For the Expert TURKEYS!!!

[suzi-q]

I bought a 17 1/2 pound turkey...it is in my freezer....WHEN do I take it out to begin defrosting it?  And am I right to say that you defrost it in the refrigerator??????

[April2]

"That's wouldn't be good"? lol, I meant to say THAT wouldn't be good. Time to go get some more coffee! :)

[April2]

They say it's safest to thaw in the refrigerator and to only thaw in the sink as a last resort, if you've run out of time. Just make sure you use running cold water if thawing in the sink. I'd be a shame to have anyone wind up with food poisoning on Thanksgiving day! That's wouldn't be good!

[swampcritter]

You could probably safely defrost in a cooler (open it every few hours to bring its interior temp up). All you are trying to do is keep the turkey from getting warm enough to grow salmonella.

[peekawho]

My mom always used to thaw the turkey in the sink.  I've always done it that way, too.  

[suzi-q]

WOW!!  I am sooooo glad I asked this question!  I wasn't going to take it out until Tuesday!!!!  OMG!!!!  THANK YOU!!!

[April2]

Uh oh, I was planning on getting my turkey on Saturday. I hope I'm giving it enough time to thaw. I just don't have the freezer space to fit one in.

[crabby70]

I pulled my 20 pounder out already...She is still hard as a rock....

[April2]

I usually get a 20 pound turkey and it usually takes 4 to 5 days to thaw. So wannabenana is correct. Your turkey should take about 3 to 4 days to thaw.

[1nana]

The rule of thumb is 24 hours per 5 pounds. So, approximately 3-4 days in the fridge. I would add an extra day to that.

[AndiJ78]

Yes, you defrost in the fridge and I would start soon. I had a similar sized turkey and it took nearly a week to thaw...no joke. I keep my fridge really cold, not cold enough to freeze milk, but still pretty cold.