How Long Does It Take to Cook a Turkey According to Alton Brown?

Come Thanksgiving a perfectly roasted turkey takes center stage – juicy, tender and golden brown. But nailing the cook time for a whole turkey can cause anxiety for even seasoned cooks. Follow Alton Brown’s renowned turkey recipe and you’ll never have to worry about undercooked or dried out holiday bird again.

Alton Brown revolutionized turkey roasting with his Good Eats roast turkey recipe. His unique technique of spatchcocking, brining and roasting at a high temperature delivers foolproof results every time. But how long exactly does it take to cook a turkey this way? Read on for a breakdown of cook times.

Overview of Alton Brown’s Turkey Roasting Method

Let’s first review the key components of Alton Brown’s roast turkey method:

• Spatchcock – The backbone is removed so the bird lies flat, Cooks more evenly,

• Brine – Soaking in a saltwater solution ensures a juicy, seasoned interior.

• High heat – Starts at 500°F to instantly sear and caramelize the skin.

• Reduced temperature – Once browned, heat is reduced to let the interior gently finish cooking.

• Probe thermometer – Temperature is monitored to determine precisely when done.

This process delivers a turkey with crackling skin wrapped around tender, flavorful meat. But the technique affects overall cook time compared to other methods.

Cook Times for Alton Brown’s Good Eats Roast Turkey

The total time to cook a turkey using Alton Brown’s method depends on two key factors:

1. Weight

Larger birds take longer to cook than smaller ones. Cook times are calculated based on a scale of minutes per pound.

2. Shape

Spatchcocking causes uneven thickness so the breast and thighs may cook at different rates.

Here are general guidelines for estimated cook times:

• 8-12 lb turkey = 2.5-3 hours
• 12-16 lb turkey = 3-3.5 hours
• 16-20 lb turkey = 3.5-4.5 hours
• 20-24 lb turkey = 4.5-5 hours

So for the average 14-16 lb Thanksgiving turkey, plan on around 3 to 3 1/2 hours total cook time when using Alton’s recipe.

Detailed Cook Time Breakdown

Now let’s break the full roasting process into stages with approximate times:

• Prep work – Allow 1-2 days to thaw turkey if frozen. Spatchcock and brine turkey 8-16 hours before roasting.

• Initial high heat – Preheat oven to 500°F. Roast turkey for 30 minutes to brown the skin.

• Reduced heat – Lower oven to 350°F and continue roasting until internal temperature reaches 155°F. For a 16 lb turkey, this takes about 2 more hours.

• Resting – Let turkey rest at least 15 minutes before carving.

So you can expect around 30 minutes high heat roasting plus 2-2.5 hours at reduced heat for a standard Thanksgiving turkey. The total time works out to approximately 3 to 3 1/2 hours including the rest.

Why Alton Brown’s Method Cooks Faster

You may be wondering why Alton Brown’s turkey cooks more quickly compared to traditional recipes. Here are three key reasons:

Higher heat – The initial very high oven temperature rapidly crisps the skin and cooks the outer layers. This head start reduces total time needed.

Spatchcocking – With the backbone removed, the turkey roasts more evenly from breast to thigh. No thick areas to slow cooking.

Brining – The salted water moisturizes the turkey so it can spend less time in the oven before drying out.

Careful monitoring with a probe thermometer also prevents overcooking and removes guesswork for precise timing.

Ensuring Proper Doneness

The most foolproof way to ensure your turkey reaches perfect doneness using Alton Brown’s Good Eats roast turkey recipe is to insert a probe thermometer into the thickest part of the breast before roasting. Set the thermometer alarm to go off when the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 155°F.

The probe takes the guesswork out of determining doneness. Even if the cook time varies slightly from estimates, you’ll know precisely when the turkey hits the target temp for juicy, perfectly cooked meat.

Next Thanksgiving, wow your guests with Alton’s brined, high-heat roasted turkey. In around 3 hours, you’ll have a gorgeous, mouthwatering turkey ready for carving. Master this reliable roasting method, and you can bid dry, overcooked birds goodbye!