How Long Is A Frozen Turkey Good For?

A frozen turkey remains tasty and safe for about half a year when stored in the freezer.

But what if you don’t want to eat your turkey after that time frame?

Can you still enjoy it?

The answer is yes!

You just need to make sure that you properly defrost it and then reheat it on low heat.

How long is a frozen turkey good for?

Frozen turkeys are great because you can store them indefinitely and use them all year round.

A fresh turkey will cost around $20-$25 per pound and depending on how large it is, can weigh between five and seven pounds.

So, if you decide to buy one, you may as well go big or small.

A whole turkey will feed an entire family easily (and if you have friends over, this is a great way to impress).

However, if you’re looking for a cheaper option, buying a frozen turkey is also possible.

In fact, frozen turkeys are usually more affordable than fresh ones.

If you buy a frozen turkey at Costco, you can expect to pay around $15-17 per pound.

This is significantly less expensive than buying a fresh turkey, which would set you back roughly $30-$35 per pound.

For example, a 10-pound frozen turkey from Costco will cost you around $170 while a 10-pound fresh turkey will cost you around $240.

How do you cook a frozen turkey?

It’s important to note that when cooking a frozen turkey, you must follow certain guidelines.

The main thing to remember is that you should never leave a frozen turkey out overnight.

Doing so will cause the meat to dry out and become tough. Instead, wrap it tightly in foil and put it in the fridge for 12 hours before cooking.

When it comes to cooking a frozen turkey, there are three different methods that you can choose from.

The first method is to bake it.

Simply preheat the oven to 350º Fahrenheit and pop the turkey inside.

Cook it for approximately four hours until the internal temperature reaches 165º Fahrenheit.

Another popular way to cook a frozen turkey is to grill it.

To prepare this method, lightly coat the outside of the bird with vegetable oil and season it with salt and pepper.

Then place it directly onto the grill and let it roast for 30 minutes.

After this, flip the turkey and cook for another 20 to 30 minutes.

Lastly, you can microwave the turkey.

Just remove the plastic wrapping and place the turkey skin side down on a microwavable plate.

Microwave it on high for 15 minutes.

What is the best way to thaw a frozen turkey?

There are several ways to thaw a frozen turkey.

Depending on which method you choose, you may find that some work better than others.

Here are the most common methods.

1. Place the frozen turkey into cold water

To thaw a frozen turkey using this method, simply submerge it into a bowl of cold water.

This will ensure that the turkey is completely thawed by the time it’s cooked.

However, this method isn’t ideal because it takes a lot longer than other methods and the turkey could potentially get too wet if you don’t keep it submerged enough.

2. Place the frozen turkey on a baking sheet

This method works best if you’re trying to defrost a frozen turkey that is already partially cooked.

To prepare this method, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lay the frozen turkey on top.

Put it in the refrigerator and allow it to defrost overnight.

Once it’s fully defrosted, you can either continue to thaw it by placing it in the oven or cook it right away.

3. Thaw the frozen turkey in the microwave

This method is similar to the previous one but it works faster.

All you need to do is place the frozen turkey in a microwave safe dish and cover it with a paper towel.

Microwave it on medium power for 5 minutes.

Remove the paper towel and give the turkey a quick stir.

Repeat this process every few minutes until the turkey is completely thawed.

How long does it take to thaw a frozen turkey?

It depends on the size of the turkey, but the average thawing time is between 2 to 4 hours.

It’s recommended that you plan ahead and start thawing the night before you intend to serve it.

This way, you won’t have to rush it during the day.

Can you cook a frozen turkey without thawing it first?

Yes, you can cook a frozen turkey straight from the freezer.

Just place it on a pan and cook it on the stovetop for about 45 minutes.

When it’s done, you can serve it immediately or store it in the fridge until you’re ready to eat it.

How long does a frozen turkey last in the freezer?

You can freeze a frozen turkey for up to two years.

That said, once you open it, you shouldn’t freeze it again.

As mentioned earlier, freezing causes the meat to dry out and become tough.

So, you should always cook it within six months of opening.

What is the safest way to thaw a frozen turkey?

As we mentioned above, the best way to thaw a frozen turkey is to submerge it into cold water.

While this method works well, it’s not the safest way to do it.

Because the water gets hot, you risk scalding yourself.

How do you thaw a frozen turkey quickly?

Here are a couple of tips to help you thaw your turkey quickly.

Remove the packaging and place the turkey on a cooling rack or cutting board.

Allow it to sit uncovered until it’s completely defrosted.

Once it’s defrosted, you can either continue to thaw it by placing it in the oven or cook it right away.

Can you refreeze a thawed frozen turkey?

No.

Once you thaw a frozen turkey, you can’t refreeze it.

Not only will it ruin the texture of the meat, but it’ll also kill any bacteria present.

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