Now, I know some of you might be thinking, "But what about food safety?" And believe me, that's a valid concern. You don't want to leave your turkey sitting out at room temperature for too long, or you might end up with a side of salmonella! However, if you're only leaving it out for a short period of time, the risk is relatively low.
On the other hand, some people swear by leaving the turkey in the fridge until it's time to cook. And hey, if that's what you're comfortable with, go for it! It's not like it's going to be a turkey-astrophe or anything. But if you do decide to take it out, just make sure you're not leaving it out for too long, or you might end up with a fowl mess on your hands!
In fact, did you know that the USDA recommends letting turkey sit at room temperature for no more than two hours before cooking? Yeah, I didn't know that either, but now we both do! It's always good to be informed, especially when it comes to food safety. So, if you do decide to take your turkey out of the fridge, just make sure you're keeping an eye on the clock!
Perfect Timing: When To Remove Thawed Turkey From The Fridge | CyCookery
Now, I'm not saying that taking the turkey out of the fridge is going to make it cook faster or anything, but it can definitely make it more enjoyable to eat. I mean, who wants to eat a dry, overcooked turkey? Not me, that's for sure! By letting it sit at room temperature, you can help the meat relax, making it more tender and juicy.