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

As Thanksgiving approaches, home cooks everywhere are gearing up to roast the star of the holiday meal – turkey! But one question always looms large – how long does it take to cook a turkey to golden juicy perfection? Luckily, we have expert advice from beloved Food Network star Alton Brown. Let’s break down Alton’s tips for roasting times based on turkey size so your bird turns out moist and flavorful.

Alton Brown’s Turkey Roasting Formulas

Alton Brown provides approximate roasting times for turkeys of all sizes in many of his popular recipes and TV shows, Here are his guidelines

• 12-14 lb turkey: Cook at 500F for 30 minutes, then reduce heat to 350F. Cook about 2 more hours until breast temp reaches 155F. Total time: 2.5-3 hours.

• 14-16 lb turkey: Cook at 500F for 30 minutes, then reduce heat to 350F. Cook about 2-2.5 more hours until breast temp reaches 155F. Total time: 2.5-3 hours.

• 16-18 lb turkey: Cook at 500F for 30 minutes, then reduce heat to 350F. Cook about 2.5-3 more hours until breast temp reaches 155F. Total time: 3-3.5 hours.

• 18-20 lb turkey: Cook at 500F for 30 minutes, then reduce heat to 350F. Cook about 3-3.5 more hours until breast temp reaches 155F. Total time: 3.5-4 hours.

• 20-24 lb turkey: Cook at 500F for 30 minutes, then reduce heat to 350F. Cook about 3.5-4 more hours until breast temp reaches 155F. Total time: 4-4.5 hours.

The exact roasting time depends on the shape and density of your specific bird. But in general, plan for 15-20 minutes per pound at 350F after the initial high heat searing.

Why Alton Browns’s Recipe Works

There are a few keys that make Alton Brown’s turkey roasting method so successful:

1. Sear at high heat first – Starting the turkey at 500F for 30 minutes browns the skin beautifully and locks in juices.

2. Lower heat for gentler roasting – Dropping to 350F slows down cooking to gently finish roasting without overdrying meat.

3. Cook to temperature, not time – Measuring internal temp with a meat thermometer prevents over or undercooking.

4. Rest before carving – Letting the turkey rest after roasting allows juices to redistribute for moister meat.

Reviewing Alton’s Roast Turkey Recipes

Let’s examine Alton Brown’s actual recipes and their precise timing guidelines:

Traditional Roast Turkey

• 12-14 lb: 2.5-3 hours total
• 14-16 lb: 2.5-3 hours total
• Cook 30 min at 500F, then at 350F until 155F breast temp

Good Eats Roast Turkey

• 14-16 lb: 2.5-3 hours total
• 16-18 lb: 3-3.5 hours total
• 18-20 lb: 3.5-4 hours total
• Cook 30 min at 500F, remainder at 350F to 155F

Ultimate Fried Turkey

• 12-14 lb: 2.75-3 hours total
• Cook 30 min at 500F, then 18-20 min per lb at 350F

Spatchcock Roast Turkey

• Cook 50-60 minutes total at 400F until 155F

So based on Alton’s popular recipes, you can see his general guidelines for cooking times based on turkey size. Monitor temperature and adjust roast time as needed.

Additional Tips for Perfectly Cooked Turkey

To ensure tender, juicy turkey using Alton Brown’s formulas, keep these extra tips in mind:

• Always thaw turkey completely before roasting
• Brine turkey for added moisture and flavor
• Use a meat thermometer for accurate doneness
• Tent turkey with foil if skin browns too fast
• Let turkey rest 20-30 minutes before carving

With Alton Brown’s straightforward roasting times to follow, you’ll enjoy a showstopping turkey this Thanksgiving! Just be sure to factor in thawing, brining, and resting for your total timetable. Now prepare for rave reviews from friends and family.