How long does a 22 lb turkey take to cook?

Thanksgiving is quickly approaching, and preparing a feast is exciting. Of course, the centerpiece is a traditional roasted turkey. While some people may have their go-to recipes, others might be unsure of how to prepare the ideal turkey.

However, should you cook a turkey at 325 or 350 degrees? read on to find out.

How long to cook a turkey at 350°:

8–12 lb.: 1¾–3 hours

12–14 lb.: 3–3¼ hours

15–16 lb.: 3½–3¾ hours

18–20 lb.: 4–4¼ hours

21–22 lb.: 4½–4¾ hours

For those handling the turkey for the first time, this method is the easiest to follow and will produce a fantastic bird. For those looking for a little more advanced planning, the alternative is more strategic and is provided below.

Quick Turkey Tips:

How much turkey per person: Plan on 1 1/2 pounds of (uncooked) turkey per person.

Thawing time: Budget enough time for thawing your bird: heres our thawing guide.

Cooking stuffing: Remember to remove the giblet packet and turkey neck (and make gravy!). Its safer to cook stuffing in a separate baking dish but if in-the-bird is what you prefer, pack it in loosely — it should register at 165 F with an instant read thermometer before serving.

Taking the turkeys temperature: Use an instant read thermometer to check your turkeys temp: insert the probe in the deepest part of the thigh — it should register 165 F.

Resting time: Let turkey turkey rest 20 minutes before carving.

Should You Cook Turkey At 325 Or 350 Degrees?

It depends on your personal preference. The cooking temperatures also depend on the turkey’s size. A turkey weighing 12 to 14 pounds needs to be baked at 350 degrees. Your meat will be cooked more quickly, and the skin will be crispy. It will also make the meat taste meatier.

The best cooking temperature for smaller birds in the oven is 325 degrees. This way, you’ll get more tender meat. To determine the temperature of the thigh and breast meat, it is advised to use a meat thermometer.

Read: How Long To Keep Fresh Turkey In The Fridge

A small turkey requires a lower temperature. For small turkeys, the ideal temperature is 325 degrees. This is for unstuffed turkeys. To ensure it is safe to eat, the thermometer needs to read 165°F. You can remove it from the heat once it reaches that point.

You can reach that temperature by baking 10–12 lb turkeys for 2 3/4–3 hours. Turkeys should generally be baked at 325 degrees for 15-20 minutes per pound. However, how do you bake smoked turkey legs?

Large turkeys require higher cooking temperatures. Higher temperatures are needed for a whole, unstuffed turkey weighing between 18 and 20 pounds.

Larger birds can be cooked in the oven for 3 1/2 to 4 hours at 350 degrees. At the 45-minute mark, check the turkey’s temperature.

To ensure that the meat is safe to eat, it must be cooked until it reaches a temperature of 165°F. To check the temperature, place the thermometer between the turkey’s breast and thigh meat. Avoid striking the bone as this could cause the temperature to fluctuate.

For food safety reasons, USDA does not recommend stuffing a turkey. It can cause the turkey to be cooked unevenly. [1] It may be challenging to reach the 165°F mark, especially for stuffed large birds.

Additionally, cooking a turkey with stuffing will take longer. However, it would be best to bake a stuffed turkey at 325 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes per pound. Also, make sure to remove the giblets first.

The amount of time needed to cook an unstuffed turkey will depend on its size and oven temperature. For birds weighing 8 to 12 lbs, the estimated cooking time for an unstuffed bird in the oven is 2 3/4 to 3 hours. You need 3 to 3 3/4 hours of cooking time at 325 degrees for 12 to 14 pounds.

How long does it take to cook a 20 lb turkey?