How to Cook a 30 Pound Turkey for the Perfect Holiday Feast

Roasting a massive 30 pound turkey may seem daunting, but with the right techniques, you can make this bird the star of your holiday table. A 30 pounder feeds a crowd, which makes it perfect for gathering friends and family together to celebrate. Follow this guide for tips on preparing, roasting, determining doneness, and more when cooking a huge 30 pound turkey.

How Many Will a 30 Pound Turkey Feed?

Figuring about 1-1.5 pounds of turkey per person, a 30 pound turkey will feed:

• 30 people if allowing 1 pound per person
• 20 people if allowing 1.5 pounds per person

Plan for the higher amount if you want plenty of leftovers, You’ll likely end up with a decent amount even feeding 20

Defrosting a 30 Pound Turkey

Never try to roast a frozen turkey! It will cook unevenly and likely still be icy in the middle. Safely thawing is crucial.

The fridge method is best. Allow 1 day thawing for every 5 pounds of turkey. So a 30 pounder will need about 6 days in the fridge

Make sure you have room in your fridge. Place the turkey on a rimmed baking sheet to catch drips.

Seasoning and Prepping the Turkey

Pat the turkey dry and coat it with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like.

Rubbing butter under the skin gives great flavor. You can also place aromatics inside the cavity. Stuffing some onion, garlic, citrus, and herbs adds nice flavor.

Truss the legs together with kitchen twine to help the turkey hold its shape. Tuck the wing tips under.

Roasting Time for a 30 Pound Turkey

Figure roasting the turkey for about 2.5-3 hours at 325°F, until a thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F.

If you stuff the turkey, it will need to cook longer, around 3.5-4 hours at 325°F until the thighs reach 165°F and the stuffing hits 165°F.

Roast on a low rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment to catch drips. Tent foil over the breast halfway through if browning too quickly.

Signs Your 30 Pound Turkey is Done

Rely on a meat thermometer for doneness, not the pop-up timer or visual cues which can be misleading. Follow these guidelines:

• Thighs reach 165°F
• Breast reaches 160°F
• Juices run clear when pierced
• Drumsticks move easily

If stuffed, the center of stuffing must hit 165°F. Let turkey rest at least 30 minutes before carving.

Helpful Tips for Roasting a 30 Pounder

Here are some extra pointers to ensure success with such a large bird:

• Defrost properly in the fridge
• Pat skin dry then coat with oil/seasonings
• Use a low rimmed baking sheet for easy maneuvering
• Begin breast side up, then flip breast down
• Tent foil to prevent over-browning if needed
• Check temperature in a few places with a meat thermometer
• Let turkey rest before carving

With the right prep and cooking technique, your 30 pound turkey will turn out juicy, flavorful and Done to perfection!

Frequently Asked Questions About 30 Pound Turkeys

Here are answers to some common questions about cooking these giant birds:

How long does it take to defrost a 30 pound turkey?

Allow about 6 days thawing in the refrigerator. One day for every 5 pounds. Thaw on a rimmed baking sheet to catch drips.

What size pan do I need for a 30 pound turkey?

Use a large, low rimmed baking sheet or roasting pan. You’ll need ample room to maneuver it.

Can I roast a 30 pound turkey unstuffed?

Absolutely, we recommend unstuffed for food safety. Figure around 2.5-3 hours roasting at 325°F until thighs reach 165°F.

What if my 30 pound turkey is done early?

No problem if it finishes early. Let it rest at least 30 minutes then carve. The temp will rise a bit as it rests.

Should I cook stuffing inside or outside the bird?

Cook stuffing in a casserole, not inside the turkey where it can harbor bacteria. Just put aromatics in the cavity.

With the right thawing, prepping, roasting, and determining doneness, a 30 pound turkey can absolutely feed a festive holiday crowd. Have fun and focus on safely handling this large bird. Your guests will be impressed with your perfectly cooked 30 pound feast!