…change the water every 30 minutes. Do not refreeze a turkey that thawed in water, and you should cook it immediately.
Turkeys can also be thawed in the microwave. It’s important to check the owner’s manual to make sure the turkey can fit inside. The manual will also provide guidelines on the power level to use and how long thawing will take. All wrapping should be removed and the turkey should be placed on a microwave-safe dish. Do not refreeze a turkey that was thawed in a microwave, and cook it right away.
After thawing a turkey, be sure to remove the giblets from its cavities and cook them separately, the USDA notes.
Always wash hands, utensils, the sink, and anything that touches raw turkey or its juices with soap and water.
Roasting Turkey
When it’s time to roast a turkey, set the oven temperature to at least 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the turkey on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. Tuck its wing tips under its shoulders and add a half-cup of water to the bottom of the pan.
If the roasting pan does not have a lid, a tent of heavy-duty aluminum foil can be placed over the turkey for the first 60 to 90 minutes of cooking. This increases heat circulation and keeps the turkey moist. It also minimizes oven splatter and reduces browning.
If using an oven-cooking bag, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s cooking instructions, the USDA advises.
The safest way to cook stuffing is separately in a casserole dish.
If the stuffing is cooked inside the turkey, mix the wet and dry ingredients at the last minute. Fill the cavities loosely and cook the turkey right away. Use a food thermometer to make sure the turkey and the center of the stuffing reaches an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s best to place the food thermometer in the innermost part of the thigh and wing as well as the thickest part of the breast — even if the turkey has a “pop-up” temperature indicator.
A stuffed turkey needs to cook for a longer period of time — about 15 to 30 minutes longer than usual. Cooking a frozen turkey also takes 50 percent longer than a thawed turkey, according to the USDA.
Once it’s finished cooking, take out any stuffing and let the turkey stand for 20 minutes before carving it. This allows the juices to set and makes it easier to carve.
More information
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more about foodborne illness.