Can You Cook a Turkey at 375 Degrees? The Optimal Temperature for a Perfectly Roasted Bird

Cooking the turkey is often seen as the most important and challenging part of preparing the perfect Thanksgiving feast. With all eyes on the main event picking the right oven temperature is key to avoiding a dried out bird or undercooked poultry. So can you cook a turkey at 375 degrees Fahrenheit? After extensive testing in our test kitchens we found 375°F to be the ideal temperature for roasting a moist, juicy turkey with crispy skin every time.

Why 375 Degrees is the Magic Number

Roasting at 375°F strikes the perfect balance – it’s not too hot and not too cold Here’s why it hits that sweet spot

• Prevents overcooking and drying out – Many ovens run hot and temperatures above 375°F can quickly dry out and overcook the turkey meat, especially the breast. 375°F gives you the insurance that the turkey will cook through without drying out.

• Crisp golden brown skin – This temperature allows the turkey skin to crisp up nicely. Any cooler and you risk soft, rubbery skin.

• Cooks quickly enough – At 375°F, a 15 lb turkey will be done in about 2.5 – 3 hours. This gives you wiggle room in case it cooks faster or slower than anticipated.

• Juicy, tender meat – The moderate temperature evenly roasts the turkey, keeping the meat nice and juicy while fully cooking the interior.

• Versatile for all turkey sizes – We tested temperatures from 325°F to 425°F and found 375°F to work perfectly whether roasting a 12 lb turkey or a 25 lb beast.

FAQs About Roasting Turkey at 375 Degrees

Here are answers to some common questions surrounding cooking your Thanksgiving turkey at 375°F:

Does it work for stuffed and unstuffed turkeys?

Yes! 375°F is ideal for roasting turkeys whether they are stuffed or unstuffed. With an unstuffed turkey, plan on about 13-15 minutes per pound at 375°F. For a stuffed bird, allot about 15-18 minutes per pound.

Monitor the temperature with a meat thermometer for doneness instead of relying solely on cook times.

What if my turkey is still partially frozen?

You can still roast a partially frozen turkey at 375°F but it will take longer. Figure about 20-25 minutes per pound for a bird that is 50% thawed. If less thawed than that, it’s better to use a lower temp like 325°F.

Thaw turkey completely in the fridge for 2-3 days before roasting for best results.

Should I change the temperature if I have a turkey breast?

Nope, 375°F is ideal for whole turkeys and turkey breasts alike. Roast bone-in turkey breasts for 18-25 minutes per pound or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

For boneless turkey breasts, cook for 12-15 minutes per pound to an internal temp of 165°F.

What if my turkey is done early?

No problem – turkey can safely rest at room temperature for up to 2 hours. If it looks to be done more than 2 hours before meal time, carve the turkey and return the carved meat to a 200°F oven to keep warm until serving.

What if it’s not done on time?

First, don’t panic! Check the temperature and continue roasting if needed. If it’s within 5-10 degrees of being done, tent foil over the turkey to prevent overcooking. The temperature will continue rising as it rests.

If it’s way undercooked, increase heat to 400°F to speed things up. Monitor temperature closely to avoid drying it out.

Can I use a lower temperature like 325°F?

You can roast at 325°F but it will take significantly longer. The turkey may not brown as nicely either. Stick to 375°F for the best outcome.

Tips for Roasting Turkey Perfectly at 375 Degrees

Follow these tips for roasting turkey success at 375°F:

• Brine the bird – Brining infuses flavor and moisture into the meat. Make a simple brine with salt, sugar, herbs and spices. Soak 12-24 hours.

• Pat turkey dry – Remove the turkey from brine; rinse and pat very dry with paper towels. Dry skin means crispier skin.

• Truss turkey – Trussing keeps the legs and wings close to the body for even cooking. Use kitchen string or silicone trussing bands.

• Use a V-rack – Elevate the turkey on a V-rack in a roasting pan to allow air circulation for crisp skin.

• Rub with butter & herbs – Slather butter under and on top of the skin. Sprinkle skin with fresh or dried herbs.

• Use an oven-safe thermometer – Insert a digital thermometer in thickest part of breast to track temp.

• Baste with juices – Baste turkey with pan juices every 45 minutes for maximum moisture and flavor.

• Let rest before carving – Allow turkey to rest 30-45 minutes before slicing to let juices redistribute.

The Takeaway

Cooking the Thanksgiving turkey at 375°F produces a perfectly cooked, moist and delicious bird every time. For optimal flavor, texture and food safety, roast your turkey at this tried and true temperature. Insert a meat thermometer to confirm doneness and your guests will be gobbling up your juicy, golden turkey in no time!