FAQs
Oven-Roasted Turkey
We recommend starting the turkey in a 425 degree oven for 30-45 minutes before tenting the pan with foil and lowering the temperature to 350 degrees until a meat thermometer reads 165 degrees when inserted into the thickest part of the bird.
Is it better to cook a turkey at 325 or 350? ›
Oven-Roasted Turkey
We recommend starting the turkey in a 425 degree oven for 30-45 minutes before tenting the pan with foil and lowering the temperature to 350 degrees until a meat thermometer reads 165 degrees when inserted into the thickest part of the bird.
How long per pound do I cook my turkey? ›
The simplest way to figure out turkey roasting times is to calculate 13 minutes per pound at 350°F for an unstuffed turkey (that's about 3 hours for a 12- to 14-lb. turkey), or 15 minutes per pound for a stuffed turkey.
How long to cook a turkey in the oven chart? ›
Regular Oven 325°
| Weight | Cook Time (Unstuffed) | Cook Time (Stuffed) |
|---|
| 7-10 lbs. | 2½-3 hrs. | 2¾-3½ hrs. |
| 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. |
2 more rows8-12 lb turkey: 1 1/2 to 2 hours; 12 to 16 lb turkey: 2 to 2 1/2 hours; 16-20 lb turkey: 2 1/2 to 3 hours; 20-24 lb turkey: 3 to 3 1/2 hours.
How long does a 16 lb turkey take at 325? ›
These times are based on a room temperature turkey at 325 degrees F the entire time; plan on about 15 to 17 minutes per pound (the times below are based on 15 minutes per pound).
Should you bake a turkey covered or uncovered? ›
To achieve a perfectly golden, juicy turkey, let the bird spend time both covered and uncovered in the oven. We recommend covering your bird for most of the cooking time to prevent it from drying out; then, during the last 30 minutes or so of cooking, remove the cover so the skin crisps in the hot oven.
Do you cook a butterball turkey at 325 or 350? ›
Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Place roasting rack or foil ring on pan, and place turkey on top. In a small bowl, combine butter, garlic, salt, thyme, and parsley.
Should you bring a turkey to room temperature before cooking? ›
Your turkey will cook more evenly and faster if you start it out at room temperature so remove the turkey from the refrigerator 1 hour before roasting. If you plan to stuff your turkey, wait until you're ready to put it in the oven before putting the stuffing in the turkey.
How long to rest a turkey? ›
REST: Once you're sure the turkey is fully cooked (check by piercing the thickest part of the leg with a skewer to see if the juices run clear), leave it to rest in a warm place for at least 45 minutes or up to a few hours. This lets the meat relax and allows all the juices to be reabsorbed.
At what temperature is a turkey done? Check these places on your turkey and look for these temperatures: 180°F in thigh. 170°F in breast.
What is the temperature of a fully cooked 20 lb turkey? ›
Regardless of the size of your turkey, it's safe to eat once its internal temperature reaches 165°F, which you can gauge using a meat thermometer.
What to put in a turkey cavity? ›
Add halved onions, carrot chunks, celery and fresh herbs to the cavity of your turkey, inserting them loosely. These flavor builders are the base of stock and most soups. As your turkey cooks, they'll steam and infuse your bird with moisture and flavor.
What is the best temperature for a turkey? ›
The food-safe temperature for a turkey is 165°F, and it's best to temp between the thigh bone and the breast. But, as we mentioned above, letting your turkey rest can bring it up to this temperature, so you don't necessarily have to take it out when it hits exactly 165°F.
How long to cook at 325 vs 350? ›
In general, you may need to increase the baking time by 10-25% to compensate for the lower temperature.
Is it better to cook a roast at 325 or 350? ›
When roasting meat and poultry, set the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C) or higher. Explore the charts below to learn how to get great results every time you cook.
How long should a turkey rest before carving? ›
Resting: Once out of the oven, let your roasted turkey rest, tented with aluminum foil, for 30 minutes before carving. The juices should run clear. It's a great time to make the gravy! One side at a time: It's easiest to carve one entire side of the first and then move on to the second side.
