COLUMBUS, Ohio — Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and with the holiday falling on Thursday, November 27, 2025 , home cooks are being reminded to plan ahead for safe turkey thawing and preparation. Proper thawing is critical to ensure a juicy, flavorful bird while avoiding food safety risks.

Thawing Your Turkey: How Long It Takes

The USDA recommends refrigerator thawing as the safest method. A general rule is 24 hours of thawing for every 4–5 pounds of turkey . Here’s a handy guide for Thanksgiving planning: Turkey Weight Refrigerator Thawing Time Cold Water Thawing Time* 8–12 lbs 2–3 days 4–6 hours 12–16 lbs 3–4 days 6–8 hours 16–20 lbs 4–5 days 8–10 hours 20–24 lbs 5–6 days 10–12 hours

*Cold water thawing requires the turkey to be in a leak-proof plastic bag and the water

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