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 for many, the thought of cooking this majestic bird can be daunting Fear not, fellow culinary adventurers, for this guide will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to conquer the turkey and emerge victorious.
Unveiling the Secrets of Cooking Time and Temperature
The golden rule of turkey cookery is simple: 13 minutes per pound at 350°F for an unstuffed turkey, or 15 minutes per pound for a stuffed turkey. This basic formula provides a solid foundation, but remember, it’s just a starting point. Several factors can influence the cooking time, including the size and type of turkey, stuffing, and even your oven’s quirks.
Navigating the Nuances of Turkey Sizes
- 8 to 12 pounds: This petite bird requires approximately 2 3/4 to 3 hours of roasting.
- 12 to 14 pounds: A slightly larger bird needs 3 to 3 3/4 hours to achieve golden perfection.
- 14 to 18 pounds: For a bird of this size, anticipate a roasting time of 3 3/4 to 4 1/4 hours.
- 18 to 20 pounds: A substantial bird like this requires 4 1/4 to 4 1/2 hours of cooking.
- 20 to 24 pounds: The largest of the bunch, this bird needs 4 1/2 to 5 hours to cook through.
Stuffed vs. Unstuffed: A Tale of Two Turkeys
Stuffed turkeys require additional cooking time due to the need for the stuffing to reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F. While unstuffed turkeys only need to reach 165°F in the deepest part of the thigh, stuffed turkeys require this temperature in the center of the stuffing as well.
The Ultimate Temperature Test: Your Trusty Thermometer
While the estimated cooking times provide a helpful framework, the true test of doneness lies in the trusty thermometer Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, ensuring it doesn’t touch the bone Once the thermometer registers 165°F, your turkey is ready to grace the table.
The Resting Ritual: A Crucial Step for Juicy Perfection
Don’t rush the turkey out of the oven just yet! Allow it to rest for at least 30 minutes, preferably longer. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a succulent and flavorful bird.
Additional Tips for Turkey Triumph
- Brining: This technique involves soaking the turkey in a salt-water solution, which enhances flavor and moisture. Consider adding this step to your culinary repertoire.
- Basting: While not essential, basting the turkey with melted butter or pan drippings can add a touch of golden-brown beauty.
- Tent with foil: If the turkey starts to brown too quickly, loosely tent it with foil to prevent overcooking.
Embrace the Journey, Savor the Feast
Remember, cooking a turkey is an adventure, not a race. Embrace the process, experiment with different techniques, and most importantly, enjoy the delicious reward of your culinary efforts. Happy Thanksgiving!
Stuffed Turkey Cook Times
The timings listed below are based on a turkey that is room temperature, cooked at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for the duration of the process; allow roughly 15 to 17 minutes for each pound.
- 4 to 8 pounds: 1 to 2 hours
- Eight to ten pounds: two to two and a half hours
- Twelve to fourteen pounds: thirty minutes to three hours
- 14 to 16 pounds: 3 to 4 hours, plus 30 minutes
- 16 to 18 pounds: 4 to 4 and a half hours
- 18 to 20 pounds: 4 to 5 hours, or 30 minutes.
- 20 to 24 pounds: 5 to 6 hours
The suggested method for achieving crispy skin on a room temperature turkey is to start it at 450 degrees Fahrenheit and reduce it to 325 degrees Fahrenheit after 45 to 60 minutes.
- 45 to 1 hour and 15 minutes for 4 to 8 pounds
- Eight to ten pounds: fifteen to forty-five minutes
- 12 to 14 pounds: between two and a half and two and a half hours
- 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes for 14 to 16 pounds
- 3 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours 45 minutes for 16 to 18 pounds
- 3 hours 45 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes for 18 to 20 pounds
- For 20 to 24 pounds: 4 to 5 hours and 15 minutes
How to Know When Your Turkey Is Done
The best and only foolproof way to check a turkey for doneness is to use an instant read thermometer like this one.
- When the thermometer reads 150 to 155 degrees Fahrenheit in the breast and 165 degrees Fahrenheit in the thigh, the turkey is done.
- As you approach the bone, be careful not to touch it.
- The turkey’s temperature will rise as it rests.
Additionally, you can pierce your turkey with a fork in a few different spots, observing the juices that come out. If the juices are still pink or reddish in color, the turkey is not done. Turkey is done if the juices run clear, but this isn’t always the case because frozen turkey can cause the thigh juices to run red even when the meat is fully cooked.
The best, safest (and I’d say only) bet: an instant read thermometer.
How long do you cook a turkey per pound in the oven?
FAQ
Is it better to cook a turkey at 325 or 350?
Is it 20 minutes per pound to cook a turkey?
How many minutes per pound for a 16 lb turkey?
How long does it take to roast a Turkey?
As a general rule of thumb, plan on roasting your turkey for 15 to 20 minutes per pound—though to prevent undercooking or overcooking the bird, a thermometer reading will be your best bet. The suggested cooking times below are for a turkey that’s roasted at 325 degrees. 8 to 12 pounds: 2 3/4 to 3 hours 12 to 14 pounds: 3 to 3 3/4 hours
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 do you cook a Turkey at 325?
Make sure your turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before consuming. As an estimate, cook a whole turkey in the oven for about 13-15 minutes per pound. I’ve done the math for you for a turkey between 8 pounds and 24 pounds, roasted at 325°F. Turkey cooking time chart, per pound, roasting at 325°F.
How long does a stuffed turkey take to cook?
A stuffed turkey cooks at a rate of 15 minutes per pound in a 350ºF oven. At this rate, a 6-pound turkey will take 90 minutes (or 1 1/2 hours). A 15-pound turkey will take 225 minutes (or 3 hours and 45 minutes). Be sure to check that both the stuffing and the turkey reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F to prevent food-borne illness.