If its Thanksgiving morning and youre reading this with a frozen turkey on the counter, let me put your fears to rest. I can teach you how to cook a frozen turkey! Ive done it—and its not as hard as it sounds. The first thing you need to accept is cooking a turkey the traditional way isnt an option. You can defrost the turkey if theres enough time. But at this point, dont you just want a fully cooked and delicious turkey on the table? Lets get started.
Cooking a frozen turkey may seem daunting but it’s actually quite simple with some planning and these helpful tips. With the right techniques you can have a moist, flavorful turkey on the table without needing to thaw it ahead of time.
Why Cook a Frozen Turkey?
There are a few reasons you may find yourself needing to cook a frozen turkey:
- You forgot to thaw the turkey in the fridge and time has run out.
- You found a good deal on a frozen turkey close to Thanksgiving.
- You want an extra turkey on hand for leftovers but have limited fridge space.
Whatever the reason, cooking from frozen is very doable with a little prep.
Choosing the Right Frozen Turkey
Make sure you have a turkey specifically sold for cooking from frozen. Some turkeys are only meant to be thawed and then cooked. Check the packaging for instructions.
Opt for a smaller turkey if cooking from frozen. A 12-15 lb turkey is ideal. Larger birds will be difficult to fully thaw and cook through in time.
You’ll need roughly 50% more cook time than a thawed turkey so plan accordingly.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking a Frozen Turkey
Follow these simple steps for roast turkey success:
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F. This lower temperature will allow the turkey to thaw and cook evenly without burning the outside before the inside is done.
2. Prepare the Turkey
Remove any wrappers or packaging from the frozen turkey. Place it breast-side up on a roasting rack in a shallow pan.
Having the turkey elevated on a rack allows air flow all around so it heats evenly. The pan catches any drippings.
3. Calculate Cook Time
Figure around 15 minutes per pound to determine the approximate total cook time for a frozen turkey.
So a 12 lb turkey will take about 3 hours, and a 15 lb turkey will need around 4 hours and 15 minutes.
Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness rather than relying solely on time.
4. Season the Turkey
After the first 45-60 minutes of roasting, remove the turkey from the oven and baste it with butter, olive oil, or broth. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like.
You can also place herb butter or garlic under the skin before returning it to the oven.
5. Check for Giblets
Check the inner cavity for the bag of giblets. The neck and organs should be removed so they don’t cook inside the turkey.
6. Use a Thermometer
Test the internal temperature in a few places – the thigh, breast, and thickest part of the breast. Once the thighs/legs reach 165°F the turkey is safely cooked through.
7. Let It Rest
Just like a thawed turkey, let the cooked frozen turkey rest for 15-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute evenly.
8. Carve and Serve
Now you’re ready to carve your masterpiece! Slicing is easier after resting, and your turkey will be piping hot and moist.
Frozen Turkey Cooking FAQs
Can you cook a turkey straight from the freezer?
Yes, absolutely! Just be sure to allow significantly more time than for a thawed turkey. Cook at 325°F until the thighs and breast reach safe minimum internal temperatures.
Should I brine or stuff a frozen turkey?
No, skip brining or stuffing for a frozen turkey. There is not enough time for the brine or stuffing to fully penetrate and cook safely.
Can I roast it in an oven bag?
Cooking a frozen turkey in an oven bag can speed up cook time slightly since it self-bastes as it cooks. Make sure to start with a turkey approved for cooking from frozen.
What if my turkey is still partially frozen?
If you thawed the turkey but it’s still icy in the center, finish thawing it in the oven at 300°F for 1-2 hours until no longer frozen in the cavity. Then increase heat to roast.
Can I microwave a frozen turkey to thaw it quickly?
Microwaving is not recommended for thawing a whole turkey. The outer areas would start cooking while the inner areas are still frozen. Thaw larger birds gradually in the fridge.
Enjoy Your Perfect Frozen Turkey
Don’t let a frozen bird scare you away from serving up a delicious Thanksgiving meal. With proper planning and technique, you can Roast a beautifully browned, moist and flavorful holiday turkey straight from the freezer.
Just be sure to allow extra time, cook at a lower temp, check internal temps, and let it rest before serving. Follow this easy guide and you’ll be rewarded with tasty turkey and happy guests!
Cook Times for Frozen TurkeyFor this tutorial, I based all my cooking times on using a 12-pound turkey. If yours is larger, plan to take about
- 8- to 12-pound turkey: 4 to 4-1/2 hours
- 12- to 14-pound turkey: 4 1/2 to 5-3/4 hours
- 14- to 18-pound turkey: 6 to 6-3/4 hours
- 18- to 20-pound turkey: 6-3/4 to 7-1/2 hours
- 20- to 24-pound turkey: 7-1/2 to 7-3/4 hours
Food Safety and Cooking a Frozen TurkeyIt’s safe to roast a frozen turkey, but you shouldn’t try to fry or grill one. You want to make sure the breast reaches 165º and the legs and thighs reach 170 to 175°. The other important temperature to take is inside the cavity. It also needs to reach 165º or you risk contaminating the rest of the bird when you carve it.
- 1 frozen turkey (12 to 14 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper