Whether youre cooking your first Thanksgiving dinner or trying to put on an impressive Christmas feast, roasting a whole turkey can seem a bit intimidating. We recommend starting with an easy traditional turkey recipe thats likely to come out well even if you make a few minor mistakes. Make sure that your turkey is thawed before you begin, and make sure to remove the giblets from the cavity. Then, equip yourself with a little knowledge about the best time and temperature to cook your turkey at and youll be ready to create a meal to remember!
Cooking a turkey can be intimidating, especially when it comes to determining the right temperature and cook time. Many recipes call for roasting the turkey at 350°F, but some recommend going up to 375°F for a faster cook time. So how long does it actually take to cook a turkey at 375°F?
Here’s a comprehensive guide to achieving a moist, flavorful and safely cooked turkey using an oven temperature of 375°F.
Why Cook a Turkey at 375°F?
Cooking the turkey at a higher temperature like 375°F can help
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Shorten the cook time compared to lower oven temperatures like 325°F. This allows the turkey to cook faster so it’s ready on time for your holiday meal.
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Crisp up and brown the skin nicely for delicious flavor and texture.
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Kill any bacteria on the surface and outer portions more quickly and effectively.
However, high heat can also lead to overcooking if you aren’t careful. The key is to use an accurate meat thermometer and monitor the temperature closely so you pull it out at just the right time.
Factors That Affect Turkey Cook Time
Several factors impact exactly how long your turkey will need to cook at 375°F:
1. Weight of the Turkey
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Obviously, a 20 lb turkey will take longer to cook than a 12 lb turkey.
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The general rule of thumb is to calculate 12-15 minutes per pound for an unstuffed turkey.
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For a stuffed turkey, calculate closer to 15 minutes per pound.
2. Amount of Stuffing
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A stuffed turkey will require more cook time than an unstuffed turkey.
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This is because the heat needs time to penetrate and cook the center of the stuffing to a safe internal temperature.
3. Whether It Is Fully Thawed
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A frozen or partially frozen turkey will take significantly longer to cook than a fully thawed turkey.
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Tack on an extra 30-45 minutes if the turkey is still partially frozen when cooking.
4. Temperature of Turkey When It Goes In
- Allowing the turkey to come up to room temperature before cooking can shave off some additional cook time.
Cook Times for Whole Turkey at 375°F
Here are general guidelines for how long to roast a whole turkey at 375°F:
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Unstuffed Turkey Cook Times:
- 8-12 lbs: 1 hour 45 mins – 2 hours 30 mins
- 12-14 lbs: 2 hours 30 mins – 3 hours
- 14-18 lbs: 3 hours – 3 hours 45 mins
- 18-22 lbs: 3 hours 45 mins – 4 hours 30 mins
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Stuffed Turkey Cook Times:
- 8-12 lbs: 3 hours – 3 hours 30 mins
- 12-14 lbs: 3 hours 30 mins – 4 hours
- 14-18 lbs: 4 hours – 4 hours 30 mins
- 18-22 lbs: 4 hours 30 mins – 5 hours 15 mins
These cook times are based on a fully thawed turkey cooked at a consistent 375°F the entire time.
How to Tell When Turkey is Done at 375°F
While the above cook times can give you an estimate, the best way to tell when your turkey is perfectly cooked is to use a meat thermometer.
Here are the safe internal temperatures turkey should reach before removing from the oven:
- Breast Meat: 160°F
- Thigh Meat: 175°F
The juices should also run clear when you insert a knife into the thickest part of the thigh.
If your turkey is stuffed, the center of the stuffing should reach 165°F as well.
Using an instant read digital meat thermometer is highly recommended for accuracy and food safety. Check the temperatures in both the breast and thigh meat in multiple spots to ensure even cooking.
Tips for Moist, Flavorful Turkey at 375°F
Follow these tips for a delicious, moist turkey cooked at 375°F:
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Brine the Turkey: Soaking the turkey in a saltwater brine before cooking infuses flavor and moisture into the meat.
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Rub with Oil or Butter: Coat the skin with oil or butter and seasoning to help crisp up the skin.
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Use Aromatics: Stuff the cavity with aromatics like onions, garlic, citrus, herbs or use a flavorful compound butter under the skin.
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Baste Frequently: Baste the turkey every 30 minutes with the pan drippings to prevent drying out.
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Let It Rest: Allow the turkey to rest for 15-30 minutes before carving to lock in the juices.
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Monitor with Meat Thermometer: Use an accurate digital meat thermometer to determine perfect doneness.
Cooking turkey at 375°F can deliver a faster cook time than lower oven temperatures, resulting in crispy skin and moist meat when done properly. Allow 12-15 minutes per pound for unstuffed turkey, and 15 minutes per pound for stuffed. Rely on a meat thermometer over cook times to determine perfect doneness. With the right monitoring and some flavor-building techniques, you can enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving turkey cooked at 375°F.
What’s the Difference in Cook Time for a Stuffed Turkey vs. an Unstuffed Turkey?
A stuffed turkey takes longer to cook than an unstuffed turkey, since the heat of the oven can only penetrate the outside of the bird. Youll also need to make sure that the center of the stuffing is cooked to a safe temperature as well as the meat.
How long to cook Turkey
Whether youre cooking your first Thanksgiving dinner or trying to put on an impressive Christmas feast, roasting a whole turkey can seem a bit intimidating. We recommend starting with an easy traditional turkey recipe thats likely to come out well even if you make a few minor mistakes. Make sure that your turkey is thawed before you begin, and make sure to remove the giblets from the cavity. Then, equip yourself with a little knowledge about the best time and temperature to cook your turkey at and youll be ready to create a meal to remember!
How long do you cook a turkey per pound in the oven?
FAQ
How long does a turkey cook at 375 degrees?
325 degrees: 15 minutes per pound. 350 degrees: 13 minutes per pound. 375 degrees: 12 minutes per pound. 400 degrees: 10 to 12 minutes per pound.
Is 375 good for a turkey?
If you’re wondering what temperature to cook a stuffed turkey, it’s the same number: 375℉. What temperature do you cook a 16-pound turkey? 375℉.Nov 25, 2024
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.
Can you cook turkey breast at 375 degrees?
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place a 3 to 8 pound turkey breast skin side up on the rack of a roasting pan, or into a lightly greased 9×13 pan.
How long does it take to cook a Turkey at 375?
Cooks the turkey quickly: At 375°F, your turkey will cook in 2-3 hours depending on weight. This gives you ample time for the bird to roast while leaving room for prep work and side dishes. Lower temperatures would require a longer cook time while higher heat tends to dry out the meat.
How long does it take to cook a 12 pound turkey?
At 375 degrees, the turkey will reach its optimum temperature much more quickly. Expect the bird to cook at a rate of 10 to 12 minutes per pound. That means a 12-pound bird could be finished cooking in just 2 hours. The downside to this is that the meat won’t have as much smoke flavor as it would if it were allowed to cook at a lower temperature.
How do you cook an unstuffed Turkey at 375?
Use these guidelines for roasting an unstuffed turkey at 375°F to get a juicy, perfectly cooked bird. Always verify final doneness with a thermometer. An unstuffed turkey cooks more quickly than a stuffed one, so allot slightly less time. Basting is also easier without the body cavity filled.
Can you cook a Turkey at 375 degrees?
When cooking at 375°F it is important to make sure you don’t get overcooked turkey on the outside, while the meat remains undercooked. Remember, this is a big bird and you want to make sure it cooks thoroughly There is also a risk of serving your guests a dry turkey, but more of that later in my cooking tips.
How long to cook a stuffed turkey?
The general rule is 15 to 20 minutes per pound of turkey when cooking an unstuffed turkey. If family tradition calls for roasting a stuffed turkey, though, try cooking it according to the chart above based on its size. Once your thermometer reads 165° in the breast or 175° in the thigh, take the temperature of the stuffing.
What temperature do you cook a 10 pound turkey?
This temperature works well for all sizes from 10 to 20+ pounds. Just be sure to allow 15 minutes per pound for good results. As you can see, setting your oven to 375°F is a smart choice for roasting tender, flavorful holiday turkey with golden crispy skin.