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Picture this: Its Thanksgiving morning. Youve laid out your Thanksgiving table settings and set out the Thanksgiving decorations. This year, youre doing Thanksgiving potluck-style, so all you need to worry about is making the bird.
So, you ask: What do I need to do to get the turkey ready? When should I put it in the oven? What temperature should I set the oven to? How long does a 20-pound turkey take to cook? Should I have started cooking it early in the morning? And, oh no, does it need to be defrosted first?
We’re sure no one will complain if the turkey doesn’t turn out great, but we’re here to make sure it does, so you don’t have to. If you do these things, your turkey will be the star of the Thanksgiving table. (That might make everyone want to come to your house again next year, though.) Just a warning!).
Cooking a turkey for Thanksgiving or any special occasion can seem daunting, but having the right information takes away the guesswork and ensures perfect results. When roasting a 20 lb bird at 325°F, the cooking time can vary based on whether the turkey is stuffed or not. Follow this simple guide for tips on thawing, preparing, and roasting your turkey to juicy, golden brown perfection.
Thawing a Frozen Turkey
- Completely thawed turkeys cook more evenly. Thaw frozen turkeys in the refrigerator 1 day for every 4-5 lbs.
- For a 20 lb turkey, thaw in the fridge for 4-5 days. Place the turkey on a tray or in a pan to catch leaks.
- You can speed up thawing by submerging the wrapped turkey in cold water, changing the water every 30 mins. This thaws a 20 lb turkey in about 8-10 hours.
Preparing the Turkey
- Remove giblets from inside the turkey and neck from the cavity. Rinse turkey under cold water and pat dry.
- For moist, flavorful meat, rub the turkey skin with oil or butter and season generously with salt and pepper.
- You can stuff the turkey just before roasting or cook stuffing separately for food safety. Use 1⁄2 to 3⁄4 cup stuffing per pound.
Roasting Time for a 20 lb Turkey
- Unstuffed: Approximately 4 1⁄2 hours
- Stuffed: Approximately 4 3⁄4 hours
- Calculate 15-18 minutes per pound for an unstuffed turkey and 18-24 minutes per pound for a stuffed turkey as a general rule.
Roasting Tips
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Place turkey breast side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Tent foil over turkey for first 1 1⁄2 hours then remove for browning.
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Baste turkey occasionally with pan juices or melted butter to keep meat moist and get crispy skin.
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Insert a meat thermometer in the deepest part of the thigh, avoiding bone. Turkey is done when it reaches 165°F.
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Let turkey rest 20-30 mins before carving for juicier meat.
Roasting a turkey is simple with the right guidelines For a delicious 20 lb turkey, plan on cooking time of 4 1⁄2 – 4 3⁄4 hours at 325°F based on whether it is stuffed or not. Follow these helpful tips on thawing, preparing, and monitoring doneness using a meat thermometer With perfect roasting, your Thanksgiving or holiday turkey will turn out juicy, flavorful and golden brown every time.
Make Sure the Turkey Is Fully Defrosted
Ideally, you want start defrosting up to a week in advance. A frozen turkey will take approximately one (1) day for every 4 pounds to defrost in the fridge. There are faster ways to defrost it, but the best way to make sure it’s fully and evenly defrosted is to put it in the fridge.
It will take 5 to 6 days for a 20-pound turkey to fully defrost for the right way. To thaw, just put the turkey on a large baking sheet with a lip around the edge and put it in the fridge. If it’s not already wrapped, cover it with plastic wrap. It really is as simple as that!.
Before you turn on the oven, move one of the racks to the bottom and take out any others that you need to in order for the turkey to fit. We love cooking a turkey slowly and low, so when you’re ready to begin, heat the oven to 325ºF. Remove the turkey from the refrigerator. Unwrap it (if applicable) and remove the neck and giblets. (Roast the neck along with the turkey. It will impart great flavor to the gravy. ) Let the turkey sit at room temperature for an hour while the oven heats up. (This is a good time to season the turkey. Weve got suggestions below. ).
Different recipes say that the turkey should be cooked at temperatures between 325°F and 375°F, or even higher. High temperatures will cook the turkey faster, but they also make it more likely that it will be overcooked, dry, or even burnt. Thats why we recommend 325°F.
Gather What You Need to Make a Perfectly Cooked Turkey
- 1 20-lb turkey (for smaller birds, see cook times below)
- Fresh herbs (like thyme and sage) and a white or yellow onion cut into quarters are good for the smell.
- A large, heavy-duty roasting pan with a rack
- Softened unsalted butter
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Bakers twine
- Aluminum foil
- An instant-read thermometer
How long should I cook a 20-pound turkey in a 325 convection oven?
FAQ
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