How to: Thaw your turkey or turkey breast
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You’ve bought your Becker Farms turkey (thank you!) and are ready to wow your guests this holiday season. But before the big feast, take a little time to plan how and when you’ll safely thaw your turkey or turkey breast. The right method keeps your bird delicious and your guests safe.
The gold-standard for thawing is in the refrigerator. While this does take longer, it's also completely hands-off, allowing you to not have to worry about it during the few days it will take. Keep your turkey in its original wrapping and on a sturdy tray or in a pan to catch any drips.
| Weight of Turkey | Estimated Time to Thaw in the Refrigerator |
| 12 lbs | 3 days |
| 12 to 16 lbs | 3 to 4 days |
| 16 to 20 lbs | 4 to 5 days |
| 20 to 24 lbs | 5 to 6 days |
If you do not have enough lead time to thaw in the refrigerator, the next best option is in cold water. This method does require you to switch out the cold water every 30 minutes, so you'll need to be available to do that. Also, be sure there aren't any punctures in the package before submerging it, otherwise, it will fill with water; place in a leak-proof bag if the original package has any tears.
| Weight of Turkey | Estimated Time to Thaw in Cold Water |
| 12 lbs | 6 hours |
| 12 to 16 lbs | 6 to 8 hours |
| 16 to 20 lbs | 8 to 10 hours |
| 20 to 24 lbs | 10 to 12 hours |
While you can thaw in the microwave, it generally does not lead to an ideal end-result, so I am not going to include guidelines for that method here. Also, thawing at room temperature is never recommended, as it can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria, which could lead to foodborne illness (and no one wants that!).
By planning ahead and following these simple thawing steps, you’ll keep your turkey tender, juicy, and safe to enjoy with family and friends!