Texans, Start Thawing That Turkey! Essential Tips from a Butterball Expert to Prep for a Perfect Thanksgiving

Let the countdown begin—today marks one week until Thanksgiving! If you've purchased a turkey and it has been chilling in your freezer, today is the day to take it out and place it in your refrigerator.

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It is National Thaw Day!

Today is the day to start thawing out that bird!  Thawing is one of the most important things when it comes to cooking your turkey.  You can't cook a frozen bird.

Butterball Turkey Talk-Line Expert Jan Allen

We had the opportunity to talk with Jan who has been a turkey expert for 42 years.

How Do You Thaw a Turkey in Time?

It takes 1 day for every pound of turkey.  The Turkey Math: a 20lb turkey will take 5 days to thaw.  It can then be held in the refrigerator for another 4 days before cooking.

Take the turkey out of the freezer set it on a tray with the wrapper still on and put it inside the refrigerator.

What if I Forget to Set the Turkey Out?

Use the cold water method to thaw your frozen turkey. Leave the turkey in its wrapper and submerge it in cold water. Make sure to change the water every 30 minutes. This method takes 30 minutes per pound.  For a 20lb turkey, expect to change out water for 10 hours.

What is the Best Way to Cook a Turkey?

• Get a shallow pan 2 - 2 1/2 in deep with a roasting rack
• Take the turkey out of the wrapper and pat it dry
• Take the giblets out of the cavity of the body - don't forget
• Put the turkey on the rack in the pan and brush it with vegetable oil
• Put turkey in a 325-degree oven.
  • It will take 4 hours for a 25 lb turkey,  5 hours if stuffed with stuffing, cook it uncovered at 325 for 3 hours, then tent it with a piece of aluminum foil and finish roasting.
    • It is done with the thigh is 180 degrees, the breast is 170 degrees, and the stuffing is 165 degrees.
• Take the turkey out of the oven cover it with foil and let it set for 20 minutes.

What if You Don't Have a Roasting Rack?

• Use carrots underneath the turkey
• Use a piece of heavy-duty foil and circle it like a rope in the bottom of the pan
• Turn a muffin pan upside down
• Use two wooden spoons

What are Some of the Craziest Calls You Have Ever Received?

When people can't find the neck and the giblets inside the turkey are searching with a flashlight.  Some aren't looking in the right place.

A lot of people don't know about the giblets in the turkey

Where Can I Reach Out if I Have Any Calls About My Thanksgiving Turkey?

1-800-Butterball or text 844-877-3456 or Butterball.com

Good luck with your turkey cooking and remember if you need any help the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line is there for you, and who knows maybe you'll end up on the phone with Jan.