|
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 |
Storing Leftovers
Cut the turkey into small pieces; refrigerate stuffing and
turkey separately in
shallow containers within 2 hours of cooking. Use leftover
turkey and stuffing
within 3-4 days; gravy within 1-2 days; or freeze these
foods. Reheat thoroughly
to a temperature of 165°F or until hot and steaming.
Source: USDA |
