Turkeys must be kept at a safe temperature during “the big thaw.” While frozen, a turkey is safe indefinitely. However, as soon as it begins to thaw, any bacteria that may have been present before freezing can begin to grow again.
Immediately after grocery store checkout, take the frozen turkey home and store it in the freezer. Frozen turkeys should not be left on the back porch, in the car trunk, in the basement, or any place else where temperatures cannot be constantly monitored.
A package of frozen meat or poultry left thawing on the counter more than 2 hours is not at a safe temperature. Even though the center of the package may still be frozen, the outer layer of the food is in the “Danger Zone” between 40 and 140 °F — at a temperature where foodborne bacteria multiply rapidly.
There are three safe ways to thaw food: in the refrigerator, in cold water, and in the microwave oven.
Cooking a turkey for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner is an exciting tradition for many families However, knowing how long you can safely store a thawed turkey before cooking is crucial to avoid foodborne illnesses I’ll provide a complete guide to thawing and storing turkeys to ensure yours turns out perfectly delicious and safe to eat.
Thawing a Frozen Turkey
The first step is properly thawing your frozen bird Don’t just pull it out of the freezer and pop it straight into the oven! There are a few safe ways to thaw a turkey
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Refrigerator Thawing: Allow approximately 24 hours of thaw time per 4-5 pounds of turkey weight. Place the wrapped frozen turkey on a tray or pan to catch any juices that may drip. Set your refrigerator temperature to 40°F or below.
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Cold Water Thawing: Submerge the frozen turkey in its original wrapper in cold tap water, changing the water every 30 minutes. Allow 30 minutes per pound of turkey. Once thawed, cook immediately.
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Microwave Thawing: Check your microwave owner’s manual for timing guidelines based on turkey weight. Use the defrost setting and rotate and shield any warm areas with aluminum foil to thaw evenly. Cook immediately after thawing.
No matter which thawing method you choose, it’s critical to keep temperatures at 40°F or below to prevent bacterial growth. Never thaw at room temperature or in hot water!
How Long After Thawing Can You Store a Turkey?
Once your turkey is thawed using one of the safe methods above, you’ll want to cook it as soon as possible. But you may need some flexibility if your schedule changes. Here are some guidelines for safe storage times:
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In the refrigerator: Store for 1-2 days maximum after thawing. Keep the turkey in its original wrapping, place it on a tray to catch any juices, and maintain a refrigerator temp at or below 40°F.
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In the freezer: If you decide to refreeze the turkey, this must be done immediately after thawing. Do not store in the fridge first or leave at room temp. A previously frozen and thawed turkey can be safely frozen once, but the quality may decline slightly.
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At room temperature: Never leave a thawed turkey out at room temperature or for longer than 2 hours during preparation. Bacteria multiply rapidly above 40°F.
The USDA recommends cooking thawed or fresh turkeys within 1-2 days for optimal safety and quality. But remember, don’t let it linger for days in the fridge after thawing!
Signs Your Thawed Turkey Has Spoiled
While a high-quality thawed turkey can last 1-2 days in the fridge, it’s important to watch for any signs of spoilage before cooking. Here’s what to look for:
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Off odor: Fresh poultry should not smell unpleasant. A sour, ammonia-like or fecal odor could indicate bacterial growth.
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Slimy texture: If the turkey feels excessively sticky or slimy, it is likely spoiled. Safe poultry feels moist but not overly sticky.
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Discoloration: Look for abnormal colors like green, blue or black discoloration. Yellowing skin or fat is normal. But fully green, grey or black areas indicate spoilage.
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Mold growth: This is one of the more obvious signs of spoilage. Do not eat turkeys with visible mold.
If you notice any of these red flags, it’s safest to discard the turkey. When in doubt, throw it out!
Proper Handling to Avoid Foodborne Illness
Proper handling is just as important as storage times. Follow these best practices when storing and cooking your thawed turkey:
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Always wash hands, surfaces, sinks and utensils between steps when preparing the thawed turkey.
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Never place the thawed turkey back in the fridge once it reaches room temp during prep. Keep it chilled before roasting.
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Use separate cutting boards and prep tools for the turkey to avoid cross-contamination.
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Roast the turkey right away if thawed using cold water or the microwave until it reaches an internal temp of 165°F as measured by a food thermometer.
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Refrigerate all leftovers within 2 hours of cooking. Discard any turkey or sides left out longer.
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Reheat leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F. Do not eat cold turkey or stuffing.
Following proper thawing, storage, cooking and handling guidelines will keep your holiday turkey appetizing and illness-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still unsure about how long you can store a thawed turkey or how to prep it safely? Here are answers to some common questions:
How long can I leave a thawed turkey in the fridge before cooking it?
The USDA recommends storing a thawed, uncooked turkey in the fridge for only 1-2 days. Cook thawed turkeys as soon as possible, especially if purchased pre-thawed from a store.
Can I refreeze a thawed turkey if I change my plans?
Yes, a thawed turkey can be safely refrozen once, but only if thawed correctly in the fridge, cold water or microwave. Refreeze immediately – never refreeze turkey that was left out at room temperature. The quality may decline slightly with refreezing.
Should I rinse my thawed turkey before cooking?
No, avoid rinsing or washing, which can spread bacteria. Thorough cooking to an internal temp of 165°F will kill any pathogens present.
Can I leave my thawed turkey out overnight on the counter before cooking?
Never leave a thawed turkey at room temperature for more than 2 hours total before roasting. Leaving it out overnight could lead to rapid bacterial growth and cause illness.
How do I know if my thawed turkey has spoiled and needs to be thrown out?
Signs of spoiled turkey include an unpleasant odor, slimy texture, unusual discoloration or mold growth. When in doubt, throw it out!
What’s the safest method to use when thawing my frozen turkey?
Refrigerator thawing is safest, with cold water thawing second best. Never thaw on the counter. Monitor carefully if using a microwave to prevent cooking.
Key Takeaways on Thawed Turkey Storage Time
- Allow 24 hrs fridge thaw time per 4-5 lbs turkey weight.
- Cook or refreeze thawed turkey ASAP, within 1-2 days max.
- Never leave a thawed turkey above 40°F for more than 2 hours.
- Check for spoiled signs like odor, texture, color before cooking.
- Follow all safety guidelines for optimal quality and food safety.
With proper planning, thawing and handling, your holiday turkey can be a delicious centerpiece, not a source of worry. Now go enjoy that tender, juicy roasted bird with friends and family! Just be sure to follow guidelines on storage times after thawing.
Call Our Hotline For help with meat, poultry, and egg products, call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline:
Turkeys must be kept at a safe temperature during “the big thaw.” While frozen, a turkey is safe indefinitely. However, as soon as it begins to thaw, any bacteria that may have been present before freezing can begin to grow again.
Immediately after grocery store checkout, take the frozen turkey home and store it in the freezer. Frozen turkeys should not be left on the back porch, in the car trunk, in the basement, or any place else where temperatures cannot be constantly monitored.
A package of frozen meat or poultry left thawing on the counter more than 2 hours is not at a safe temperature. Even though the center of the package may still be frozen, the outer layer of the food is in the “Danger Zone” between 40 and 140 °F — at a temperature where foodborne bacteria multiply rapidly.
There are three safe ways to thaw food: in the refrigerator, in cold water, and in the microwave oven.
When thawing a turkey in the refrigerator:
- Plan ahead: allow approximately 24 hours for each 4 to 5 pounds in a refrigerator set at 40 °F or below.
- Place the turkey in a container to prevent the juices from dripping on other foods.
Whole turkey:
- 4 to 12 pounds — 1 to 3 days
- 12 to 16 pounds — 3 to 4 days
- 16 to 20 pounds — 4 to 5 days
- 20 to 24 pounds —5 to 6 days
A thawed turkey can remain in the refrigerator for 1 or 2 days before cooking. Foods thawed in the refrigerator can be refrozen without cooking but there may be some loss of quality.
Allow about 30 minutes per pound.
First be sure the turkey is in a leak-proof plastic bag to prevent cross-contamination and to prevent the turkey from absorbing water, resulting in a watery product.
Submerge the wrapped turkey in cold tap water. Change the water every 30 minutes until the turkey is thawed. Cook the turkey immediately after it is thawed.
- 4 to 12 pounds — 2 to 6 hours
- 12 to 16 pounds — 6 to 8 hours
- 16 to 20 pounds — 8 to 10 hours
- 20 to 24 pounds — 10 to 12 hours
A turkey thawed by the cold water method should be cooked immediately. After cooking, meat from the turkey can be refrozen.
Follow the microwave oven manufacturers instruction when defrosting a turkey. Plan to cook it immediately after thawing because some areas of the food may become warm and begin to cook during microwaving. Holding partially cooked food is not recommended because any bacteria present wouldnt have been destroyed.
A turkey thawed in the microwave must be cooked immediately.