How to Bake a Frozen Turkey

How to Bake a Frozen Turkey

Thawing a turkey in the refrigerator takes about 24 hours per 5 pounds.  So a 20 pound turkey would take about 4 to 5 days. You can speed up the process by placing the turkey in a sink of cold water and that will take about 30 minutes per pound, so about 12 hours for a 20 pound turkey.  You should also change the water every 30 minutes. Or you can bake the turkey still frozen following these instructions.  For an 11 pound turkey, it will take approximately 16 hours to bake.  And it will be succulent and delicious.

Frozen turkey

Stick of butter

Salt & pepper

Remove the wrapper and rinse the turkey. Generously rub the butter all over the turkey and salt and pepper it.  Wrap the buttered and seasoned turkey in heavy foil and place it breast side down in a pan and bake in a 250 oven for 12 hours.  Remove the turkey from the oven, unwrap it and carefully remove the giblets and neck from the inside.  Cover the turkey in butter and salt and pepper once again, re-wrap, place it back in the pan and continue to bake. Turn the oven up to 350. Periodically rub the turkey with more butter.  Bake until the button pops up or the meat thermometer reads 185-190.  Remove the turkey from the oven, leave it wrapped in foil and let it sit 15 minutes before craving.