What size whole turkey should you purchase?

When you're preparing a whole turkey, you're usually cooking for a group of people, so it helps to know what size of bird to purchase. A good rule to follow is to allow at least 1 pound per person. If you want leftovers, add 1/2 pound per person. To feed a large crowd, you can always purchase two smaller whole turkeys instead of a massive 25-pound turkey if you're worried about fitting such a large bird in your oven. :root{--smooth-easing-function:cubic-bezier(0, 0, 0, 1);--elevated-easing-function:cubic-bezier(0, 1.25, 0.6, 1);--bounce-easing-function:cubic-bezier(0, 1.7, 0.4, 0.9);}@supports(animation-timing-function: linear(0, 1)){:root{--smooth-easing-function:linear(0, 0.159 3.3%, 0.29 6.5%, 0.41 10%, 0.515 13.7%, 0.608 17.7%, 0.686 21.9%, 0.754 26.5%, 0.812 31.6%, 0.858 36.9%, 0.896 42.7%, 0.95 56.4%, 0.98 74.2%, 1);--elevated-easing-function:linear(0, 0.006 1.2%, 0.026 2.5%, 0.111 5.5%, 0.591 16.8%, 0.785 22.3%, 0.859 25%, 0.918 27.7%, 0.965 30.5%, 1.002 33.5%, 1.038 38.7%, 1.049 44.9%, 1.004 72.8%, 1);--bounce-easing-function:linear(0, 0.007 1%, 0.031 2.1%, 0.132 4.6%, 0.676 13.5%, 0.888 17.7%, 0.964 19.7%, 1.026 21.8%, 1.071 23.9%, 1.102 26.2%, 1.119 29.2%, 1.115 32.7%, 1.017 47.2%, 0.988 56%, 1);}} :root{--ids-pressable-touch-action:manipulation;}@supports (-webkit-touch-callout: none){:root{--ids-pressable-touch-action:pan-x pan-y pinch-zoom;}}

How do you store a whole turkey?

You can store a fresh whole turkey in the refrigerator for one to two days before you plan to cook it. Try to place it in the coldest part of the refrigerator, which is usually the meat drawer at the bottom. To store the turkey any longer, it needs to be put in the freezer to keep for about six months. For a whole turkey that was flash-frozen, it can last up to three years. However, anything longer than one year might reduce its flavor and texture. Any leftover cooked turkey will keep in the refrigerator for three to four days. Otherwise, you can also freeze cooked turkey for up to three months. :root{--smooth-easing-function:cubic-bezier(0, 0, 0, 1);--elevated-easing-function:cubic-bezier(0, 1.25, 0.6, 1);--bounce-easing-function:cubic-bezier(0, 1.7, 0.4, 0.9);}@supports(animation-timing-function: linear(0, 1)){:root{--smooth-easing-function:linear(0, 0.159 3.3%, 0.29 6.5%, 0.41 10%, 0.515 13.7%, 0.608 17.7%, 0.686 21.9%, 0.754 26.5%, 0.812 31.6%, 0.858 36.9%, 0.896 42.7%, 0.95 56.4%, 0.98 74.2%, 1);--elevated-easing-function:linear(0, 0.006 1.2%, 0.026 2.5%, 0.111 5.5%, 0.591 16.8%, 0.785 22.3%, 0.859 25%, 0.918 27.7%, 0.965 30.5%, 1.002 33.5%, 1.038 38.7%, 1.049 44.9%, 1.004 72.8%, 1);--bounce-easing-function:linear(0, 0.007 1%, 0.031 2.1%, 0.132 4.6%, 0.676 13.5%, 0.888 17.7%, 0.964 19.7%, 1.026 21.8%, 1.071 23.9%, 1.102 26.2%, 1.119 29.2%, 1.115 32.7%, 1.017 47.2%, 0.988 56%, 1);}} :root{--ids-pressable-touch-action:manipulation;}@supports (-webkit-touch-callout: none){:root{--ids-pressable-touch-action:pan-x pan-y pinch-zoom;}}

How do you thaw a whole turkey?

The amount of time you need to thaw your whole turkey depends on its size. Avoid thawing the turkey on the counter; the best way to thaw the bird is either in the refrigerator or by cold water. For the refrigerator method, keep the turkey in its original packaging and place it on a tray breast-side up. Allow one day of thawing for every 4 pounds of turkey. With the cold-water method, also keep the turkey in its original packaging and thaw the turkey breast-side down in a sink full of cold water. Make sure the turkey is submerged, and rotate the turkey every 30 minutes. Allow 30 minutes for every 1 pound of turkey. If for some reason, your turkey is still frozen before you plan to put it in the oven, you can still roast it. A frozen turkey does take 50% longer to cook, though. :root{--smooth-easing-function:cubic-bezier(0, 0, 0, 1);--elevated-easing-function:cubic-bezier(0, 1.25, 0.6, 1);--bounce-easing-function:cubic-bezier(0, 1.7, 0.4, 0.9);}@supports(animation-timing-function: linear(0, 1)){:root{--smooth-easing-function:linear(0, 0.159 3.3%, 0.29 6.5%, 0.41 10%, 0.515 13.7%, 0.608 17.7%, 0.686 21.9%, 0.754 26.5%, 0.812 31.6%, 0.858 36.9%, 0.896 42.7%, 0.95 56.4%, 0.98 74.2%, 1);--elevated-easing-function:linear(0, 0.006 1.2%, 0.026 2.5%, 0.111 5.5%, 0.591 16.8%, 0.785 22.3%, 0.859 25%, 0.918 27.7%, 0.965 30.5%, 1.002 33.5%, 1.038 38.7%, 1.049 44.9%, 1.004 72.8%, 1);--bounce-easing-function:linear(0, 0.007 1%, 0.031 2.1%, 0.132 4.6%, 0.676 13.5%, 0.888 17.7%, 0.964 19.7%, 1.026 21.8%, 1.071 23.9%, 1.102 26.2%, 1.119 29.2%, 1.115 32.7%, 1.017 47.2%, 0.988 56%, 1);}} :root{--ids-pressable-touch-action:manipulation;}@supports (-webkit-touch-callout: none){:root{--ids-pressable-touch-action:pan-x pan-y pinch-zoom;}}