How long to cook a 20 lb stuffed turkey for safe

Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure as we delve into the art of roasting a succulent stuffed turkey. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time roaster, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and techniques to achieve a perfectly cooked, flavorful stuffed turkey that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests.

Cooking Time and Temperature for a Stuffed Turkey

Cooking Time:

The cooking time for a stuffed turkey varies depending on its weight. Here’s a general guideline:

10-12 pound turkey: 3¼ to 3½ hours
12-14 pound turkey: 3½ to 4 hours
14-18 pound turkey: 4 to 4¼ hours
18-20 pound turkey: 4¼ to 4¾ hours
20-24 pound turkey: 4¾ to 5¼ hours

Temperature:

To ensure food safety and optimal juiciness, the internal temperature of the turkey should reach the following:

Stuffing: 165°F
Breast: 170°F
Thigh: 175°F

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Turkey: Thaw the turkey completely and remove any giblets or neck. Season liberally with salt and pepper, both inside and out.
Stuff the Turkey: Prepare your favorite stuffing and loosely fill the turkey cavity. Do not overstuff, as this can hinder even cooking.
Roast the Turkey: Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a roasting pan. Roast for the recommended time based on the weight of the turkey.
Check Temperature: Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey in the stuffing, breast, and thigh. Remove from the oven when the desired temperatures are reached.
Rest and Carve: Allow the turkey to rest for 20-25 minutes before carving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and flavorful result.

Tips for a Perfectly Roasted Stuffed Turkey

Brining: Brining the turkey overnight in a salt solution enhances its flavor and moisture.
Seasoning: Use a generous amount of salt and pepper, both inside and out, to infuse the turkey with flavor.
Roasting Time: Calculate the roasting time based on the weight of the turkey: 13 minutes per pound for a stuffed turkey.
Resting: Allow the turkey to rest for 20-25 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Carving: Carve the turkey against the grain for tender, juicy slices.

I’m Cooking a Stuffed Turkey Though. How Long Do I Cook It?

We understand that sometimes tradition trumps other considerations, but we can’t talk you out of it, huh?

If you insist on stuffing the turkey, you should bake it at 325°F for 20–25 minutes per pound. To prevent the turkey’s wings and drumsticks from drying out or burning, we also advise covering it with a loose tent of aluminum foil halfway through cooking.

Check your recipe and cooking instructions once more, and make sure the stuffing reaches a temperature of 165°F as well. This will prevent the presence of undercooked turkey juices in the stuffing.

Should I Put Water in My Turkey Roasting Pan?

To prevent them from scorching when adding vegetables to the bottom of the roasting pan (which will help flavor your gravy), add 1/2 cup water. For more flavor, you can use 1/2 cup dry white wine. You can skip putting liquid in your roasting pan if you don’t have any vegetables.

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

FAQ

How long does it take to cook a 20lb stuffed turkey at 350 degrees?

A stuffed turkey takes longer to cook than an unstuffed turkey. Roast a stuffed turkey for 15 minutes per pound at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). It is important to check the temperature of the stuffing; it should be 165 degrees F (75 degrees C) when you insert the thermometer into the center of the stuffing.

How long to cook a 20 lb stuffed Butterball?

Weight	Cook Time (Unstuffed)	Cook Time (Stuffed)
10-18 lbs.	3-3½ hrs.	3¾-4½ hrs.
18-22 lbs.	3½-4 hrs.	4½-5 hrs.
22-24 lbs.	4-4½ hrs.	5-5½ hrs.
24-30 lbs.	4½-5 hrs.	5½-6¼ hrs.

What is the best temperature to cook a 20 lb turkey?

You can find recipes that suggest cooking a turkey at temperatures ranging from 325°F to 375°F or even higher. While higher temperatures will cook the bird faster, we find that they also increase the risk of an overcooked, dry, or even a burnt turkey. That’s why we recommend 325°F.

How much stuffing do I need for a 20 turkey?

Quantity of Stuffing	Size of Bird	Number of Servings
6 cups	8 to 10 pounds	8 to 9
2 quarts	10 to 12 pounds	10 to 11
3 quarts	12 to 15 pounds	12 to 16
4 quarts	15 to 20 pounds	18 to 20

Do you cook a stuffed turkey at 325°F or 350°F?
For the best results, cook a stuffed turkey at 325°F (163°C). This allows the turkey to roast evenly for the juiciest meat.

Do you cook stuffing before putting it in the turkey?
There’s no need to cook stuffing before putting it into the turkey. If your stuffing recipe includes meat or sausage, ensure it is cooked before adding it to the recipe.

How long to cook a 20 lb stuffed turkey?
A 20-24 pound stuffed turkey should be roasted for 4¾ to 5¼ hours at 325°F (163°C).