat turkey to an internal temperature of 165 °F. Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature. To keep the turkey moist, add a little broth or water and cover.
In the Microwave — Cover your food and rotate it for even heating. Allow standing time. Check the internal temperature of your food with a food thermometer to make sure it reaches 165 °F. Consult your microwave oven owner’s manual for recommended times and power levels.