Cooking Tips

How to Cook a Frozen Turkey on Thanksgiving

Even if you forgot to thaw it.

How to Cook a Frozen Turkey on Thanksgiving
Imagine this: it’s Thanksgiving Day, and you suddenly realize your turkey is still in the freezer. Panic sets in—has Thanksgiving been ruined? Not so fast! Here’s some great news: you can still cook a frozen turkey.

While you won’t have time for traditional thawing methods, there’s a way to prepare your turkey directly from its frozen state. According to the USDA, you’ll need to adjust your cooking time: “The cooking time will take at least 50 percent longer than recommended for a fully thawed turkey,” they explain.

It might require tweaking your Thanksgiving schedule, but it’s a better option than ordering takeout. Plus, you’ll still enjoy a fully cooked and safe-to-eat turkey. Here’s a straightforward guide to cooking a frozen turkey.


How to Cook a Frozen Turkey
Cooking a frozen turkey is simpler than you might think. Just follow these steps. First, you can consider a quick-thawing method, like thawing in the microwave, which takes much less time than thawing in the refrigerator or cold water. Alternatively, you can skip the thawing process entirely and cook it straight from the freezer.

To thaw a turkey in the microwave:

  • Ensure your turkey fits in the microwave.
  • Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to thaw at about 6 minutes per pound.
  • Cook the turkey immediately after thawing. According to the USDA, microwaving may warm some parts of the turkey, beginning the cooking process. Holding partially cooked food is unsafe, as any bacteria present won’t have been destroyed.

To cook directly from frozen:

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F and unwrap the turkey.
  2. Place the turkey on a roasting pan and put it in the oven.
  3. After 20–30 minutes, use tongs to remove the giblet bag carefully.
  4. Once the turkey has thawed slightly in the oven, brush it with butter and season it with salt and pepper.
  5. Continue roasting until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, covering the bird with foil if it starts to darken too much.

Roasting times will depend on the turkey’s weight. Since it’s frozen, expect it to take at least 50 percent longer than usual. Check the guide below for approximate cook times.


Cook Times by Weight
According to USDA recommendations, here’s how long it takes to cook a frozen turkey at 325°F:

  • 8–12 pounds: 4 to 4 1/2 hours
  • 12–14 pounds: 4 1/2 to 5 3/4 hours
  • 14–18 pounds: 5 3/4 to 6 1/4 hours
  • 18–20 pounds: 6 1/4 to 6 3/4 hours
  • 20–24 pounds: 6 3/4 to 7 1/2 hours

How to Tell if Your Turkey is Fully Cooked
A meat thermometer is your best friend when cooking a turkey. To ensure it’s ready, the USDA recommends checking three areas:

  • The innermost part of the thigh
  • The innermost part of the wing
  • The thickest part of the breast

When all three areas reach 165°F, your turkey is fully cooked and safe to eat.


Can You Stuff a Frozen Turkey?
If you enjoy stuffing cooked inside your turkey rather than separately, it’s important to follow USDA guidelines. They recommend purchasing only frozen pre-stuffed turkeys with a USDA inspection symbol on the label. These turkeys are processed under controlled conditions and are safe to cook directly from frozen.

However, never thaw a frozen pre-stuffed turkey. Instead, follow the package instructions for the best results.

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