Butterball Hotline Expert Shares Thanksgiving Turkey Cooking Tips

Thawing Your Thanksgiving Turkey

• 💡 If you've just purchased a frozen turkey, you can still thaw it in time for Thanksgiving by using a cold water bath.
• ⚠️ Remember to change the water every 30 minutes, allowing 30 minutes per pound for complete thawing.
• 📌 After thawing, ensure the turkey is resting in the refrigerator before cooking.

Preparing the Turkey for Roasting

• 🔪 Begin by opening the turkey bag in the sink to drain excess juices and remove the giblets from the neck and body cavities.
• 💧 Place the turkey on a rack in a shallow, open pan.
• 🎨 Base the outside skin with vegetable oil to achieve a nice golden-brown color during cooking.

Roasting and Temperature Guidance

• 🌡️ Insert a meat thermometer into the thigh of the turkey.
• ♨️ Set your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and let the turkey roast.
• ⚠️ For very large turkeys, consider covering the breast with a lightweight piece of foil once it has browned to prevent over-browning.
• ✅ The turkey is done when the meat thermometer reads 170 degrees Fahrenheit in the thigh and 170 degrees in the breast.

Roasting Time Estimates

• ⏱️ For a turkey weighing between 10 to 18 pounds, roasting typically takes three to three and a half hours when cooked without stuffing.
• 💬 This size is representative of the average turkey that callers inquire about on the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line.