How To Thaw Turkey In Time For Thanksgiving Dinner | HuffPost Life

Spare yourself the shame of serving a frozen bird.

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Taste Senior Editor, HuffPost

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There’s a lot to remember when it comes time to cooking up a Thanksgiving turkey. But one thing you absolutely do not want to forget is to give your bird enough time to thaw (assuming that it’s frozen). Thawing a huge turkey takes a whole lot longer than a package of chicken for a weeknight dinner. This thing, depending on the size, can take days. Even up to a week. So be sure to plan ahead.

If you buy it frozen, the United States Department of Agriculture recommends three safe ways to thaw it, and they all take forethought and consideration: In the refrigerator, under cold water or in a microwave.

Consult our infographic below to learn how much time each method takes to thaw your turkey, no matter how big it is.

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Before You Go

The Best Roasting Pans To Buy For Your Thanksgiving Turkey And Beyond

Cuisinart MultiClad Pro tri-ply stainless 16-inch roaster(01 of07)

This roasting pan is winner for both America's Test Kitchen and Wirecutter. ATK noted that it seared meat without buckling or burning and gave veggies an even, golden-brown crust, while its flat bottom aided with deglazing. Wirecutter said it cooked more evenly than others in its price range, noting it could handle a 20-pound turkey. "We can’t find another roasting pan that can sear as well on the stove and roast as evenly in the oven for under $100," its testers reported. (credit:Amazon)

Viking 16-inch culinary roaster with two-piece carving set(02 of07)

ATK lists Viking's 16-inch tri-ply roaster among its recommendations, noting that although their pan is heavier than some others, it's also "handsome" and "durable." This version at Amazon, which can handle a turkey up to 25 pounds, comes with a matching carving knife and serving fork. (credit:Amazon)

Cooks Standard 16-inch stainless steel roaster(03 of07)

This pan in the 14-inch size was America's Test Kitchen's "best buy" pick for small roasters with racks, but it no longer available. But this 16-inch size is made of the same materials, only two inches bigger, and may be all smaller households need (and prove to be a more versatile size year-round). Testers noted that although not made with tri-ply, the 14-inch model was thick enough to still retain and control heat well. (credit:Amazon)

All-Clad HA1 hard-anodized nonstick roaster and rack(04 of07)

Consider this an expert pick by Amazon buyers, because this All-Clad hard-anodized nonstick roaster has an impressive 4.8-star rating from users — and it's on sale right now as an early Black Friday deal. The 16-inch size is perfect for family-sized birds and vegetables, and the sleek, curved roaster has tall straight sides and double-riveted handles to make it both chic and heavy-duty, with all the quality you expect from All-Clad. It's oven-safe to 500 degrees and works with any stovetop, including induction. (credit:Amazon)

Le Creuset stainless steel 14-inch roasting pan(05 of07)

This was an ATK winning recommendation for small roasting pans, based on the way it turned out "beautiful" browned food. The body is tri-ply, the V-shaped rack is nonstick, and unlike some others, this roaster works on induction cooktops. The smaller size will be versatile year-round. (credit:Amazon)

All-Clad stainless steel flared roasting pan(06 of07)

The top performer in Wirecutter's tests, both in the oven and on the stovetop, is this premium roaster that's exclusive to Williams Sonoma. Testers praised it for producing the most golden, crispy skin and for the low, flared sides helping to disperse heat evenly. Some cooks prefer the flat rack, too, since it can be a bit more versatile for other cuts of meat. The only catch is that it's more expensive than others, leading Wirecutter to name it their "upgrade" pick. (credit:Williams Sonoma)

A nonstick roasting rack to use with a rimmed baking sheet(07 of07)

If you don't have the budget or space for a roaster, don't panic: We've even roasted a turkey on rolled-up aluminum foil in a pinch. A better option, as Serious Eats points out, is to buy a rack like this one to use with a rimmed baking sheet you already have in your kitchen. Just be very, very careful when you're moving your bird to and from the oven, especially if you've got hot juices sloshing near the rim of your pan. (credit:Amazon)

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