Defrosting your Christmas Turkey

Step by step tips on how to safely defrost a Turkey

70% of those in our poll said that they would be buying a frozen Turkey this Christmas so we thought you might need a hand defrosting it!

Fridge Thawing

Defrosting the Christmas frozen turkey in the fridge is the safest way and our recommended method.

Your frozen turkey should be kept in its wrapper in the fridge for the duration and it should be kept on a dish large enough to catch any plate to catch leaking juices. Thawing your Turkey this way might take several days depending on its size (see below for recommended thawing times) but it is the safest way. Your fridge minimises bacteria growth in the meat with its lower than room temperature. Up to 5 hours in your fridge per pound of meat should be allowed to thaw your bird. But remember, times vary depending on the temperature of your fridge.

Recommended Turkey thawing times

8 to 12 pound frozen turkey – 1 to 2 days
13 to 16 pound frozen turkey – 2 to 3 days
17 to 20 pound frozen turkey – 4 to 5 days
21 to 24 pound frozen turkey – 5 to 6 days

Alternatively, follow the instructions provided on the packaging

Cold Water Thawing

Thawing your frozen turkey in cold water is a quicker method

But we no not recommend this way because it can lead to spreading of harmful bacteria on the bird as well as around the bowl and kitchen when water is disposed of can lead to harmful bacteria entering your cooking; whilst the centre of the bird is still defrosting and partially frozen the exterior of the bird can collect and grow bacteria.

If you are in a hurry and feel that you must thaw the turkey with cold water, the following steps can be taken to minimise the dangers:

Keep the Turkey in its original wrapper
If the shop wrapper has any holes in it, find another wrap for your Turkey
Placed breast side down and completely cover the frozen Turkey with water
Change the water every half hour (but do it with care to prevent spreading any harmful bacteria)

This method of thawing your frozen Turkey is possibly up to 10 times faster than thawing in the fridge. At least 30 minutes defrosting time per pound should be allowed and, once the turkey is thawed, it should be cooked immediately.

Recommended cold water thawing times

8 to 12 pound frozen turkey – Allow 4 to 6 hours
13 to 16 pound frozen turkey – Allow 6 to 8 hours
17 to 20 pound frozen turkey – Allow 8 to 10 hours
21 to 24 pound frozen turkey – Allow 10 to 12 hours

Changing the water every 30 minutes can be tedious!

Microwave Thawing

We do not recommend this method for defrosting Turkey

While waiting for the bird to defrost fully, harmful bacteria will grow quickly in areas where the turkey is already thawed

Note: Additional Safety Recommendations

Do not thaw your turkey at room temperature. Harmful food poisoning bacteria will may grow
Frozen turkey that has been thawed should not be frozen again until after the meat is cooked (cooking reduces the risk of harmful bacterial growth) 
Frozen pre-stuffed turkeys should not be thawed before cooking (bacteria can multiply in the stuffing whilst defrosting)