How long to thaw and roast a Thanksgiving turkey? Here's what to know

Are you cooking an entire turkey this Thanksgiving? Don't fret. Here's everything you need to to know.

Thanksgiving turkey

How long to thaw a turkey?

A whole turkey requires approximately 24 hours of thawing for every 4 to 5 pounds of weight, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

So if the turkey weights 16 pounds, then it'll require four days of thawing.

The USDA recommends thawing the turkey in the refrigerator. Once it's thawed, the turkey should be safe to cook within two days.

Do I have to brine a turkey? What is brining?

Brining is soaking the turkey in saltwater often with sugar, herbs and other ingredients for 12 to 24 hours. Brining enhances seasoning, and adds moisture to the meat.

Alternatively, people can opt for a dry brine, rubbing the seasoning directly on the turkey without the need of soaking it in water. Dry brining could take up to three days.

Brining is not necessary, but is generally preferred as it guarantees more flavor and better texture.

How long should I roast a turkey?

The USDA advices that poultry should be cooked until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 F.

For unstuffed turkey, roast it at 325 F for 15 minutes per pound. Stuffed turkey require 17 to 18 minutes per pound.

Need more help? Here's How to reach turkey hotlines. When are they open?

If you need more help, feel free to reach the USDA turkey hotline or the Butterball help desk. You don't need to be cooking a Butterball turkey to use their hotline.

For decades, turkey products brand Butterball has been helping home cooks make turkey meals for their family and friends. Questions and problems about thawing, preparing or cooking turkeys and other last-minute Thanksgiving emergencies are the usual according to Butterball operators, and their most common question received is when and how to thaw a turkey.

To chat with a turkey expert, you can call 1-800-BUTTERBALL or text 844-877-3456. The hotline is open during the months of November and December. The line is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The weekend before Thanksgiving, the line is open from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. On Thanksgiving Day, from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m.

You can also call the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to get safety advice. Their Meat and Poultry Hotline, 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854), is open on weekdays including Thanksgiving Day.

Juan Carlos Castillo is a New Jersey-based trending reporter for the USA Today Network. Find him on Twitter at _JCCastillo.