The most feared part of cooking a turkey is about to be talked about: How Long to Cook a Turkey? There’s nothing more nerve-wracking then wondering if you’re going to overcook the bird. I’ve broken every step down for you, meaning you can now begin your turkey takedown with confidence!.
I can help you figure out when to thaw, brine, and bake your turkey, whether it’s a small 4-pound turkey breast or a huge 24-pound whole bird.
I also gave you some of my best tips and tricks for finding out when your turkey is done (spoiler alert: you’ll want one of these).
To see everything, scroll down. You can also use the Table of Contents box above to quickly find what you want to read.
You can also print out a chart that shows how long to cook a turkey in the oven. It has turkey cook times at the end.
The cook times below are for turkeys that are not stuffed (stuffing cooked outside the bird) and turkeys that are stuffed (stuffing cooked inside the bird).
It’s important to keep an eye on things while they’re cooking to make sure everything turns out just right.
Cooking a juicy, flavorful turkey is the centerpiece of many holiday meals Getting the cook time just right ensures your turkey ends up golden brown on the outside and tender and moist on the inside Many recipes call for roasting the turkey at 450 degrees Fahrenheit. But how long should you cook it at this high temperature? Here’s what you need to know.
Why Cook a Turkey at 450 Degrees?
Cooking the turkey at a high temperature like 450 degrees allows the outside of the turkey to quickly reach the desired golden brown color. The high heat crisps up and browns the skin nicely It also gives a nice sear to the outer layer of meat
The advantage of starting at a high temp is that you can shorten the total cooking time. This helps keep the turkey moist and tender. Long, slow cooking can sometimes lead to the turkey drying out.
Cooking at 450 degrees gives you the best of both worlds – browned, crispy skin along with a juicy interior. It’s a great technique for holidays when you are pressed for time but don’t want to sacrifice flavor.
Cook Times Vary by Turkey Size
How long you cook the turkey depends largely on the size of the bird. A good rule of thumb is to plan for 15-20 minutes per pound at 450 degrees. But here are some more specifics:
- Small turkeys (8-12 lbs): Cook for 2-2.5 hours
- Medium turkeys (12-16 lbs): Cook for 2.5-3 hours
- Large turkeys (16-20 lbs): Cook for 3-4 hours
- Extra large turkeys (20+ lbs): Cook for 4-5 hours
These times are for an unstuffed turkey. If you stuff your turkey, plan to add about 30 minutes to the cook time.
It’s always smart to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness instead of relying solely on cook times. Turkey should reach 165 degrees F in the thickest part of the breast and thigh.
Additional Tips for 450 Degree Turkey
Here are some additional tips to ensure turkey success:
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Let the turkey sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook more quickly and evenly.
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Arrange an oven rack in the lower third of the oven before preheating. This puts the turkey closer to the heat source for optimal browning.
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Rub the skin with olive oil or butter before cooking. This helps promote browning.
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Use a roasting pan that is 2-3 inches larger than the turkey. This prevents overcrowding and uneven cooking.
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Place the turkey breast side up on a roasting rack. The rack allows air circulation for even cooking.
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Baste the turkey with pan juices every 30 minutes while it cooks. This keeps the skin from drying out.
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Tent the turkey loosely with foil if it is browning too quickly. The foil traps in some heat and moisture.
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Allow the turkey to rest 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows juices to redistribute for maximum moistness.
Should You Cook Stuffing Inside the Turkey?
Many people opt to cook their stuffing inside the turkey cavity. This adds great flavor. However, it does increase the risk of bacterial contamination and undercooking.
The USDA recommends against cooking stuffing inside the turkey. Instead, it’s safest to cook stuffing in a casserole dish alongside the turkey.
If you do opt to stuff your turkey, follow these tips:
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Use a food thermometer to ensure the center of the stuffing reaches 165 degrees F.
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Stuff loosely to allow proper heat circulation.
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Mix the wet and dry ingredients just before filling the turkey. Don’t stuff too far in advance.
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Never store raw or cooked stuffing inside the turkey. Refrigerate separately.
How to Tell When Your Turkey is Done
Using a food thermometer is the only way to accurately determine doneness. Turkey should reach the following internal temperatures:
- 165 degrees F in the thickest part of the breast
- 165 degrees F in the innermost part of the thigh
- 165 degrees F in the innermost part of the wing
The juices should run clear when you insert a fork or knife into the thickest section of the thigh. Let the turkey rest for 20-30 minutes once removed from the oven so juices can redistribute for moist, flavorful meat.
If your turkey reaches the ideal internal temperature before the recommended cook time, go ahead and remove it from the oven. Following cook times is a good guideline, but thermometer readings are what truly determine doneness.
What If Your Turkey is Not Done on Time?
If your turkey is not yet fully cooked when the recommended cook time is up, do not panic. Keep it in the oven and continue checking the temperature every 10-15 minutes until it reaches 165 degrees F.
You can also tent it with foil to prevent over-browning. Just be sure to keep cooking until food safety standards are met. The most important thing is thoroughly cooked meat, even if it takes slightly longer than expected.
Let Your Turkey Rest Before Carving
Never slice into a piping hot turkey right out of the oven. Let it rest for 20-30 minutes first. During this time, the juices redistribute through the meat. Carving too soon can cause the juices to run out, resulting in drier meat.
Tent the turkey loosely with foil while it rests to retain heat. The turkey will still be plenty warm for serving after the short rest time. Just be sure to carve it within 30-40 minutes or it can start to cool off.
Enjoy Perfectly Cooked Turkey and Delicious Leftovers
Cooking turkey at 450 degrees F delivers a beautifully browned exterior along with tender, juicy meat when followed properly. Refer to the size guidelines, use a meat thermometer, and let your bird rest before enjoying.
Proper carving and storage of the leftovers will allow you to enjoy delicious turkey sandwiches and soups for days after your holiday feast. Follow these tips for turkey success at 450 degrees.
How to Know When Your Turkey Is Done
The best and only foolproof way to check a turkey for doneness is to use an instant read thermometer like this one.
- The breast should be 150 to 155 degrees F and the thigh should be 165 degrees F for a turkey to be done.
- Close enough to touch the bone but not too close.
- The turkey’s temperature will rise as it rests.
You can also poke your turkey with a fork (try a few different spots) and watch the juices come out. If the juices are still pink or reddish in color, the turkey is not done. If the juices are clear, the turkey is done. However, if the turkey has been frozen, the thigh juices will often run red, even if the turkey is cooked all the way through.
The best, safest (and I’d say only) bet: an instant read thermometer.
Unstuffed Turkey Cooking Times
At 325 degrees F, these times are based on cooking a turkey that is at room temperature the whole time. Allow 10 to 12 minutes per pound.
- 45 minutes to an hour and a half for 6 to 8 pounds
- Between 1 hour and 2 hours for 8 to 10 pounds
- 10 to 12 pounds: 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours and 30 minutes
- 2 to 2 and a half hours for 12 to 14 pounds
- 14 to 16 pounds: 2 hours and 15 minutes to 3 hours and 15 minutes
- 16 to 18 pounds: 2 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours and 45 minutes
- 18 to 20 pounds: 3 hours to 4 hours
- 20 to 24 pounds: 3 hours and 15 minutes to 4 hours and 45 minutes
Starting a turkey at room temperature at 450 degrees F and lowering it to 325 degrees F after 45 minutes to an hour is what these times are based on. This is what is recommended for crispy skin.
- 6 to 8 pounds: 35 minutes to 1 hour
- 8 to 10 pounds: 1 hour to 1 hour and a half
- About an hour and a half to an hour and a half for 10 to 12 pounds
- 12 to 14 pounds: 1 hour and a half to two hours
- 14 to 16 pounds: 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes
- 16 to 18 pounds: 2 hours and 15 minutes to 2 hours and 30 minutes
- About two and a half to three hours for 18 to 20 pounds
- 20 to 24 pounds: 3 hours to 3 hours 30 minutes
How long do you cook a turkey per pound in the oven?
FAQ
Is 450 too hot for turkey?
How long to cook a 15 lb turkey?
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Turkey Weight
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Servings
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Cooking Time
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12 to 14 lb
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8 to 10
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2 3/4 to 3 hours
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15 to 18 lb
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10 to 12
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3 1/4 to 4 hours
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18 to 20 lb
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12 to 14
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4 to 4 1/4 hours
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20 to 22 lb
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14 to 16
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4 1/4 to 4 3/4 hours
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Should you start roasting a turkey at a high temperature?
How long does it take to cook a Turkey at 325?
These times are based on cooking a room temperature turkey at 325 degrees F the entire time; plan on 10 to 12 minutes per pound. These times are based on starting a room temperature turkey at high temp (450 degrees F), then lowering it to 325 degrees F after 45 minutes to 1 hour (recommended for crispy skin).
How long do you cook a 12 lb Turkey?
The suggested cooking times below are for a turkey that’s roasted at 325 degrees. 8 to 12 pounds: 2 3/4 to 3 hours 12 to 14 pounds: 3 to 3 3/4 hours 14 to 18 pounds: 3 3/4 to 4 1/4 hours 18 to 20 pounds: 4 1/4 to 4 1/2 hours 20 to 24 pounds 4 1/2 to 5 hours 8 to 12 pounds: 3 to 3 1/2 hours 12 to 14 pounds: 3 1/2 to 4 hours
How long does it take to cook a Turkey in the oven?
If possible, place turkey in oven with legs to the back of the oven so they are in the hottest part of oven. Roast uncovered 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes, watching carefully. After roasting about 1 hour 30 minutes, wearing oven mitts that cover hands and wrists, place tent of foil loosely over turkey when it begins to turn golden.
How long does it take to roast a Turkey?
As a general rule of thumb, plan on roasting your turkey for 15 to 20 minutes per pound—though to prevent undercooking or overcooking the bird, a thermometer reading will be your best bet. The suggested cooking times below are for a turkey that’s roasted at 325 degrees. 8 to 12 pounds: 2 3/4 to 3 hours 12 to 14 pounds: 3 to 3 3/4 hours
What temperature should a Turkey be cooked at?
Our Test Kitchen recommends roasting a turkey at a steady 325º for the entire cook time. This temperature is low enough that you don’t need to worry about moisture evaporating quickly and drying out the turkey, but it’s also warm enough to cook the bird all the way through at a quick pace.
How long do you cook a Thanksgiving turkey at room temperature?
In one of our favorite Thanksgiving turkey recipes, the post-brine pieces sit at room temperature for 2 hours before roasting at 425° for 20–25 minutes, then 300° for 50–70 minutes longer.