How Long to Cook a Turkey at 375°F for Perfectly Juicy Results

Cooking the star of your Thanksgiving meal – the turkey – can be a daunting task, especially if you’re tackling it for the first time. With so many resources telling you different cooking times and temperatures, how do you know which advice to follow? The good news is that cooking your turkey at 375°F will deliver ideal results every time, as long as you follow a few simple guidelines.

Why 375°F is the Magic Number

Over the years the Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen has tested turkeys cooked at a range of temperatures and determined that 375°F is ideal for evenly cooked, juicy meat and crispy golden brown skin. Here’s why

• 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.

• Renders the fat underneath the skin Turkey needs a high enough temperature for the fat to melt from the skin and self-baste the breast meat 375°F lets this happen without burning the delicate white meat

• Browns the skin perfectly: Lower temperatures won’t brown and crisp the skin. Temps above 400°F run the risk of burning the outside before the inside cooks through. 375°F gives you that picture-perfect, golden brown exterior.

• Cooks evenly: Because 375°F isn’t too scorching hot, it allows the heat to penetrate deep into the turkey to cook the interior evenly with the outside. No dangerously undercooked portions.

Cook Times for 375°F

To estimate how long your turkey will need at 375°F plan for about 15 minutes per pound for an unstuffed turkey. Stuffed birds take longer since the inside has to reach a food-safe 165°F. Give a stuffed turkey about 18 minutes per pound.

Here are some general timelines:

• 8-12 lb. unstuffed turkey: 2 – 2 1/2 hours
• 12-15 lb. unstuffed turkey: 3 – 3 1/2 hours
• 15-18 lb. unstuffed turkey: 3 1/2 – 4 hours
• 18-22 lb. unstuffed turkey: 4 – 4 1/2 hours

For stuffed birds:

• 10-15 lb. stuffed turkey: 3 – 3 1/2 hours
• 15-20 lb. stuffed turkey: 4 – 5 hours
• 20-25 lb. stuffed turkey: 5 – 6 hours

These timings are based on fully thawed birds. If your turkey is still partially frozen, it could take up to 50% longer to allow the interior to defrost and come up to temperature.

Test for Doneness

There are two easy ways to test your turkey for done-ness when cooking at 375°F:

1. Temperature: Use an instant-read thermometer to check the thighs and breasts. The thighs should read 165°F. For the breasts, aim for 155-160°F. The temperature will continue rising as the turkey rests.

2. Color: Insert a knife into the thickest part of the thigh and look at the juices that run out. They should be clear with no traces of pink. Pink or red juices mean the turkey needs more time.

Once the turkey reaches the target temperature and juices run clear, remove it from the oven and let rest for 30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute through the meat for tender, flavorful results.

Prepping Your Turkey for 375°F

To ensure your turkey turns out juicy and delicious, prep it properly before placing it in the oven:

• Thaw completely: Give your frozen turkey 1-3 days to thaw in the fridge depending on size. You can speed up thawing in a cold water bath. Never thaw at room temp.

• Dry brine: Rub salt, spices, and herbs into the turkey a day or two before roasting. This seasons the meat and draws out moisture.

• Truss: Tie the legs together with twine and tuck the wing tips under. This holds the shape for even cooking.

• Use a rack: Place turkey on a rack in a roasting pan to allow air circulation for crispy skin.

• Cook stuffing separately: For food safety, cook stuffing stuffed in the turkey cavity. Cook any extra in a baking dish.

• Baste: Brush turkey with melted butter or turkey drippings during roasting for added moisture and flavor.

Follow These Steps for Turkey at 375°F:

1. Heat oven to 375°F. Prepare and truss turkey.

2. Place turkey on a rack in a roasting pan. Baste with melted butter or oil.

3. Roast turkey, basting occasionally, until thighs reach 165°F and juices run clear.

4. Let turkey rest 30 minutes before carving.

5. Enjoy your perfectly cooked Thanksgiving turkey!

Cooking your turkey at 375°F helps ensure ideal doneness from surface to center with crispy skin and tender meat. For best results, rely on an instant-read thermometer and use the times above as a guide. With these simple tips, your turkey will come out of the oven picture-perfect and delicious every time.