When you leave a turkey out at room temperature, the meat can enter the "danger zone", which is between 40°F and 140°F. This is where bacteria like Salmonella and Campylobacter thrive, and can start to multiply rapidly. It's like a bacterial party in there!
The USDA recommends that you thaw a turkey in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave. These methods are much safer than leaving it out overnight. Plus, they're pretty easy to do!
But, let's get back to why you shouldn't leave a turkey out overnight. Bacteria can multiply quickly, and contaminate the turkey. This can lead to some pretty awful symptoms, like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Not exactly what you want to serve at your holiday dinner!
Safe and Simple Steps to Thaw a 12 lb Turkey in the Refrigerator
