How Long To Cook A Turkey is a common phrase I hear the last few weeks of November and into December each year because no one likes a dry turkey! Keep reading to learn the proper cooking times and tips on knowing when your turkey is cooked perfectly!
Turkey is typically the star of the show each Thanksgiving and Christmas, and theres nothing worse than having the turkey you spent hours preparing and cooking turn out dry or overcooked because you didnt know how long to cook it!
Below youll find cooking-time guidelines for all of the many ways you can cook a turkey! If I missed one, comment below and Ill be sure to add it to the list!
Cooking the perfect turkey can seem daunting, but with some simple guidelines, you’ll turn out a juicy, flavorful bird. One of the most common questions is how long to cook a turkey at 300 degrees Fahrenheit. The short answer is approximately 15-20 minutes per pound. But there are some additional factors to consider for ideal results. Let’s break down everything you need to know for roasting turkey at 300°F.
Why Cook a Turkey at 300 Degrees?
There are a few reasons why 300°F is a great temperature for roasting turkey
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It allows the turkey to cook slowly and evenly without drying out. Higher temperatures often overcook the outer portions before the inside is done.
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300°F provides a good balance between sufficiently heating the meat while still keeping it nice and moist.
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The slower cooking gives collagen in the meat more time to break down into gelatin, which keeps the turkey juicy.
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The lower oven temperature gives you more leeway to perfectly roast the turkey before it dries out.
Approximate Cook Times Per Pound
As a general guideline when cooking at 300°F, you can expect your turkey to take:
- 15-17 minutes per pound for an unstuffed bird
- 18-20 minutes per pound for a stuffed turkey
So for a:
- 10 lb unstuffed turkey, cook for 2 1/2 – 3 hours
- 12 lb stuffed turkey, cook for 3 1/2 – 4 hours
- 14 lb unstuffed turkey, cook for 3 1/2 – 4 hours
- 16 lb stuffed turkey, cook for 5 – 5 1/2 hours
- 20 lb unstuffed turkey, cook for 5 – 5 1/2 hours
These cook times are approximate. Always use a meat thermometer to check doneness rather than relying solely on total cook time. But they provide a helpful starting point.
Adjustments for Convection Ovens
If using a convection oven, the hot air circulation will decrease cook time. In general, reduce time by around 25% compared to a conventional oven when cooking at 300°F.
So for a convection oven, plan for:
- 10 lb turkey, cook for 2 – 2 1/4 hours
- 14 lb turkey, cook for 2 3/4 – 3 hours
- 18 lb turkey, cook for 4 – 4 1/2 hours
Check often with a meat thermometer, as convection ovens can sometimes cook faster than expected.
Internal Temperature
For food safety, a whole stuffed turkey should reach 165°F at the thickest part of the breast and stuffing.
For an unstuffed turkey, you can remove it from the oven at a lower breast temp of 150°F since the thigh meat will continue cooking as it rests.
Always confirm doneness by temperature rather than just cook time.
Letting Your Turkey Rest
Once your turkey has reached the proper internal temp, let it rest for a minimum of 30 minutes before carving. This resting allows juices to redistribute for tender, juicy meat. Don’t skip this crucial step!
Other Oven Temperatures
While 300°F is ideal, turkey can be roasted successfully at other oven temperatures:
- 250°F: Approximately 30 minutes per lb
- 275°F: Approximately 25 minutes per lb
- 325°F: Approximately 15 minutes per lb
- 350°F: Approximately 13 minutes per lb
Higher heats will shorten cooking time but may dry out the meat. Lower temperatures will extend cook time but keep the turkey more moist.
Tips for Moist Turkey at 300°F
Follow these tips for foolproof juicy turkey roasted at 300°F:
- Calculate 15-20 minutes per lb based on weight
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness
- Allow turkey to rest before carving
- Reduce cook time by 25% for convection ovens
- Add 1 hour or so for stuffed turkeys
- Monitor closely if cooking at higher temps
- Let turkey rest for at least 30 minutes after cooking
With the proper technique, your 300°F turkey will turn out perfect. The lower oven temperature provides flexibility to roast a beautifully cooked, tender and juicy bird just in time for your holiday feast!
How Long To Cook A Turkey In A Convection Oven
Convection ovens are great because they cook a turkey in less time and with more even results! Convection ovens work by circulating hot air through the oven for faster, more even cooking. Because they are so efficient at cooking, usually both the roasting temperature and time can be reduced when using a convection oven — 300 Degrees F is an excellent place to start!
In This Article (Click To Go To Each Topic)
DISCLAIMER: Its super important to note that you should ALWAYS check the internal temperature of the turkey with a thermometer before determining if your turkey is done. Ill go into more detail about checking the temperature of the turkey below, but I wanted to mention it before you got much further into looking at the cooking times.
Can I cook a turkey at 300 degrees?
FAQ
How long does a turkey take to cook at 300 degrees?
| Cooking Temperature | Weight Unstuffed | Estimated Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|
| 300ºF | 14-18 lbs. | 2½ – 3 hours |
| 300ºF | 18-22 lbs. | 3 – 3½ hours |
What’s the lowest temperature you can cook a turkey at overnight?
There are different thoughts about how low to go, but I like 170-180°F for smaller turkeys and 200°F for larger turkeys (20-24 pounders).
How long to smoke a 19 lb turkey at 300 degrees?
- The larger the bird, the longer it will take to cook and the lower the temperature you should cook it at.
- Cooking times can vary depending on the size and whether the turkey is stuffed.
How many minutes per pound to cook a turkey at 275 degrees?
Truss the bird or tuck the legs and wings however you like. Place the bird, breast-side up, on a rack in a large roasting pan. Cover the whole pan, tenting the bird, with heavy-duty foil so that it’s well sealed. Place in the oven and roast the turkey for about 10 minutes per pound.
How long do you cook a Turkey at 300 degrees?
Place the turkey in a roasting pan and cook it for about 3 hours per pound. The turkey is done cooking when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. Cooking a turkey at 300 degrees Fahrenheit is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this holiday classic.
How long does it take to cook a 12 pound turkey?
The ideal cooking time for a turkey cooked at 300 degrees is approximately 20 minutes per pound. This means that a 12-pound turkey would take around 4 hours to cook thoroughly. However, cooking times may vary depending on various factors such as oven temperature accuracy, turkey size, stuffing, and personal preference.
How long do you cook a Turkey in the oven?
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and cook it for about 3 hours per pound. The turkey is done cooking when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
How long do you cook a stuffed turkey at 300 degrees?
Here are more detailed turkey cooking times for roasting at 300 degrees Fahrenheit: These times are for an unstuffed turkey roasted in the oven at 300 degrees F. If you are cooking a stuffed turkey, plan on adding about 30 minutes to 1 hour to the total cooking time.
What temperature should a Turkey be cooked at?
Cooking a turkey at 300 degrees will result in a slower cooking process, but it will produce juicy and tender meat. By cooking the turkey at a lower temperature, the meat has more time to cook evenly, allowing the flavors to develop and penetrate the meat more effectively.
Can you cook a turkey breast at 300 degrees?
Yes, you can cook a turkey breast at 300 degrees. However, the cooking time will be shorter compared to a whole turkey. It is essential to use a meat thermometer to determine doneness. 12. Can I use herbs and spices on the turkey when cooking at 300 degrees?