Roasting a perfectly juicy and delicious stuffed turkey may seem daunting but it’s easier than you think with the right techniques. The main question most have is – how long does it take to roast a stuffed turkey? The answer depends on the size of your bird. Follow this guide for ideal roast times and temp for stuffed turkey.
Why Roasting a Stuffed Turkey Takes Longer
Stuffing a turkey before roasting adds great flavor as the stuffing absorbs the turkey juices. However, it does mean a longer cooking time. This is because:
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The inside of the turkey takes longer to reach a safe minimum temperature when stuffed.
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The additional mass of the stuffing conducts heat slower than just the meat.
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Too much stuffing can cause uneven cooking.
The general rule is to allow 15-20 minutes of extra cooking time per pound for a stuffed bird. You want to allow enough time for the deepest part of the stuffing and meat to fully cook through.
How Long Does Stuffed Turkey Take to Roast?
Here are USDA recommended roast times for stuffed turkey at 325°F:
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Weight</th>
<th>Cook Time</th>
<th>Servings</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>8 to 12 pounds</td>
<td>3 to 3 1/2 hours</td>
<td>6 to 9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>12 to 14 pounds</td>
<td>3 1/2 to 4 hours</td>
<td>9 to 10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>14 to 18 pounds</td>
<td>4 to 4 1/4 hours</td>
<td>10 to 13</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>18 to 20 pounds</td>
<td>4 1/4 to 4 3/4 hours</td>
<td>13 to 14</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
These times are a general guideline. Always use a meat thermometer to check doneness rather than relying solely on cook times.
How to Tell When a Stuffed Turkey is Done
The best way to test doneness for stuffed turkey is to insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast, thigh, and stuffing.
- Breast should reach 170°F
- Thigh 175°F
- Stuffing 165°F
The temperature will rise 5-10°F after removing the turkey from the oven as it rests. If the stuffing is not 165°F, return to the oven until fully cooked.
Let the cooked turkey rest at least 20 minutes before removing the stuffing and carving. This allows the juices to fully absorb back into the meat.
Tips for Making Sure Stuffing is Safe
To prevent foodborne illness when making stuffed turkey, follow these safety tips:
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Use a food-safe meat thermometer to verify safe internal temps.
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Loosely stuff the turkey cavities to allow even cooking. Overstuffing can lead to undercooked meat.
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Mix and prepare stuffing just before roasting so it doesn’t sit at room temperature too long before cooking.
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Bake any extra stuffing in a greased casserole dish.
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Never leave stuffing in the cooked turkey longer than 2 hours after roasting completes.
How to Roast the Most Delicious Stuffed Turkey
Follow this simple recipe for tender, juicy meat and savory stuffing:
Ingredients:
- 12-14 lb turkey, giblets removed
- 1 batch bread stuffing
- 1⁄4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp poultry seasoning
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Directions:
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Rinse turkey and pat dry. Mix stuffing and loosely fill cavities. Tie legs together.
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Rub oil all over turkey and sprinkle with seasoning. Place breast up on a rack in roasting pan.
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Roast uncovered at 325°F for 30 minutes. Add 1 cup broth to pan.
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Cover turkey loosely with foil and continue roasting about 3 1/2 to 4 hours until thermometer reaches 170°F breast, 175°F thigh, 165°F stuffing.
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Remove foil last 30 minutes if browning is needed. Let rest 20 minutes before carving.
The Takeaway
Allowing 15-20 extra minutes per pound ensures your stuffed turkey cooks all the way through for food safety. Follow temperature guidelines, not just time, to guarantee delicious results. With these simple tips, your holiday turkey will be a juicy, crowd-pleasing centerpiece.
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Cook the stuffing outside the turkey.
For uniform cooking results, the USDA recommends cooking the stuffing outside of the bird. If you insist on stuffing the turkey, stuff loosely and follow the steps below.
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Check the wrapper to see how much the turkey weighs and determine approximate cooking time (see chart below). Remove the giblet bag from the breast and remove the neck from the turkey cavity. No need to wash the turkey, pat skin dry with paper towels.
- Mix stuffing and lightly fill cavity. Allow 1/2 to 3/4 cup stuffing per pound of turkey. It is safer to understuff than to overstuff the turkey. Stuffing expands during cooking. Refrigerate any leftover stuffing and bake in greased casserole during the last hour of turkey roasting time.
- Place turkey breast side up on a rack in a shallow (about 2 inches deep) roasting pan. Insert meat thermometer in thigh (see Turkey Safety: Using a Thermometer). Add up to 1/2 cup water to the bottom of the pan, if desired.
- Cover turkey loosely with a tent of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Cooking time takes longer for a stuffed turkey. For example, a 20 pound stuffed turkey will take 4 1/4 to 5 1/4 hours to cook. (See timetable below).
- Remove the foil cover after about 1 to 1 1/2 hours of cooking to brown the skin. Brush with vegetable oil to enhance browning, if desired.
- A whole turkey is done when the temperature in the innermost part of the thigh reaches a minimum internal temperature of 165°F as measured with a food thermometer. Check the temperature in the thickest part of the breast, the wing and the stuffing. The stuffing must reach 165°F or higher, if it is not, return it to the oven and continue cooking.
- Check the internal temperature of the stuffing. Insert the thermometer through the cavity into the thickest part of the stuffing and leave it for 5 minutes. Or use an instant red thermometer which will register the temperature after 15 seconds. The stuffing temperature will rise a few degrees after the turkey is removed from the oven. If the center of the stuffing has not reached 165°F after stand time, return the turkey to the oven and continue cooking.
- Allow turkey to set 20 minutes before removing stuffing and carving to allow juices to saturate the meat evenly.
Your First Turkey! Easy Roast Turkey for Beginners for the Holidays!
FAQ
Is it better to cook a stuffed turkey at 325 or 350?
How much longer do you cook a turkey if stuffed?
How long to cook a stuffed turkey per pound calculator?
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WEIGHT
|
COOK TIME UNSTUFFED
|
COOK TIME STUFFED
|
|
6 – 7 lbs
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2 – 2½ hrs
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2¼ – 2¾ hrs
|
|
7 – 10 lbs
|
2½ – 3 hrs
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2¾ – 3½ hrs
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|
10 – 18 lbs
|
3 – 3½ hrs
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3¾ – 4½ hrs
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18 – 22 lbs
|
3½ – 4 hrs
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4½ – 5 hrs
|
Should you cover a stuffed turkey in the oven?
How long does a stuffed turkey take to cook?
A stuffed turkey cooks at a rate of 15 minutes per pound in a 350ºF oven. At this rate, a 6-pound turkey will take 90 minutes (or 1 1/2 hours). A 15-pound turkey will take 225 minutes (or 3 hours and 45 minutes). Be sure to check that both the stuffing and the turkey reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F to prevent food-borne illness.
How long does it take to roast a 12 pound turkey?
1. How long does it take to roast a 12-pound stuffed turkey? For a 12-pound stuffed turkey, it would take approximately 4 hours to roast. 2. Can you roast a turkey at a higher temperature to reduce cooking time?
How long do you cook a 14 pound turkey?
For 12- to 14-pound turkey, roast 3½ to 4 hours. For 14- to 18-pound turkey, roast 4 to 4¼ hours. For 18- to 20-pound turkey, roast 4¼ to 4¾ hours. For 20- to 24-pound turkey, roast 4¾ to 5¼ hours. The safest way to determine your exact roasting time is by checking every 15 minutes or so after the 3-hour mark using a meat thermometer.
Can you cook stuffing inside a Turkey?
To cook a stuffed turkey safely, the stuffing must reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees to prevent the risk of bacteria growth. We don’t typically recommend cooking stuffing inside a turkey because it can dry out your bird. If you want to go the stuffed route, this is the recipe we’d recommend making.