If you have a frozen turkey, you need plenty of time to defrost it, 2 days in the refrigerator for a large turkey. You can also defrost in cold water, outside the fridge in the sink or large container or bowl, changing the water regularly.
Take turkey out of fridge about 5 hours before cooking, whether defrosted or fresh.
TURKEY DEFROSTING TIMES
| Weight |
Defrosting Time |
Defrosting Time |
| |
Refrigerated |
Cold Water |
| 6 - 8 pounds |
18 - 24 hours |
4 - 8 hours |
| 10 - 12 pounds |
24 - 36 hours |
8 - 12 hours |
| 14 - 18 pounds |
36 hours+ |
12 - 16 hours |
| 18 pounds+ |
48 hours or more |
18 hours+ |
TURKEY ROASTING TIMES
| Weight |
Roasting Time |
Roasting Time |
| |
(Unstuffed) |
(Stuffed) |
| 6 - 8 pounds |
2 - 2 1/2 hours |
2 1/2 - 3 hours |
| 10-12 pounds |
3 - 3 1/2 hours |
4 hours+ |
| 14 - 18 pounds |
3 1/2 - 4 hours |
5 - 6 hours |
| 18 pounds+ |
4 hours+ |
6 hours+ |