How long to cook a 23 lb stuffed turkey?

If you have a solid plan, roasting a turkey doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Here is a helpful tip for successful turkey cooking, as provided by the USDA, the foremost expert on the subject.

How long to cook a frozen turkey?

If you roast your turkey from frozen, the cooking time is at least 50% longer according to the USDA. That means you’ll need to plan to bake your frozen turkey for 22 minutes per pound or more.

How Long to Cook a Turkey Per Pound

Here are the general rules for how long to cook turkey per pound according to the USDA:

Unstuffed Turkey: 15 minutes per pound at 325°F, or 13 minutes per pound at 350°F.

Stuffed Turkey: 16 to 17 minutes per pound at 325°F, or 14 to 15 minutes per pound at 350°F

Keep in mind that these times are valid whether you’re using a fresh turkey or one that’s been defrosted.

Turkey cooking time varies widely by size. Here is a time table for cooking an unstuffed turkey in case you’re wondering how long to cook a 20 lb turkey, a 25 lb turkey, a 12 lb turkey, a 15 lb turkey, or any other size for that matter:

Turkey weight	Unstuffed turkey cook time	Stuffed turkey cook time	Oven temperature (recommended)
10 pounds	2 hours 15 minutes	2 hours 40 minutes	350°F
12 pounds	2 hours 40 minutes	3 hours	350°F
14 pounds	3 hours 30 minutes	3 hours 50 minutes	325°F
15 pounds	3 hours 45 minutes	4 hours	325°F
18 pounds	4 hours 15 minutes	4 hours 30 minutes	325°F
20 pounds	4 hours 40 minutes	5 hours	325°F
22 pounds	5 hours	5 hours 20 minutes	325°F
25 pounds	5 hours 15 minutes	5 hours 45 minutes	325°F
30 pounds	5 hours 30 minutes	6 hours	325°F

Note: If you%E2%80%99re using a forced air or convection oven, you may be able to bake for 15 to 30% less time

Always check doneness at least 30 minutes before the specified time and verify using a thermometer rather than relying solely on time because kitchen equipment can vary.

How to roast a turkey

As long as you adhere to the recommended cooking times and don’t overcook the turkey, roasting a turkey is actually quite simple.

Brining: This optional step makes for a more tender and juicy turkey. The basic ratio is 2 cups of kosher salt to 2 gallons of water. Brine for 8-18 hours in the fridge and rinse the turkey with water before cooking.

Seasoning: Rubbing with butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper and oil before baking will add moisture and flavor to your turkey.

Baking: Following the baking time and temperature guidance provided above until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Resting: Let the roasted turkey rest for 30 to 60 minutes covered with aluminum foil so the juices can redistribute throughout the meat. It’s important not to cut into the meat right away, as juices will be lost and the turkey will dry out. You can make gravy during this time instead.

At the recommended oven temperature of 350°F, a 12-pound unstuffed turkey will cook in about two and a half hours, or three hours at 325°F. A further 20 to 30 minutes should be added if the turkey is stuffed.

An unstuffed 14-pound turkey will require 3 12 hours at 325°F or 3 hours at 350°F in the oven. A further 20 to 30 minutes should be added if the turkey is stuffed.

At the suggested oven temperature of 325°F, a 15-pound unstuffed turkey will cook in about 3 34 hours. A further 20 to 30 minutes should be added if the turkey is stuffed.

At the suggested oven temperature of 325°F, an unstuffed 18-pound turkey will cook in approximately 4 14 hours. It will take around 4 12 hours if the turkey is stuffed.

At 350°F, a 20-pound unstuffed turkey will cook in about 4 14 hours. It will take 4 12 hours if the turkey is stuffed.

At the suggested oven temperature of 325°F, a 22-pound unstuffed turkey will cook in about 5 hours. It will take between 5 14 and 5 12 hours if the turkey is stuffed.

At the suggested oven temperature of 325°F, a 25-pound unstuffed turkey will cook in approximately 5 14 hours. It will take between 5 12 and 5 34 hours to stuff a turkey.

How long do I cook a 23 lb turkey?