Between baking homemade pies, warming everyones favorite holiday casseroles, and browning the dinner rolls, the battle for oven space on Turkey Day can be intense. To pull off the perfect feast, you have to have a detailed schedule, knowing exactly when the stuffing will go in and the mac and cheese will come out. And then theres the true hog of the oven: the ever-important roasted turkey. Not only does it require lots of space to roast to juicy perfection, it requires plenty of time. But just how much time?
No matter how tasty the sides or stunning the dessert table, the success of a Thanksgiving feast all falls on the the turkey. What more can we say? Turkey Day is all about the bird! Thats why its important to know how to thaw a turkey, add flavor by seasoning the turkey and basting it while cooking, and how long to cook it. 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.
Cooking the perfect turkey for Thanksgiving or any special occasion requires knowing how long to cook it. The traditional guidance has been to allow 15-20 minutes per pound, but is this still accurate? Let’s take a detailed look at turkey roasting times and temperatures.
The Importance of Properly Cooking a Turkey
Undercooked turkey can contain dangerous bacteria like Salmonella and Clostridium perfringens The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) states that stuffing alone needs to reach 165°F internally, while the whole turkey itself should hit at least 175°F in the innermost part of the thigh and wing and 165°F in the thickest part of the breast
Using an accurate meat thermometer is crucial – don’t rely on the pop-up indicator which can be unreliable. Foodborne illnesses can quickly ruin a holiday celebration, so follow proper roasting guidelines carefully.
Calculating Roasting Time by the Pound
The traditional method for calculating turkey roasting time is to allow 15-20 minutes per pound. This accounts for the extra time needed if stuffing the turkey, which inhibits heat transfer.
For an unstuffed turkey, allow 13 minutes per pound at 350°F oven temperature. So a 12-14 lb turkey would take about 3 hours to roast.
For a stuffed turkey, allow 15 minutes per pound at 350°F. The stuffing acts as an insulator, requiring more roasting time.
Here’s a timetable per turkey size
- 8-12 lbs: 2 hr 45 min – 3 hrs (unstuffed), 3 hrs – 3 hrs 30 mins (stuffed)
- 12-14 lbs: 3 hrs – 3 hrs 45 mins (unstuffed), 3 hrs 30 mins – 4 hrs (stuffed)
- 14-18 lbs: 3 hrs 45 mins – 4 hrs 15 mins (unstuffed), 4 hrs – 4 hrs 15 mins (stuffed)
- 18-20 lbs: 4 hrs 15 mins – 4 hrs 30 mins (unstuffed), 4 hrs 15 mins – 4 hrs 45 mins (stuffed)
- 20-24 lbs: 4 hrs 30 mins – 5 hrs (unstuffed), 4 hrs 45 mins – 5 hrs 15 mins (stuffed)
While helpful for estimating, don’t rely solely on minutes per pound. Always use a meat thermometer to determine doneness.
Key Factors Impacting Roasting Time
Several factors beyond just the weight impact total roasting duration
-
Turkey shape: A tall, narrow turkey takes longer than a wide, shallow one of the same weight.
-
Cooking method: Roasting, smoking, grilling, and frying all require different times.
-
Temperature: Higher oven heat decreases cooking time but can dry out the meat. 325°F is optimal.
-
Brining: Soaking the turkey in a saltwater brine adds moisture but can increase roasting time slightly.
-
Stuffing: An unstuffed turkey roasts faster than a stuffed one. Cook stuffing separately for food safety.
-
Thawing: Allow 1-2 days thawing in the fridge for every 4-5 lbs. A frozen turkey requires longer roasting.
-
Equipment: Use an oven thermometer to confirm temperature. Dark metal pans brown faster than shiny pans.
Handy Time-Saving Tips
-
Cut up the carcass: Spatchcocking or cutting the backbone helps the turkey cook faster.
-
Preheat properly: Allow at least 30 minutes for your oven to fully preheat before cooking.
-
Cook at a lower temp: Try cooking at 300°F instead of 350°F for juicier meat. Add 30-60 mins to total time.
-
Use a meat thermometer: Check the internal temperature in multiple places to determine doneness, not color.
-
Avoid opening the oven: Don’t baste or open the oven unnecessarily. This adds significant roasting time.
-
Let it rest: Allow at least 30 minutes of resting after roasting so juices can absorb back into the meat before carving.
Helpful Alternatives to Whole Roasted Turkey
If cooking an entire turkey seems intimidating, consider these simpler options:
-
Roast just a turkey breast instead of a whole bird. They cook faster, about 30-40 mins per pound at 350°F.
-
Make turkey parts like drumsticks or wings. They require less time compared to a full turkey.
-
Smoke or grill boneless turkey breast. It roasts more quickly than bone-in and gains delicious flavor.
-
Prepare an unstuffed turkey roulade rolled up with filling. Bread stuffing cooks faster outside the turkey.
-
Fry or roast boneless turkey thighs or legs. They absorb marinades well and don’t need much time.
-
Make flavorful ground turkey dishes like meatballs, burgers, or chili for a fun twist.
When planning your holiday turkey feast, allow about 13-15 minutes per pound roasting time as a general guideline. However, let your meat thermometer be the final judge for determining doneness and preventing foodborne illness. Factors like brining, stuffing, thawing, and turkey shape can all impact total cooking duration as well. With some preparation and patience, your festivities will be blessed with a perfectly cooked, golden brown turkey this year.
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. An unstuffed turkey must also reach 165 degrees, but the thermometer probe should be inserted in the deepest part of the thigh, taking care to not touch the bone, to give an accurate reading.
Our advice? 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 long per pound do I cook my turkey?
Roasting times for the turkey will vary based on the size of the bird as well as whether its stuffed or unstuffed. 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, a thermometer reading will be your best bet. The suggested cooking times below are for a turkey thats roasted at 325 degrees.
8 to 12 pounds: 2 3/4 to 3 hours
12 to 14 pounds: 3 to 3 3/4 hours
14 to 18 pounds: 3 3/4 to 4 1/4 hours
18 to 20 pounds: 4 1/4 to 4 1/2 hours
20 to 24 pounds 4 1/2 to 5 hours
8 to 12 pounds: 3 to 3 1/2 hours
12 to 14 pounds: 3 1/2 to 4 hours
14 to 18 pounds: 4 to 4 1/4 hours
18 to 20 pounds: 4 1/4 to 4 3/4 hours
20 to 24 pounds 4 3/4 to 5 1/4 hours
How long do you cook a turkey per pound in the oven?
FAQ
Do you cook a turkey 20 minutes per pound?
Is it better to cook turkey at 325 or 350?
Do you cook a butterball turkey at 325 or 350?
How many minutes per pound for turkey at 225?