Keep frozen. Cook thoroughly to 165.0 degrees F for safety. Preparing your butterball turkey breast: Thaw: Refrigerator: Thaw turkey breast in unopened wrapper, on a tray, in the refrigerator for 1 to 3 days. Do not thaw at room temperature. Quick thaw – cold water: Place unopened turkey breast in sink filled with cold tap water for 4-8 hours. Change water every 30 minutes. Once thawed, keep in refrigerator until ready to cook. Prepare (if cooking from frozen see direction below): 1. Remove packaging: Remove netting and wrapper. Refrigerate gravy packet until ready to use. Drain juices and pat turkey breast with paper towels. 2. Stuff turkey – when roasting, if desired: Stuff turkey breast just before roasting. Lightly fill rib and neck cavities; cover exposed stuffing with foil. Approximate thawing & cooking times: Weight – 3 to 5 1/2 lbs. Thaw* in refrigerator – 1 to 2 days. Roast** unstuffed – 1 1/2-2 1/4 hours. Roast** stuffed – 2-2 3/4 hours. Frozen unstuffed – 3-3 3/4 hours. Grill unstuffed – 1 1/2-2 hours. Weight – 5 1/2 to 9 lbs. Thaw* in refrigerator – 2 to 3 days. Roast** unstuffed – 2 1/4-2 3/4 hours. Roast** stuffed – 2 3/4-3 1/4 hours. Frozen unstuffed – 3 3/4-4 1/2 hours. Grill unstuffed – 2-2 1/2 hours. *Always thaw in unopened wrapper, thaw on tray in refrigerator, or thaw in cold water, change water every 30 minutes. Do not thaw at room temperature. **Use a shallow open pan with a flat rack in a 325 degrees F oven. If turkey is covered or placed in an oven cooking bag, cook time will vary. Roast: 1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. 2. Place prepared turkey breast, skin side up, on flat roasting rack in 2″ deep open roasting pan. Do not add water to pan. 3. Brush or spray skin with vegetable oil; insert oven-safe meat thermometer into the deepest part of the breast, not touching bone. 4. Roast uncovered according to time guidelines chart or until meat thermometer in thickest part of muscle is 170 degrees F. If turkey breast is stuffed, the center of stuffing should be 165 degrees F. Roasting times will vary from guidelines if turkey breast is covered or placed in an oven cooking bag. 5. Let turkey stand 15 minutes before carving. To roast from frozen: 1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. 2. Remove netting and wrapper. 3. Place turkey breast, skin side down, on flat roasting rack in 2″ deep open roasting pan and roast for 1 hour. Do not add water to pan. 4. Carefully remove gravy packet and refrigerate packet until ready to use. 5. Turn turkey breast skin side up; brush or spray skin with vegetable oil; insert oven-safe meat thermometer into the deepest part of the breast, not touching bone. 6. Continue roasting uncovered to an internal temperature of 170 degrees F on a meat thermometer. 7. Let turkey stand 10 minutes before carving. Grill: Go to www.butterball.com for grilling directions and great recipe ideas.
How Long Should You Cook a Butterball Turkey Per Pound for a Perfectly Cooked Bird?
Cooking a turkey can be an intimidating task, especially if you’ve never done it before. With so much food and family memories riding on this centerpiece of the holiday meal, it’s natural to have questions about how to cook your turkey just right. One of the most common questions is “how long do I cook a Butterball turkey per pound?”
Having an accurate calculation for cooking time is crucial to ending up with a moist, flavorful turkey that is properly cooked but not dried out. Follow this guide for tips on calculating cooking times, recommended oven temperatures food safety and more.
Calculating Cook Times for Butterball Turkeys
The general rule of thumb for cooking Butterball whole turkeys is to roast them for 15 minutes per pound. So a 12 lb turkey would cook for about 3 hours at 325°F. Here is a cooking time estimate based on weight:
- 8-12 lbs: Cook 15 minutes per lb (2-3 hours total)
- 12-14 lbs: Cook 15 minutes per lb (3-3.5 hours)
- 14-18 lbs: Cook 15 minutes per lb (3.5-4.5 hrs)
- 18-20 lbs: Cook 15 minutes per lb (4.5-5 hours)
- 20-24 lbs: Cook 15 minutes per lb (5-6 hours)
For stuffed turkeys, extend cooking time by about 30 minutes. For boneless turkey breasts, cook 15 minutes per pound but reduce time by about 15 minutes from whole birds.
While these timings give you a ballpark, it’s best to confirm doneness with a meat thermometer, as actual cooking time can vary based on shape, oven temperature, and more. The minimum safe temperature for turkey is 165°F.
Choosing the Right Oven Temperature
The optimum oven temperature for roasting turkey is 325°F. This relatively low temp allows the interior to cook through without over-browning the exterior.
Higher temperatures like 350°F or 375°F will shorten cooking time but increase the risk of drying out the turkey. Lower temperatures around 300°F will extend cooking time for very large birds over 20 lbs but run the risk of undercooking.
For most standard turkeys under 20 lbs, 325°F is ideal. For convection ovens, reduce temperature by 25°F but check often to avoid overcooking.
Food Safety Tips
To ensure your turkey cooks safely:
- Always thaw frozen turkeys completely in the fridge before roasting. Cook from frozen if needed but extend time.
- Use a meat thermometer to verify 165°F in breast and thigh. Check the stuffing too.
- Don’t rinse raw turkey, which can spread bacteria. Just pat dry.
- Cook within 2 days of thawing. Don’t let raw or cooked turkey sit out over 2 hours.
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and use within 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly.
Letting the Turkey Rest Before Carving
After roasting, it’s crucial to let the turkey rest 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows juices to redistribute for moister meat. Tent loosely with foil to keep warm.
The resting time also allows the internal temperature to rise slightly to 170°F for optimum safety and tenderness. So be sure to double check temperature after resting.
Trussing, Basting, and Other Turkey Tips
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Trussing (tying) the legs together helps promote even cooking.
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Basting isn’t necessary as Butterball turkeys contain a natural basting solution. But you can baste every 30 minutes if desired.
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Cook stuffing separately to ensure it reaches 165°F. Stuffing internally slows cooking.
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Add broth or water to the roasting pan to prevent drippings from burning.
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Place turkey breast up on a rack in a shallow roasting pan for air circulation.
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Rub skin with oil or butter and seasonings of choice to promote browning.
Get Perfectly Cooked Turkey Every Time
Following the basic timing guidelines of 15 minutes per pound, using a meat thermometer to confirm doneness, and sticking to food safety best practices will help you roast the perfect Butterball turkey.
For more turkey tips from cooking whole birds to just breasts, thighs, drumsticks and wings, visit Butterball’s Turkey Talk Line and website. With the right info, you can enjoy juicy, delicious turkey confidently!
DescriptionButterball® Whole Turkey Breast with Ribs and Back Portion.Contains upto 18% of a solution of water, salt, natural flavors.*No artificial ingredients.Minimally processed.+Except for the gravy packet.All natural*+.American Humane certified.humaneheartland.org.Inspected for wholesomeness by U.S. Department of Agriculture.USDA Grade A.Gravy packet included.Gluten free.Always tender & juicy.
| Title | Raw Turkey |
| Energy | 160 |
| Total Fat | 4.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5 g |
| Trans Fat | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 70 mg |
| Sodium | 410 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 0 g |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Daily Percent Of Calcium | 2 |
| Daily Percent Of Iron | 10 |
How to Roast a Turkey – Butterball
FAQ
How many minutes per pound do you cook a Butterball turkey?
The BRAND of the turkey doesn’t matter. You roast a turkey, at 325 F, for 20 minutes per pound. So, a 20 lb turkey takes about 6.5 – 7 hours to cook. I don’t know how much time it takes to fry or smoke a turkey.
Is it better to cook a turkey at 325 or 350?
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Crispy skin:Cooking at a slightly higher temperature like 350 degrees can help brown the skin more effectively, creating a crispier texture.
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Moist meat:While a higher temperature might seem like it could dry out the meat, using a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature and ensuring you don’t overcook is key to keeping the turkey juicy regardless of the cooking temperature.
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Cooking time:Cooking at 325 degrees will typically take longer than cooking at 350 degrees.
Do you cook a turkey covered or uncovered Butterball?
Cover pan completely with foil for the entire cooking time. Cover breast loosely with foil after 1 to 1 1/4 hours to prevent over-browning and drying. Begin checking the turkey for doneness about 30 minutes before the recommended cook time. Your turkey is done when the meat thermometer reaches 140° F in thigh.
Should you put butter under the skin of a Butterball turkey?
Should I put butter under the skin of my turkey? Yes! Adding a layer of butter under the skin of the turkey not only adds flavor but it also adds moisture. Whether you are roasting your turkey or air frying it I highly suggest using this technique.
How long do you cook a Butterball turkey?
When it comes to roasting a Butterball turkey, knowing the cooking time is essential for achieving a juicy and perfectly cooked bird. The cooking time varies depending on the weight of the turkey. However, on average, you should cook a Butterball turkey for about 15 minutes per pound. How long should I let my Butterball turkey rest before carving?
How long to deep fry a Butterball turkey?
If you are deep-frying a Butterball turkey, you should allow 3-4 minutes of cooking time per pound at a fryer temperature of 350°F (177°C). How long to cook a Butterball turkey overnight? It is not recommended to cook a Butterball turkey overnight.
How long do you cook a 14 lb Turkey?
We recommend roasting turkey at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 13 minutes per pound for an unstuffed turkey. We’ve done the math for you — check out the chart below to determine both turkey cook times and estimated servings (with leftovers!). How long do you cook a 14 lb turkey in a Butterball fryer?
What temperature should a Butterball turkey be cooked at?
**The cooking time for a Butterball turkey is approximately 10 minutes per pound when roasted at 325°F (163°C).** To ensure that your turkey is cooked to perfection, use a food thermometer to verify if it has reached the recommended internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
How long do you cook a Butterball turkey in a slow cooker?
A rolled and tied Butterball turkey needs to be cooked for approximately 15 minutes per pound at a temperature of 325°F (162°C). How long to cook a Butterball turkey in a slow cooker?
How do you cook a 3 lb Butterball turkey breast?
A: There are a few different ways to cook a 3 lb Butterball turkey breast. You can roast it in the oven, cook it in a slow cooker, or grill it. To roast the turkey breast in the oven, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the turkey breast in a roasting pan and rub it with olive oil.