If buying a frozen turkey, the most crucial step is to make sure it thaws fully before you prep and roast it, otherwise, it may not cook thoroughly. Turkeys should always be thawed in the fridge to keep bacteria from growing. Allow one day (or 24 hours) per 4-5 pounds. So for a 12-pound turkey, you would put it in the fridge for at least three full days before you plan to roast it. If time allows, I like to give myself an extra day to ensure there’s no frozen surprise when I prep it. You can also thaw a frozen turkey in cold water, but it requires you to drain and refill the sink with cold water every 30 minutes and rotate the turkey as you thaw it. You will need about 30 minutes per pound to thaw a turkey in water.