Let's Talk Turkey—A Consumer Guide to Safely Roasting a Turkey
Fresh or Frozen?
Fresh Turkeys
In the Refrigerator (40 °F or below) Allow approximately 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds |
|
4 to 12 pounds | 1 to 3 days |
---|---|
12 to 16 pounds | 3 to 4 days |
16 to 20 pounds | 4 to 5 days |
20 to 24 pounds | 5 to 6 days |
In Cold Water Allow approximately 30 minutes per pound |
|
4 to 12 pounds | 2 to 6 hours |
---|---|
12 to 16 pounds | 6 to 8 hours |
16 to 20 pounds | 8 to 10 hours |
20 to 24 pounds | 10 to 12 hours |
Unstuffed | |
4 to 8 pounds (breast) | 1 ½ to 3 ¼ hours |
---|---|
8 to 12 pounds | 2 ¾ to 3 hours |
12 to 14 pounds | 3 to 3 ¾ hours |
14 to 18 pounds | 3 ¾ to 4 ¼ hours |
18 to 20 pounds | 4 ¼ to 4 ½ hours |
20 to 24 pounds | 4 ½ to 5 hours |
Stuffed | |
4 to 6 pounds (breast) | Not usually applicable |
---|---|
6 to 8 pounds (breast) | 2 ½ to 3 ½ hours |
8 to 12 pounds | 3 to 3 ½ hours |
12 to 14 pounds | 3 ½ to 4 hours |
14 to 18 pounds | 4 to 4 ¼ hours |
18 to 20 pounds | 4 ¼ to 4 ¾ hours |
20 to 24 pounds | 4 ¾ to 5 ¼ hours |