|
What Size Turkey to Purchase |
|
Size of Turkey |
Number of People |
|
Whole bird |
1 pound per person
|
|
Boneless breast of turkey |
1/2 pound per person |
|
Breast of turkey |
3/4 pound per person |
|
Prestuffed frozen turkey |
1-1/4 pounds per person –
keep frozen until ready to cook |
Thawing
In refrigerator
Place frozen bird in original wrapper in the refrigerator
(40°F). Allow approximately 24 hours per 5 pounds of turkey.
After thawing, keep turkey refrigerated for only 1-2 days,
or use this chart to help you countdown to the holiday.
|
Thawing Time in the Refrigerator |
|
Size of Turkey |
Number of Days |
|
8 to 12 pounds |
1 to 2 days |
|
12 to 16 pounds |
2 to 3 days |
|
16 to 20 pounds |
3 to 4 days |
|
20 to 24 pounds |
4 to 5 days |
In cold water
If you forget to thaw the turkey or don’t have room in the
refrigerator for thawing, don’t panic. You can submerge the
turkey in cold water and change the water every 30 minutes.
Allow about 30 minutes defrosting time per pound of turkey.
The following times are suggested for thawing turkey in
water.
|
Thawing Time in Cold Water |
|
Size of Turkey |
Hours to Defrost |
|
8 to 12 pounds |
4 to 6 hours |
|
12 to 16 pounds |
6 to 8 hours |
|
16 to 20 pounds |
8 to 10 hours |
|
20 to 24 pounds |
8 to 10 hours |
Thanksgiving Day
If you choose to stuff your turkey, stuff loosely. The
stuffing should be moist, not dry, since heat destroys
bacteria more rapidly in a moist environment. Place stuffed
turkey in oven immediately. You may also cook the stuffing
outside the bird in a casserole. Judging cooking time for
your turkey will be easier if the following chart is used.
The times listed are for a fresh or thawed turkey in an oven
at 325°F. These times are approximate.
|
Unstuffed Turkey Baking Time |
|
Size of Turkey |
Hours to Prepare |
|
8 to12 pounds |
2-3/4 to 3 hours |
|
12 to 14 pounds |
3 to 3 3/4 hours |
|
14 to 18 pounds |
3-3/4 to 4-1/4 hours |
|
18 to 20 pounds |
4-1/4 to 4-1/2 hours |
|
20 to 24 pounds |
4-1/2 to 5 hours |
|
Stuffed
Turkey Baking Time |
|
Size of Turkey |
Hours to Prepare |
|
8 to12 pounds |
3 to -1/2 hours |
|
12 to 14 pounds |
3-1/2 to 4 hours |
|
14 to 18 pounds |
4 to 4-1/4 hours |
|
18 to 20 pounds |
4-1/4 to 4-3/4 hours |
|
20 to 24 pounds |
4-3/4 to 5-1/4 hours |
Source: USDA
|
