It doesn't matter how many unique side dishes you make, a festive holiday spread just isn't complete without the star of the show: the turkey. Whether you want to barbecue or fry the bird or go the traditional route with roasting, the recipe options are endless. The only caveat with cooking the holiday staple is that the process takes a lot of time and planning. How long does it take to defrost turkey? How do you thaw it? And how long can a thawed turkey stay in the fridge? Then the cooking questions start — how to prep turkey for roasting, how to get crispy turkey skin, etc.
Of these questions, some of the most essential are how to thaw turkey and how long thawed turkey can stay in the fridge. You need to build your cooking schedule around making sure your bird is defrosted early enough for it to get into the oven on time — but not so early that it sits in the fridge for longer than is safe. Also important is knowing how long cooked turkey can stay in the fridge, so you can plan your post-Thanksgiving leftover bonanza.
To help you time everything right, we gathered turkey tips from Butterball's turkey experts and award-winning nutrition expert Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN, FAND, a food-safety consultant and author of "Up Your Veggies: Flexitarian Recipes for the Whole Family".
How Long Can a Frozen or Thawed Turkey Stay In the Fridge?
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends defrosting turkey in the refrigerator at 40°F or below for several days before you plan on cooking it. Thawing a turkey takes about one day per four pounds of turkey, Amidor says, which means a smaller 12-pound turkey will take three days, whereas the largest turkey of 20-24 pounds can take up to six days to defrost. (Butterball has a handy calculator that can tell you exactly how long you'll need to thaw your bird. And if you don't have that much time, here's how to defrost turkey more quickly.)
Once it's thawed, the turkey can stay in the refrigerator for an additional two days before it needs to be cooked, Amidor says.
So, for example, if you're cooking a 20-24-pound bird, you need to stick it in the fridge to thaw at least six days before you'll be eating it (so it has time to fully thaw), and no more than eight days before you'll be eating it (to stay within that two-day window). For a 12-pound turkey, you'll want to put it in the fridge for a minimum of three days and a maximum of five.
When you're ready to thaw, keep the turkey in its plastic wrap and place it on a rimmed sheet tray or roasting pan to keep any juices from making a mess in your fridge. Put it in the coldest part of your fridge to defrost, or better yet, store it in a spare fridge that isn't opened often. And "if you thaw the turkey in the refrigerator and choose not to cook it, you can refreeze it without cooking, but there will be some loss of quality," Amidor says.
How Long Does Leftover Turkey Last in the Fridge?
Cooked turkey can be stored in the refrigerator at 40°F or below for three or four days, maximum, Amidor says. "Refrigeration slows down the growth of bacteria but does not stop bacterial growth or kill bacteria." When you reheat the leftover turkey, be sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F so it's safe to eat, per the USDA.
If you won't eat the turkey within a few days, you can also freeze cooked turkey for three to four months, Amidor says.
—Additional reporting by Lauren Mazzo
FAQs
The answer is simple: leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for three to four days. This means you have until the Monday after Thanksgiving to eat all those delicious leftovers or place them in the freezer to enjoy later. If you store leftovers in the freezer, they will be of best quality within 2-6 months.
How long can I keep a frozen turkey in the refrigerator after it has thawed? ›
A thawed turkey can remain in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days. If necessary, a turkey that has been properly thawed in the refrigerator may be refrozen.
Is turkey still good after 7 days in the fridge? ›
USDA recommends using cooked turkey within 3 to 4 days, kept refrigerated (40°F or less). Refrigeration slows but does not stop bacterial growth. Turkey can be frozen for 3 to 4 months.
How long can you keep a thawed butterball turkey in the fridge? ›
A thawed turkey may be kept in the refrigerator (40 degrees F or below) up to 4 days before cooking. Frozen Whole Turkeys and Frozen Whole Turkey Breasts need to be thawed before cooking. Thaw Fully Cooked Baked and Smoked Turkeys via the refrigerator method.
Can I leave raw turkey in the fridge for 3 days? ›
Buy a fresh turkey one to two days before the day you plan to cook. If there is a 'best-by' or 'use by' date on the manufacturer's label, then you can keep fresh poultry, unopened, in the refrigerator until that date.
Is a 2 year frozen turkey safe to eat? ›
The USDA recommends using frozen turkey within the first year of storage for the best quality.
Can I refreeze a thawed turkey? ›
Cook the turkey immediately after it is thawed. Do not refreeze. Check your owner's manual for the size turkey that will fit in your microwave oven, the minutes per pound and power level to use for thawing.
Can I cook a turkey thats been in my fridge for a week? ›
If properly stored, raw turkey can last in the fridge for 1–2 days, while cold cuts last up to 5 days. How long does cooked turkey last in the fridge? If you have leftovers that include cooked turkey, you can expect those to last in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Your browser does not support the video element.
Can I freeze cooked turkey after 3 days? ›
If your turkey has been properly handled, you can refrigerate and eat it for up to four days. If you are planning to freeze it, it's best to freeze it within one day of cooking for optimal texture and taste. However, leftover turkey can be frozen after three days and it will be fine.
Is 7 days too long to thaw a turkey? ›
Refrigerator Thawing (Recommended)
If your turkey weighs 16 pounds, it will take about four days to thaw. Once thawed, the turkey is safe for another two days, so you can start thawing it six days before thanksgiving (the Friday before Thanksgiving).
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.
When to take turkey out of the freezer? ›
Refrigerator thawing times for a frozen whole turkey:
- 4 to 12 pounds: 1 to 3 days ahead.
- 12 to 16 pounds: 3 to 4 days ahead.
- 16 to 20 pounds: 4 to 5 days ahead.
- 20 to 24 pounds: 5 to 6 days ahead.
The USDA offers recommendations for how long turkey can be stored in the freezer for optimal taste before it may begin to decline in quality: A whole turkey can be stored in the freezer for up to 12 months. Turkey pieces are best consumed within nine months. Ground turkey can be stored for up to three to four months.
What to do if turkey is still slightly frozen? ›
Try a safe quick-thawing method. Cold water: Keep the bird in its airtight packaging or a leak-proof bag, submerge it in cold water, and change the water every 30 minutes. Microwave: Use your manufacturer guidelines to thaw for about 6 minutes per pound.
How long is uncooked turkey meat good in the fridge? ›
How long can thawed ground turkey stay in the fridge? ›
Information. While foods are in the process of thawing in the refrigerator (40 °F or less), they remain safe. After thawing, use ground meats, poultry, and fish within one or two additional days, and use beef, pork, lamb or veal (roasts, steaks, or chops) within three to five days.
How long does defrosted cooked turkey last in the fridge? ›
The NHS has previously advised that turkey stored in the fridge be eaten within two days. According to the FSA, leftover turkey that's been defrosted should be eaten within 24 hours. Take a look at these rules, shared by the FSA to ensure you stay safe.
How long does it take to thaw a 10 lb turkey? ›
How Long to Thaw a Turkey
| Turkey Weight | How Long to Thaw in the Fridge | How Long to Thaw in Cold Water |
|---|
| 10 to 18 pounds | 2 to 3½ days | 5 to 9 hours |
| 18 to 22 pounds | 3½ to 4½ days | 9 to 11 hours |
| 22 to 24 pounds | 4½ to 5 days | 11 to 12 hours |
| 24 to 29 pounds | 5 to 6 days | 12 to 15 hours |
Oct 12, 2023
If your turkey is still frozen solid:
Try a safe quick-thawing method. Cold water: Keep the bird in its airtight packaging or a leak-proof bag, submerge it in cold water, and change the water every 30 minutes. Microwave: Use your manufacturer guidelines to thaw for about 6 minutes per pound.
