There are a lot of variables to consider when making a Thanksgiving turkey. For instance, you might be wondering how to thaw a turkey, what size turkey to buy, and even how to add flavor by seasoning the turkey and basting it while cooking. One of the most commonly asked questions surrounding the bird: How long does it take to cook a turkey?
With the battle for oven space being limited on Thanksgiving, its no wonder youre curious exactly when the stuffing will go in and the turkey will come out. It could make or break your detailed holiday cooking schedule, after all.
Thats why its important to get your turkeys cooking time right. Use this guide and there will be no guessing games on Thanksgiving Day. To determine the cook time, start with the size of the bird and whether or not its stuffed. (Fans of brined turkeys will also want to factor in an extra day, which is what The Pioneer Woman likes to do.)
The best thing you can do on Thanksgiving Day is plan ahead. Whether youre sticking to a classic roasted turkey or want to try something a little different this year (like Ree Drummonds gussied up bacon-wrapped bird), this helpful guide is here to make sure time is on your side. And no matter what, do like the pros and factor in resting time for your bird. Let the turkey rest for at least 30 minutes after cooking—longer is even better—so that the juices have time to redistribute for the juiciest meat possible.
Roasting a turkey can be an intimidating task especially if you are hosting Thanksgiving dinner for the first time. Figuring out how long to cook your turkey is key to serving up a perfectly roasted bird. The general rule of thumb is to roast turkey at 325°F for 13-15 minutes per pound depending on whether it is stuffed or not. However, cooking times can vary based on the size of your turkey, if you stuffed it, and if it was fully thawed. This article provides a detailed guideline on determining the ideal roasting time for your turkey this Thanksgiving.
Calculating Roasting Time Based on Turkey Weight
The most important factor in determining turkey roasting time is the weight of your raw turkey. Here is a breakdown of approximate roasting times per pound for turkeys of different weights:
- 8 to 12 pound turkey: Roast at 325°F for 13 to 15 minutes per pound (unstuffed), or 15 to 18 minutes per pound (stuffed)
- 12 to 14 pound turkey: Roast at 325°F for 13 to 15 minutes per pound (unstuffed), or 15 to 18 minutes per pound (stuffed)
- 14 to 18 pound turkey: Roast at 325°F for 13 to 15 minutes per pound (unstuffed), or 15 to 18 minutes per pound (stuffed)
- 18 to 20 pound turkey: Roast at 325°F for 13 to 15 minutes per pound (unstuffed), or 15 to 18 minutes per pound (stuffed)
- 20 to 24 pound turkey: Roast at 325°F for 13 to 15 minutes per pound (unstuffed), or 15 to 18 minutes per pound (stuffed)
As you can see, in general you should plan on roasting an unstuffed turkey for 13-15 minutes per pound, and a stuffed turkey for 15-18 minutes per pound The larger the turkey, the longer the total roasting time.
For example, if you have an 18 pound unstuffed turkey, you would roast it for 13-15 minutes per pound:
- 18 lbs x 13 minutes/lb = 234 minutes (3 hours 54 minutes)
- 18 lbs x 15 minutes/lb = 270 minutes (4 hours 30 minutes)
So your 18 pound unstuffed turkey would take between 3 hours 54 minutes and 4 hours 30 minutes to roast in a 325°F oven.
Adjust Roasting Time for a Stuffed Turkey
Stuffing a turkey adds extra insulation to the inside, which means it will take longer for the heat to penetrate and cook the meat thoroughly. So you need to increase the roasting time.
Plan on adding approximately 15-20 extra minutes per pound if your turkey is stuffed.
For example, if you have a 12 pound stuffed turkey:
- 12 lbs x 15 minutes/lb (unstuffed) = 180 minutes (3 hours)
- Add 15-20 minutes per pound: 180 + (12 x 20) = 360 minutes (6 hours)
So your 12 pound stuffed turkey would take around 6 hours to roast at 325°F, compared to just 3 hours if it was unstuffed.
Always use a meat thermometer to confirm your stuffed turkey reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part of the breast and thigh.
Factor in Thawing Time for Frozen Turkeys
If you are starting with a frozen turkey, be sure to calculate in the thawing time. Turkeys need about 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds of weight to thaw in the refrigerator. Here are some examples:
- 12 pound turkey: Allow 3 days in the fridge to thaw
- 16 pound turkey: Allow 4 days in the fridge to thaw
- 20 pound turkey: Allow 5 days in the fridge to thaw
After thawing, you can roast your turkey according to the times listed above. Just remember to remove the giblet bag from the inside before cooking!
The safest method is thawing in the fridge, but you can also thaw in cold water in a sink or bucket, allowing 30 minutes per pound and changing the water every 30 minutes. For a 12 pound turkey, that would take 6 hours in cold water.
Use a Meat Thermometer for Perfect Doneness
While the minutes per pound guideline provides an estimated roasting time, the only way to confirm your turkey is fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone. The turkey is safe to eat once it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
If your turkey is not yet fully cooked when you hit the estimated roasting time, simply continue cooking it, checking the temperature every 15 minutes or so, until it reaches 165°F.
Similarly, if the thermometer shows it is already fully cooked before the recommended time is up, you can remove it from the oven. Always go by temperature over time.
Let Turkey Rest Before Carving
After roasting, it is crucial to allow the turkey to rest for 15-20 minutes before carving it. This resting time allows the juices to reabsorb back into the meat. Slice into turkey too soon, and it will dry out as the juices run out.
So be sure to factor in the resting time into your Thanksgiving dinner timeline. Once the turkey comes out of the oven, cover it loosely with foil and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Then you can proceed to carving and serving that perfect, juicy roasted bird!
Do You Cook a Turkey Longer if it Is Stuffed?
Yes, a stuffed turkey takes longer to cook than an unstuffed bird. The very center of the stuffing must register at least 165 degrees on an instant read thermometer to ensure that its cooked all the way through.
Your best bet? Cook the stuffing separately in a baking dish. This not only reduces the risk of cross contamination, but its also the only way to ensure the stuffing gets golden and slightly crisp on top. Of course, the holidays are all about honoring family traditions, so whether you stuff your bird or not is up to personal preference.
How to Know When the Turkey Is Done
The best way to tell if your turkey is done is to use a meat thermometer. “Even if you only use it once a year for this exact purpose, its worth it,” Ree says. To get the proper reading, insert the meat thermometer into the deepest part of the thigh, taking care to not touch the bone. The turkey is done when it reaches a temperature of 165 degrees.
How long do you cook a turkey per pound in the oven?
FAQ
Is it 15 or 20 minutes per pound for turkey?
Calculate turkey cooking time and temperature. The simplest way to figure out turkey roasting times is to calculate 13 minutes per pound at 350°F for an unstuffed turkey (that’s about 3 hours for a 12-to-14-lb. turkey), or 15 minutes per pound for a stuffed turkey.
Is it better to cook a turkey at 325 or 350?
We recommend roasting turkey at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 13 minutes per pound for an unstuffed turkey.Nov 6, 2024
How many minutes per pound for unstuffed turkey at 325 degrees?
Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the bird between the breast and part of the thigh (being sure not to hit bone). It’s done when the thermometer just reads between 160º and 165ºF. In general, you should plan to cook a turkey for around 15 to 20 minutes per pound at 325ºF.
How long to bake a turkey per pound?
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, you’ll need to …Nov 21, 2024
How long do you cook a Turkey per pound?
The standard rule of turkey roasting time says 13 minutes per pound for unstuffed birds and 15 minutes per pound for the stuffed ones. At what temperature should I cook turkey?
How long does it take to roast a turkey breast?
How Long To Roast Turkey Breast – General Rule: The simplest way to figure out turkey roasting times is to calculate 13 minutes per pound at 350°F for an un-stuffed turkey, or 15 minutes per pound for a stuffed turkey. Or 15 minutes per pound at 325 unstuffed and 17 minutes per pound at 325 for a stuffed turkey.
How long do you cook a stuffed turkey?
The standard rule of turkey roasting time says 13 minutes per pound for unstuffed birds and 15 minutes per pound for the stuffed ones. At what temperature should I cook turkey? Techniques for cooking a turkey vary. Some cooks swear by starting the bird off at 450°F to get a crispy skin.
How long do you cook a Turkey at 325?
Brush the leftover herb butter all over the outside of the turkey, legs, and wings with a basting brush. Roast at 325°F for 13-15 minutes per pound, or until an internal temperature of 165°F is reached when a thermometer is put in the middle of the thigh and breast.
How long do you cook a 12 lb turkey breast?
Use a → Meat Thermometer ← to Check the internal turkey temperature about ¾ of the way through that time, and then again every 10 minutes, and roast until the temperature reads 165°F when checked at the thickest area of the thigh (do not touch the bone) and thickest area of the breast. 8 – 12 lb Turkey Breast, roast at: 325°F for 2 3/4 to 3 hours.
How do you cook a turkey breast in the oven?
Place turkey breast on a roasting rack, in a roasting pan, on the counter at room temperature for 1 hour. Move your oven rack down to the lowest level, and preheat to 325°F or 350°F oven (which ever you are using). It is recommended that your roast your turkey at 325°F so that the middle cooks before the exterior dries out. 4th – Prep Turkey!