Do You Cook a 14 lb Turkey at 325 or 350? The Ultimate Turkey Roasting Guide

As Thanksgiving approaches, turkey takes center stage. Roasting the perfect bird can feel daunting, especially if you’re tackling a 14 lb turkey Should you roast it at 325°F or 350°F? How long will it take to cook through? Have no fear, we’re here to answer all your turkey roasting questions

Determining Oven Temperature

When roasting a turkey, oven temperature plays a key role. Set your oven too low, and you risk undercooking. Crank up the heat too high, and you’ll end up with an overcooked, dried-out bird.

The optimal oven temperature for roasting turkey is 325°F. This temperature strikes the right balance between cooking the meat thoroughly while retaining moisture. At 325°F, expect your 14 lb turkey to take about 3 hours and 45 minutes to reach the safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F.

While 350°F is sometimes recommended, this higher temperature is more likely to result in a dried-out turkey Cooking at 350°F cuts the roasting time down to around 3 hours and 15 minutes for a 14 lb turkey, but sacrifices juiciness

Calculating Roasting Time

Figuring out how long to roast your turkey can seem tricky. The roasting time depends on several factors:

• Turkey weight – Heavier birds take longer to cook than smaller ones.

• Stuffing – Allow 15-30 minutes additional time if your turkey is stuffed.

• Oven temperature – 325°F will require a longer roast than 350°F.

• Frozen vs. thawed – A frozen turkey will take at least 50% longer to cook.

As a general rule of thumb, plan on roasting an unstuffed turkey for 13 minutes per pound at 350°F. For a stuffed turkey, allot 15 minutes per pound.

Here are estimated roasting times for a 14 lb turkey:

• Unstuffed (325°F): About 3 hours, 45 minutes
• Unstuffed (350°F): About 3 hours, 15 minutes
• Stuffed (325°F): Around 4 hours, 30 minutes
• Stuffed (350°F): Approximately 4 hours

Is My Turkey Done?

The only way to accurately assess doneness is to use a food thermometer. Check the internal temperature by inserting the thermometer probe into the thickest part of the thigh and breast, without touching any bone.

For optimal safety and quality, the turkey should reach the following temperatures:

• Breast: 165°F
• Thigh: 175°F

The turkey thigh may read up to 185°F, which is fine as long as the breast doesn’t exceed 165°F. If the breast temperature goes above 165°F, it will dry out quickly.

Pop-up timers and the color of the juices are unreliable ways to gauge doneness. Always rely on a thermometer for accuracy.

Turkey Roasting Tips

Follow these tips for roasting turkey success:

• Thaw safely – Thaw frozen turkeys in the refrigerator 1 day for every 4 lbs. of turkey. This takes 3-5 days for a 14 lb bird.

• Dry out the skin – Gently loosen and lift the skin, then rub butter or oil underneath. This helps the skin get ultra crispy.

• Season generously – Flavor the meat and skin with salt, pepper and aromatic spices like thyme, rosemary, sage.

• Roast on a rack – Elevate the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan, which improves air circulation.

• Baste occasionally – Brush melted butter over the turkey every 30-45 minutes for added moisture.

• Let rest before carving – Allow 20-30 minutes of resting time before slicing for juicier meat.

• Make pan gravy – Use the drippings in the roasting pan to make a simple, flavorful gravy.

Alternatives to Roasting

While roasting is hands-down the most popular cooking method, consider these alternatives for your 14 lb turkey:

• Smoke – Imparts delicious smoky flavor over 4-6 hours on a smoker or grill.

• Deep fry – Cooks the turkey in less than an hour for crispy skin and juicy meat. Use extreme caution due to hot oil.

• Spatchcock – Butterflying and flattening the turkey allows it to cook more quickly and evenly when roasted.

• Slow cook – Cook for 8-10 hours in a slow cooker or Instant Pot for fall-off-the-bone tender turkey.

• Grill – Grilling over indirect heat keeps the turkey moist and infuses grill flavor. Rotate frequently and watch temps.

No matter how you prepare your bird, follow the temperature guidelines above to ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature.

Make Ahead Turkey Tips

Take the stress out of Thanksgiving morning by getting a head start:

• Brine the turkey – Soaking in a saltwater brine solution up to 2 days before roasting seasons the meat and boosts juiciness.

• Dry brine the turkey – Rubbing salt all over the turkey a day or two before roasting both seasons and tenderizes the meat.

• Prep the pan – Assemble your roasting pan with rack and prep any aromatic veggies 1 day ahead.

• Make the stuffing – Bake the stuffing in a casserole dish up to 2 days in advance.

• Prep any rubs or spices – Measure out and mix together your favorite turkey seasoning blend.

• Make gravy – Prepare the gravy up to 2 days ahead, then reheat and adjust seasonings on Thanksgiving.

• Set the table – Cut down on work by setting out dishes, cutlery, napkins and decor up to 2 days early.

Relax and enjoy time with loved ones knowing your perfectly cooked 14 lb turkey and sides are under control. Here’s to a stress-free Thanksgiving feast!