How Long To Cook A Butterball Turkey For Delicious Results

Cooking a turkey can seem daunting, but with some simple tips you can have a perfectly cooked Butterball turkey on your table in no time. When determining how long to cook your Butterball turkey, there are a few key factors to consider:

Turkey Size

The size of your turkey is the biggest factor in determining cook times. Smaller turkeys cook faster than larger ones. According to Butterball’s cooking time guidelines a 6-7 pound unstuffed turkey takes 2-2 1/2 hours at 325°F in a regular oven. A 10-18 pound turkey needs 3-3 1/2 hours while an 18-22 pound turkey requires 3 1/2-4 hours.

For stuffed turkeys add 30-60 minutes to the cook time. A 10 pound stuffed turkey will need 3 3/4-4 1/2 hours and an 18 pounder needs 4 1/2-5 hours.

Stuffed Or Unstuffed

A stuffed turkey will take longer to cook than an unstuffed one. This is because the heat needs time to penetrate into the center of the stuffing to ensure it reaches a safe 165°F. Expect a stuffed turkey to need 30 minutes to 1 hour longer than an unstuffed turkey of the same size.

Fresh Or Frozen

Thawing your turkey properly is key for even cooking. Never thaw turkeys at room temperature, which allows bacteria to grow. Thaw frozen turkeys in the refrigerator which takes 24 hours per 5 pounds. You can quick thaw in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes per 5 pounds.

A frozen turkey rolled right into the oven will need 50% more cook time. It’s crucial to thaw first for the most accurate cook times.

Oven Temperature

The standard oven temperature for roasting turkeys is 325°F which allows for slow, even cooking. Convection ovens cook foods more quickly due to the fan circulating air. Reduce cooking times by about 25% for convection ovens.

Higher oven temperatures of 350-375°F will reduce cook times slightly, but may sacrifice flavor and juiciness. Stick to 325°F for the best results.

Use A Meat Thermometer

The only way to accurately determine when your turkey is done is to use a meat thermometer. Check the temperature in the innermost part of the thigh and breast to ensure the turkey has reached a safe minimum of 165°F throughout. Let the turkey rest 15 minutes before carving to allow juices to set.

Butterball Turkey Cooking Times

Butterball provides recommended cooking times for their fresh and frozen whole turkeys. Here are their general guidelines for unstuffed turkeys:

Regular Oven at 325°F

• 6-7 lbs: 2-2 1/2 hours
• 7-10 lbs: 2 1/2-3 hours
• 10-18 lbs: 3-3 1/2 hours
• 18-22 lbs: 3 1/2-4 hours

Add 30 minutes to 1 hour to those times for stuffed turkeys.

Convection Oven at 325°F

• 6-10 lbs: 1 1/2-2 hours
• 10-18 lbs: 2-2 1/2 hours
• 18-22 lbs: 2 1/2-3 hours

Frozen turkeys will need 50% more cook time if not thawed first. Refer to Butterball’s complete cooking time chart for more detailed times based on exact turkey weights.

Roast At Low Temperatures

The experts at Butterball recommend roasting turkeys at a low oven temperature of only 325°F. This allows the heat to slowly permeate the meat, ensuring even cooking throughout.

Higher temperatures cause the outer areas of the turkey to overcook and dry out before the inside reaches the proper 165°F. Low and slow is key for a tender, juicy turkey.

Let It Rest

After roasting, it’s crucial to let your turkey rest for 15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to re-distribute through the meat. Carving too soon will cause the juices to run out of the turkey, sacrificing moisture and flavor.

Cover the turkey loosely with foil as it rests to retain heat until you’re ready to serve. The meat will continue to cook and firm up during this time.

Cook Thoroughly

Undercooked turkey is unsafe, so be sure to use a meat thermometer to verify your Butterball turkey reaches 165°F in the breast and thigh areas. If stuffed, check that the center of the stuffing also hits 165°F even if the breast and thigh are done.

Cook times are a guide, but the thermometer readings confirm doneness. When in doubt, cook it a bit longer.

Adjust For High Altitude

Higher altitudes cause foods to cook more quickly. If you live above 3000 feet elevation, you may need to extend cook times. Use this general guideline per 1000 feet:

• 3000-4000 ft: Add 5 minutes
• 4000-5000 ft: Add 7 minutes
• 5000-6000 ft: Add 9 minutes
• 6000-7000 ft: Add 11 minutes
• 7000-8000 ft: Add 13 minutes

Cook Multiple Turkeys Properly

Cooking two turkeys at once requires special considerations. Place turkeys side by side on rack with at least 1-2 inches between them. Switch their rack positions halfway through and rotate pans. This allows even heat circulation.

Add 15 minutes per turkey to the cook times. Use an oven thermometer to monitor temperature which may fluctuate with multiple large items.

Cook A Turkey Breast

For smaller gatherings, a bone-in turkey breast is a great alternative. Cook at 325°F until a thermometer inserted in thickest part reads 170°F. Cook times range from 1 1/2 – 2 1/4 hours for a 3-5 1/2 pound breast and up to 2 3/4 hours for a 9 pound breast.

Try Other Cooking Methods

While roasting is traditional, turkeys can be cooked using alternate methods including deep frying, smoking, grilling, and spatchcocking. Cook times vary greatly, so follow recipes carefully for any new cooking method.

Let Butterball Guide You

With over 30 years of turkey cooking experience, the Butterball Turkey Talk Line experts are available every step of the way. Call 1-800-BUTTERBALL or text 844-877-3456 anytime leading up to the holidays for personalized advice on thawing, prepping, cooking, carving and anything else turkey-related!

The knowledgeable Talk Line pros can provide exactly how long to cook your particular Butterball turkey based on its unique size and your cooking method. Take the guesswork out of holiday meal planning with help from the Butterball experts.

Cooking a turkey seems difficult, but doesn’t have to be with proper techniques. Allowing ample cook time for the size of your Butterball turkey and using a meat thermometer for doneness guarantees moist, flavorful results every time. With Butterball’s cooking time chart and Turkey Talk Line, you can cook your turkey with total confidence.