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… perfectly cooked turkey. But how long does it take to cook a turkey at 450 degrees? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
First things first:
- Let your turkey come to room temperature. This will help it cook more evenly.
- Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F.
- Pat the turkey dry. This will help the skin crisp up.
- Season the turkey with your favorite herbs and spices.
Now, let’s talk about cooking times:
- Unstuffed turkey:
- 6-8 pounds: 35 minutes to 1 hour
- 8-10 pounds: 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes
- 10-12 pounds: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes
- 12-14 pounds: 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours
- 14-16 pounds: 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes
- 16-18 pounds: 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes
- 18-20 pounds: 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours
- 20-24 pounds: 3 hours to 3 hours 30 minutes
- Stuffed turkey:
- 4-8 pounds: 45 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes
- 8-10 pounds: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes
- 12-14 pounds: 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes
- 14-16 pounds: 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes
- 16-18 pounds: 3 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours 45 minutes
- 18-20 pounds: 3 hours 45 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes
- 20-24 pounds: 4 hours 15 minutes to 5 hours 15 minutes
Remember: These are just estimates. The actual cooking time will vary depending on the size and shape of your turkey, your oven, and other factors.
Here are some tips for ensuring your turkey is cooked through:
- Use a meat thermometer. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Let the turkey rest for at least 10 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender bird.
And here are some bonus tips for making your turkey even more delicious:
- Brine the turkey before roasting. This will help keep the meat moist and flavorful.
- Baste the turkey with butter or oil during cooking. This will help the skin crisp up.
- Stuff the turkey with your favorite stuffing. This will add extra flavor and moisture to the bird.
With a little planning and these helpful tips, you’ll be sure to have a perfectly cooked turkey that will impress your guests.
Happy Thanksgiving!
The Turkey Prep Countdown
So, Thanksgiving is quickly approaching, you know how many guests you’ll be serving, and you’ve purchased your turkey.
Now, it’s time to make a turkey timeline!
You can schedule the actions you need to take and when you need to take them by using the reference guides below.
When to Brine Your Turkey
- Wet Brine. Plan to add the wet brine 12 to 24 hours in advance if you’re using one.
- Dry Brine. Plan to add the dry brine 24 to 48 hours in advance if you’re using one.
How long does it take to cook a turkey at 425?
How long does it take to cook a Turkey at 350?
Roast the turkey for 45 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350 degrees and roast for an additional 1.5 hours. 7. Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. And that’s it – a delicious and perfectly cooked turkey, cooked at a high temperature! 1 How long does it take to cook a turkey at 450 degrees?
How long does it take to cook a 6 pound turkey?
At this rate, a 6-pound turkey will take 78 minutes (or 1 hour and 18 minutes). A 15-pound turkey will take 195 minutes (or 3 hours and 15 minutes). We generally prefer to cook stuffing separately from the turkey, but if you decide to cook it inside, know that a stuffed turkey will take a little bit longer to cook through than an unstuffed turkey.
How long does it take to cook a Turkey in the oven?
If possible, place turkey in oven with legs to the back of the oven so they are in the hottest part of oven. Roast uncovered 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes, watching carefully. After roasting about 1 hour 30 minutes, wearing oven mitts that cover hands and wrists, place tent of foil loosely over turkey when it begins to turn golden.
How to cook a Turkey at 450 degrees?
In fact, cooking a turkey at 450 degrees is a great way to ensure that it comes out perfectly juicy and tender. Here’s how to do it: 1. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees. 2. Place the turkey in a roasting pan. 3. Rub the skin with oil or butter. 4. Season the turkey with salt and pepper. 5.