Best answer: Can you cook a stuffed Butterball turkey that thawed?

DO NOT THAW a commercially pre-stuffed frozen turkey before cooking. If this product has been placed in the refrigerator, and it has completely thawed, discard both the turkey and the stuffing. … If there are ice crystals in the turkey and the stuffing is still frozen, it is safe to cook.

Can you cook a thawed Butterball turkey?

Place thawed turkey, breast side up, on flat rack in shallow roasting pan 2 to 2½ inches deep. DO NOT stuff. … Begin checking the turkey for doneness about 30 minutes before the recommended cook time. Your turkey is done when the meat thermometer reaches 140°F in thigh.

How long can you wait to cook a turkey after it’s thawed?

Thawing the turkey and the two-day rule



“Once a frozen turkey is thawed, it should be cooked within two days,” Hanes said. She said some people prefer a fresh turkey, so they should plan on waiting to pick it up from the store until one or two days before they plan to cook it.

Is it better to cook a turkey frozen or thawed?

Cooking a frozen turkey will take around 50 percent longer than cooking one that’s already been thawed. … This will ensure that the turkey stays above any liquid that may drain out, which would cause it to steam rather than roast. And it will cook more evenly on a shallow pan than one with high sides.

Do you cook a turkey at 325 or 350?

Roast the turkey uncovered at a temperature ranging from 325°F to 350°F. Higher temperatures may cause the meat to dry out, but this is preferable to temperatures that are too low which may not allow the interior of the turkey to cook to a safe temperature.

How long should you cook a turkey at 325?

325°F for 4¼ to 4½ hours.

Can I keep a fresh turkey in the fridge for a week?

No, it isn’t convenient. But it’s reality. The issue with keeping a fresh, raw turkey in your refrigerator for more than a couple of days isn’t the pathogens that cause food poisoning, says Ben Chapman, the N.C. State University food-safety extension specialist. The problem is spoiled meat.

Is it safe to thaw a turkey at room temperature?

Never thaw at room temperature. To thaw your turkey in the refrigerator: … Leave turkey in your refrigerator until fully thawed. It may be kept in the fridge up to 4 days after thawing before cooking, but the sooner you cook it, the better for freshness—and so you can reclaim some space in your fridge.

What do I do if my turkey isn’t completely thawed?

If There’s No Time to Thaw



If you’re up against the clock and have no time left for even the “quick” cold-water thaw, then just cook the turkey as it is. It’s perfectly safe to cook a frozen or partially frozen turkey — you just need to allow some extra cooking time.

Should you unwrap a turkey to thaw?

When the turkey has partially defrosted, you can unwrap it and remove the giblet bag from the cavity. … According to the USDA, a 4- to 12-pound turkey will take two to six hours to defrost; a 12- to 16-pound turkey six to eight hours; a 16- to 20-pound turkey eight to 10 hours and a 20- to 24-pound turkey 10 to 12 hours.

What is the disadvantage of using a frozen turkey?

The downside is you need to buy it a few days before you use it since it will only keep for a couple days in the fridge. If you find a good deal on a frozen bird and have the space, go for it! Frozen birds will keep for up to six months, but don’t forget to plan ahead for defrosting.

How long should a 20 pound turkey cook at 350 degrees?

If your turkey weighs 18 to 20 pounds, roast it at: 425°F for 3½ to 3¾ hours. 400°F for 3¾ to 4 hours. 350°F for 4 to 4¼ hours.

Do you cook a turkey covered or uncovered?

To achieve that balance, the ideal is to let the bird spend time both covered and uncovered: We recommend covering your bird for most of the cooking time to prevent it from drying out, then removing the cover for the last 30 minutes or so to allow the skin to crisp.

Is it better to cook a turkey in a convection oven or regular oven?

Convection ovens use a fan to move the hot air around, so food cooks about 30 percent faster than it does in a conventional bake oven, which does not have a fan. … So, although a convection oven will cook faster, even a bake oven will work if the turkey is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees.