Thanksgiving 2026: When to Start Thawing the Turkey, and How to Cook It Safely

Thanksgiving is Thursday, Nov. 26. A frozen turkey needs planning well ahead of the holiday week.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service lists three safe thawing methods: refrigerator, cold water or microwave. The counter and the garage are not on the list. Frozen poultry left at room temperature for more than two hours can reach the 40 to 140 degree range where bacteria multiply quickly.

Thawing math

In the refrigerator, allow about 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds. Using that rule:

Once thawed, a turkey can stay in the fridge one or two more days before cooking. For a cold-water thaw, keep the bird in its wrapper, submerge it and change the water every 30 minutes. Plan on roughly 30 minutes per pound, then cook it right away. Microwave thawing should follow the oven maker's instructions, with cooking right after.

Cooking and leftovers

• Roast at an oven temperature of at least 325 degrees.
• Use a food thermometer in the thigh, the wing and the thickest part of the breast. The bird is safe at a minimum of 165 degrees.
• Bake stuffing in a separate dish, as USDA advises.
• Refrigerate leftovers within two hours, in shallow containers. Eat them within three to four days and reheat to 165 degrees.

Questions can go to the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-674-6854.