We asked the experts so you dont have to.
And from November 1 to December 24, their full-time jobs are helping Americans nail it.
How Should I Thaw My Turkey?
Credit:Debrocke/ClassicStock/Getty Images
The most common question answered by the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line, hands down, ishow to thaw a turkey.
Whats great about that thaw method is you could just kind of let it go, Woulfe explains.
That means a 12-pound turkey should take about three days to fully thaw.
Once your turkey is thawed, you have up to four days to cook it.
With that formula, you should move your turkey from the freezer to the refrigerator a week before Thanksgiving.
In Cold Water
The other thawing method is one Butterball experts commonly suggest to panic callers.
What should I do?
In those cases, Woulfe suggeststhe cold-water thaw method.
That involves submerging your frozen turkey in cold water to safely speed up the thawing process.
Butterball recommends letting your turkey sit in cold water for about 30 minutes per pound.
How Can I Tell When My Turkey Is Done?
Its vital to verify your turkey is hitting the marks that indicate its safe to eat.
And the best way to do that is with ameat thermometer.
confirm you have a meat thermometer, thats your best friend on Thanksgiving Day, Woulfe says.
And if you have stuffed that turkey, the stuffing needs to hit 165 degrees.
Theres really no other safe way.
How Should I Cook My Turkey?
Can I fry it?
Can I smoke it?
Can I use a rotisserie roaster?
Can you cook it in a crockpot?
And thats what theyll tell you if you call in need of guidance.
How long you cook your turkey, however, depends on the size of your bird.
The general guideline for 325 degrees is 15 to 20 minutes of cooking time per pound.
For more information on how to cook a turkey, visit Butterball.com.
