How to Cook a Frozen Turkey: A Fun and Safe Guide for Last-Minute Cooks!

So, you’ve got a frozen turkey on your hands and no time to thaw it? No worries! The BasteMaster is here to help you turn that icy bird into a show-stopping Thanksgiving meal. Cooking a frozen turkey isn’t just possible—it can actually be delicious if you follow a few important steps. Grab your ThermoWorks thermometer and let’s get cooking!

Frozen Turkey

Why Cooking a Frozen Turkey Can Actually Work

Believe it or not, cooking a turkey from frozen can result in a juicy, tasty bird. The key is to keep it at a safe temperature and cook it long enough to reach the ideal internal temp without drying out. Since frozen turkeys don’t thaw evenly, following these guidelines will help you avoid any food safety risks and get you to a perfectly cooked dinner.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 325°F. You’ll need steady heat to get that frozen turkey cooking evenly. No need to cover the turkey initially—just get it started as is.

Step 2: Unwrap and Prepare the Turkey

Take your frozen turkey out of its packaging and remove any plastic or mesh ties. You may need a bit of elbow grease if it’s fully frozen. Don’t worry if you can’t remove the giblets and neck just yet; we’ll get those out once the turkey has thawed a bit in the oven.

Step 3: Roast the Turkey

Place on a v-shaped rack set over a sheet pan. Using a v-shaped rack is important to keep the frozen turkey from rolling around. Stick it in the oven and set a timer for about 2-2.5 hours. By this time, the outer part of the turkey should be thawing, which is perfect for the next step. Once the first cook time is up, take a few temperatures in the turkey with an instant read thermometer like a Thermapen® One. At this point the turkey will have dramatic temperature gradients, still being partially frozen in some areas. The thigh will likely be in the range of 80-100°F (27-38°C), while the breast’s temperature will be lower. If the thermal center of the breast meat is still frozen solid, return the turkey to the oven to cook it a bit longer until thawed enough to place the probe properly.

Proper Placement for a ThermaPen One Temperature Probe

Step 4: Remove Giblets and Neck (Once It’s Thawed)

After about 2 hours in the oven, carefully open the oven door and check if the giblets and neck can be removed from the cavity. Use oven mitts and kitchen tongs—safety first! Once you’ve got them out, season the turkey with salt, pepper, and any herbs you love.

Step 5: Monitor Internal Temperature with ThermoWorks

Now it’s time to get serious about temperature. Insert a ThermoWorks thermometer into the thickest part of the breast and thigh to monitor the internal temperature. The goal is to reach 157°F in the breast and 170°F in the thigh. Using a reliable thermometer like the ThermoWorks Thermapen® ONE will give you an accurate reading.

Step 6: Keep Cooking (and Basting!)

Continue roasting the turkey, checking the internal temperature every 45 minutes to ensure it’s cooking evenly. The whole process may take 50% longer than a thawed turkey, so for a 12-pound frozen bird, plan for around 5–5.5 hours.

Tip: Basting the turkey with pan juices or a little melted butter can help it stay moist as it cooks. The BasteMaster approves!

Step 7: Check for Doneness

Once the thermometer reads 157°F in the breast and 170°F in the thigh, your turkey is officially cooked and safe to eat. Congratulations—you’ve conquered the frozen turkey challenge!

Tips for Success

• Stay Safe and Relaxed: Cooking from frozen is perfectly safe as long as you keep the turkey at 325°F or higher and check the internal temperature.

• Let It Rest: Once out of the oven, let the turkey rest for about 20–30 minutes before carving. This keeps it juicy and easier to slice. The internal temperature will rise by about 10°F during the rest (arriving at a food-safe temperature of at least 165°F).

• ThermoWorks to the Rescue: A thermometer is your best friend when cooking a frozen turkey. Check out our products page for ThermoWorks tools to make your meal safe and stress-free.

  
  

Cooking a frozen turkey may not have been your original plan, but with these steps, you’ll be prepared to serve up a delicious meal with confidence. Remember, the BasteMaster is here to help make your holiday cooking easy and fun!