Butterball’s Latest Innovation Solves One of Thanksgiving’s Biggest Headaches
Thawing a Thanksgiving turkey is a perennial challenge for home cooks, especially for those new to hosting the holiday. For many, the process of safely thawing a multi-pound frozen bird, while ensuring it stays flavorful and moist, can be daunting. This year, Butterball aims to ease some of that stress by introducing a new “Cook from Frozen” turkey—a first in the market that could revolutionize the way people prepare their centerpiece meal.
A Solution for the Thanksgiving Novice
Butterball, the nation’s largest turkey producer, has designed this product with simplicity in mind. According to the company, the new offering requires only two steps: unwrap the turkey and pop it straight into the oven. That’s right—no need for the usual thawing, which typically takes days in the fridge or risky quick-thawing methods in water.
Neil Saunders, managing director of GlobalData Retail, suggests that the appeal of this product goes beyond convenience. “This product solves many common issues that can make Thanksgiving stressful, especially for younger generations who may be hosting the holiday for the first time,” Saunders explained to CNN. “With more emphasis on convenience in today’s fast-paced life, it’s a perfect solution for all consumer groups.”
No More Thawing Worries
Thawing a turkey is one of the top concerns addressed by Butterball’s famed Turkey Talk-Line every holiday season. A Butterball press release noted that this new innovation could drastically reduce both the time and mess associated with Thanksgiving preparation. Plus, with no need to remove the neck or giblets, which often stumps new cooks, this turkey makes the process even simpler.
The innovative frozen turkey comes pre-brined with a “specially formulated” seasoning that eliminates the need for additional basting or brining. During the approximately five-hour roasting process, the brine ensures that the turkey remains moist and flavorful.
Sacrificing Tradition for Safety
However, there’s one Thanksgiving tradition you won’t be able to carry out with this new option: stuffing the turkey. According to Butterball, stuffing a frozen bird poses a food safety risk, and they recommend preparing your stuffing separately. Although stuffing inside the turkey may be nostalgic for some, safety takes priority, especially as frozen birds may not cook evenly with stuffing.
Available at Major Retailers
The “Cook from Frozen” turkey is available in major grocery chains like Harris Teeter, Publix, select Walmart stores, and Kroger-owned chains such as Fry’s and Ralphs.
This launch arrives just in time for the holiday season and aligns with Butterball’s mission to reduce stress for Thanksgiving hosts. As many households face increasingly busy schedules, Butterball’s new frozen turkey could be a welcome addition to kitchens nationwide, simplifying what has long been considered a complicated meal centerpiece.
For those wanting to maintain tradition while saving time, this frozen option just might be the solution to a less stressful holiday feast. So if you’re looking to simplify your Thanksgiving, Butterball has answered the call—no thawing required.