Let’s talk about the aspect of cooking a turkey that most people are afraid of: How Long to Cook a Turkey. There’s nothing more nerve-wracking then wondering if you’re going to overcook the bird. I’ve broken every step down for you, meaning you can now begin your turkey takedown with confidence!.
I’ve got advice to help you determine when to thaw, brine, and bake your turkey, whether you’re cooking a small 4-pound turkey breast or a massive 24-pound full bird.
In addition, I’ve shared some of my greatest advice on how to tell when your turkey is done (spoiler alert: you’ll want one of these bad boys).
Use the Table of Contents box above to quickly navigate to the content you need, or scroll down to see everything.
Additionally, I’ve included a printable oven chart with turkey cook times at the bottom that shows how long to cook a turkey.
The approximate cooking times for both stuffed and unstuffed turkeys—which have the stuffing cooked inside the bird—are shown below.
In order to ensure that everything cooks to perfection, it’s critical to keep a careful watch on things throughout.
Ah Thanksgiving. A time for family, friends, and of course, the centerpiece of the feast: the turkey. But how long does a turkey take to cook at 325 degrees Fahrenheit? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
First things first:
- Thaw it out: For every 5 pounds of turkey, you’ll need about 24 hours of thawing time. So, a 15-pound turkey will need 3 days to fully thaw in the fridge.
- Brine it (optional): Brining adds flavor and moisture to the turkey. If you’re using a wet brine, add it 12-24 hours before cooking. For a dry brine, add it 24-48 hours beforehand.
- Let it come to room temp: Take the turkey out of the fridge an hour before cooking to let it come to room temperature. This ensures even cooking.
Now onto the cooking:
- Unstuffed turkey: For an unstuffed turkey, plan on about 15-20 minutes per pound at 325 degrees F. So, a 15-pound turkey would take about 3 hours and 45 minutes to 4 hours and 15 minutes.
- Stuffed turkey: If you’re stuffing your turkey, you’ll need to increase the cooking time to 20-25 minutes per pound. So, that same 15-pound turkey would take about 5 hours to 6 hours and 15 minutes.
Pro tip: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey. The breast should be at 165 degrees F and the thigh at 170 degrees F.
Here’s a handy chart to help you out:
| Weight | Unstuffed Cook Time | Stuffed Cook Time |
|---|---|---|
| 3-5½ lbs. | 1½-2¼ hrs. | 2-2¾ hrs. |
| 5½-9 lbs. | 2¼-2¾ hrs. | 2¾-3¼ hrs. |
| 9-12 lbs. | 2¾-3¼ hrs. | 3¼-3¾ hrs. |
| 12-15 lbs. | 3¼-3¾ hrs. | 3¾-4¼ hrs. |
| 15-18 lbs. | 3¾-4¼ hrs. | 4¼-4¾ hrs. |
| 18-20 lbs. | 4¼-4¾ hrs. | 4¾-5¼ hrs. |
| 20-24 lbs. | 4¾-5¼ hrs. | 5¼-6 hrs. |
Remember: These are just estimates. The actual cooking time will vary depending on your oven and the size and type of turkey. So, keep an eye on it and use a thermometer to be safe.
Bonus tips:
- Don’t overcook your turkey! This is the biggest mistake people make. An overcooked turkey is a dry turkey, and nobody wants that.
- Basting isn’t necessary. It won’t make your turkey more flavorful, and it can actually dry it out.
- Let the turkey rest for at least 30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making for a more succulent bird.
With these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to roasting a perfect Thanksgiving turkey. Now go forth and feast!
A Faster Way to Cook Turkey
Want to speed up the roasting process? Make Spatchcock Turkey!
- A turkey that has been patchcocked (the backbone removed and the bird laid flat to cook) cooks 27.5 times faster than a traditional turkey roast (E2%80%94a%2010-%20to%2012-pound patchcock turkey can be completed in about an hour).
Tips for Perfect Turkey
- If you plan to purchase a frozen turkey, allow time for it to thaw during meal preparation.
- Assume you’ll need about 1. Five pounds of raw turkey for each person (for more information, see How Much Turkey Per Person)
- Let your turkey come to room temperature prior to cooking.
- To ensure that your turkey is cooked through, use a meat thermometer.
- Start checking your turkey’s temperature about 90 minutes in. This will enable you to monitor the cooking process and modify the roasting time as needed.
- Just as with other meats, it’s vital to give your turkey a few minutes to rest before carving.
How long to cook a 14-pound turkey at 325?
FAQ
How long per lb to cook a turkey at 325?
Is it better to cook a turkey at 325 or 350?
How long to cook a 20lb turkey at 325 Butterball?
Is it better to cook a turkey covered or uncovered?