HOLIDAY PLANNING · USDA FOOD-SAFETY TIMES · CALENDAR READY

Thanksgiving Turkey & Dinner Planner

Find the right turkey size for your guests, when to start thawing, when the bird goes in the oven and when every side dish needs to start, so everything is ready at the same time. Send the whole timeline to your phone’s calendar and take a shopping list to the store.

Turkey sizes, thawing, roasting times and leftover rules follow USDA FSIS guidance. Times are estimates: always check 165 °F with a food thermometer.

1Guests, turkey & dinner time
2Pick your side dishes
3Calendar, list & print

Dinner-day oven & stove plan

Using Thanksgiving Turkey & Dinner Planner

Plan the whole Thanksgiving meal backwards from the moment dinner is served. The planner sizes the turkey for your guests, tells you which day to start thawing, when the bird goes into the oven and when to check it, and schedules every side dish so the oven is free when you need it. Turkey sizes, thawing, roasting times and leftover rules follow USDA FSIS guidance.

Enter the number of adults and children and choose how many leftovers you want, or type the weight of the turkey you already bought.
Choose a frozen, fresh or frozen pre-stuffed turkey and how you will thaw it.
Set the dinner date and time; the next Thanksgiving is filled in for you. Adjust resting, carving and preheating minutes if you like.
Tick your side dishes and change their oven temperatures, minutes and per-guest amounts to match your recipes.
Check the warnings, then add the timeline to your calendar, copy the shopping list or print the plan.

Example

12 adults and 2 children with some leftovers need about an 18 lb turkey. Refrigerator thawing starts on Saturday, November 21, the turkey goes into a 325 °F oven at about 10:10 a.m. and dinner is served at 3:00 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.
A 22 lb frozen turkey cooked without thawing needs at least 50% more time: about 6¾ to 7½ hours instead of 4½ to 5 hours.

Questions & answers

How big a turkey do I need?

USDA suggests about 1 pound of whole turkey per person (1¼ pounds for a frozen pre-stuffed turkey). The planner counts children as half a portion and adds extra if you want leftovers.

How long does a turkey take to thaw?

In the refrigerator, allow about 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds, so a 16 to 20 pound turkey needs 4 to 5 days. In cold water, allow about 30 minutes per pound and change the water every 30 minutes.

How long do I cook a turkey?

At 325 °F, an unstuffed 12 to 14 pound turkey takes about 3 to 3¾ hours and a 20 to 24 pound turkey about 4½ to 5 hours, according to USDA. Times are approximate: the turkey is done when a food thermometer shows 165 °F in the innermost thigh, the wing and the thickest part of the breast.

Can I cook a turkey that is still frozen?

Yes. USDA says it is safe, but it takes at least 50 percent longer. Remove the giblet packages carefully with tongs during cooking.

How long should the turkey rest?

Let it stand for at least 20 minutes before carving so the juices set and it carves more easily. Covering it with foil keeps it warm while side dishes use the oven.

How long are Thanksgiving leftovers safe?

Refrigerate turkey, stuffing and gravy within 2 hours (1 hour above 90 °F), eat them within 3 to 4 days, or freeze them for best quality within 2 to 6 months.

Are the side dish times exact?

No. Side dish temperatures, minutes and amounts are typical starting points. Change them to match your recipes; the oven plan updates and warns when two dishes need different temperatures at the same time.