Thanksgiving is here and you want to roast a Turkey. Great! Here is the ‘How to Roast a Turkey” for beginners guide; the simplest method to getting a juicy, golden brown bird every.single.time. I promise it’s so much easier than you think. ANYONE can make a great turkey. Add my tutorial for making amazing Gravy and Cornbread Stuffing and Thanksgiving is served!
Cooking up a juicy, delicious Butterball turkey is a holiday tradition for many families. But when tackling a large 19 pound bird, it can be tricky to determine the right roasting time. Undercook your turkey and you risk foodborne illness, overcook it and you’ll end up with dry, stringy meat. So how long should you cook a 19 pound Butterball turkey? Read on for timing guidelines, tips and tricks for roasting success.
Calculating Roasting Time for a 19 Pound Turkey
The general rule of thumb for calculating Butterball turkey roasting time is 15 minutes per pound at 325°F. For a 19 pound turkey, this equals 285 minutes or 4 hours and 45 minutes. However, stuffed birds take a little longer. With stuffing, plan on roasting a 19 pound turkey for 5 to 5 1/2 hours.
Here is a handy chart for roasting times based on the turkey’s weight
Regular Oven 325°
| Weight | Cook Time (Unstuffed) | Cook Time (Stuffed) |
|---|---|---|
| 10-18 lbs. | 3-31⁄2 hrs. | 33⁄4-41⁄2 hrs. |
| 18-22 lbs. | 31⁄2-4 hrs. | 41⁄2-5 hrs. |
| 22-24 lbs. | 4-41⁄2 hrs. | 5-51⁄2 hrs. |
| 24-30 lbs. | 41⁄2-5 hrs. | 51⁄2-61⁄4 hrs. |
As you can see, a 19 pound Butterball falls right in the middle at 18-22 pounds. Plan for 31⁄2 to 4 hours unstuffed, or 41⁄2 to 5 hours stuffed.
Tips for Roasting a Moist, Flavorful 19 Pound Turkey
Follow these helpful tips for roasting success with your large Butterball turkey:
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Use a rack – Place turkey on a rack in a roasting pan to allow air circulation.
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Brush with oil – Coat the skin with oil to keep the turkey moist and aid browning
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Tent with foil – Cover breast with foil during the last 1/3 of roasting to prevent overcooking.
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Baste if desired – Basting isn’t required but can add flavor and moisture if you choose.
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Check temperature – Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest thigh, not touching bone. It should reach 165°F when done.
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Let rest – Allow the turkey to rest 15-20 minutes before carving for juicier meat.
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Make gravy – Use the flavorful pan drippings left behind to make a delicious homemade gravy.
Roasting a Partially Frozen Turkey? Add More Time
If you need to roast your 19 pound Butterball from partially frozen, add 50% more cooking time. For example, increase the unstuffed roasting time to around 6 hours 15 minutes. And allow 7 1/2 to 8 1/4 hours for a stuffed partially frozen 19 pound turkey.
What if the Turkey Is Too Big for My Oven?
A 19 pound turkey may not fit in some smaller oven cavities. If that’s the case, consider these options:
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Roast just a turkey breast instead of a whole bird. A 9 pound breast will feed 8-10 people.
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Cook two smaller 10-12 pound turkeys. Arrange oven racks to accommodate both.
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Grill or smoke the turkey outdoors to free up oven space for sides.
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Cut the turkey in half and cook each half separately.
With the right roasting time and preparation, your 19 pound Butterball turkey will turn out juicy, golden and delicious this holiday season. Enjoy your superbly cooked bird!
How to Keep Your Turkey Juicy
Many people will tell you that you need to brine your bird or incorporate some kind of rub or seasoning to promote a juicy turkey. Some even say fresh is king and frozen birds are the problem. I don’t believe any of it. A fresh bird is plenty juicy. So is a frozen one! If you happen to have a frozen turkey, read the label. Odds are you’ll see that it says “contains up to 8% of a solution of water, salt, spices and natural flavor for tenderness and juiciness.” This basically means that if you defrost your bird in the fridge for a few days, it will be sitting in this solution…therefore brining itself before you roast it. The work has already been done.
All you have to do now is roast it until it hits the proper temperatures without going past too far, and you’re there! Roasted turkey heaven. Once you get that turkey out of the oven, tent it with foil to let it rest 15-20 minutes and then slice and serve.
Some people don’t like the ingredients or the “natural flavors” in the solution that come in a frozen turkey and choose to brine a fresh bird. To each their own! Good for you if this is what you choose to do. Some people will brine their frozen bird to impart more flavors THEY like. Again, you do you, boo.
If you’re a beginner or don’t want to have to deal with brines or just simply don’t know where to begin, just know that skipping a brine or a special rub is aok, and you’ll still have a great turkey.
How to Make Oven Roasted Turkey
- Thaw your turkey according to how much it weighs. Dry with paper towels and don’t forget to pull out all the giblets and innards.
- Preheat oven to 450° F. Once your turkey is dry, rub it with softened or melted butter. Sprinkle interior and exterior of turkey generously with salt (and pepper, if desired). Fold the wings back and under the bird (like its sunbathing) and tie the legs together with kitchen twine. Set on roasting rack in roasting pan.
- Place your turkey into the oven and immediately reduce the temperature to 350° F. My turkey was 14 pounds, so it took about 3 hours. Start checking for doneness when the bird is looking golden brown OR 30 minutes before it is estimated to be finished, whichever comes first.
- Turkey is done when the breast reaches an internal temperature of 165° F.
- Take your turkey out, tent with foil and let it rest for 15 minutes. Slice and serve. (I recommend making this Amazing Turkey Gravy as a great accompaniment.)
Should you buy a fresh or frozen turkey? Should it be organic? Free range? All of those things come down to personal preference. The vast majority of Turkeys roasted for Thanksgiving are previously frozen. They can be bought in advance, are typically the least expensive out of the group and come in a variety of sizes (I’ve seen turkey’s range from 11 to 25 pounds at the grocery store!)
How long do you cook a boneless Butterball turkey breast?
FAQ
How long and at what temperature do you cook a 19 lb turkey?
Is it better to cook turkey at 325 or 350?
How long does it take to cook a 20lb turkey at 325 degrees?
Do you need to baste a Butterball turkey?
How long do you cook a Butterball turkey?
Place the turkey in a roasting pan and cover with aluminum foil. Roast the turkey for 15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the turkey is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for up to 30 minutes before carving. Tips for Cooking a Butterball Turkey
How long does it take to cook a 12 lb Turkey?
For a turkey that weighs 12-14 pounds, the cooking time will be approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes. For a turkey that weighs 15-17 pounds, the cooking time will be approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes. For a turkey that weighs 18-20 pounds, the cooking time will be approximately 4 hours and 45 minutes.
What temperature should a Butterball turkey be cooked at?
Cook the turkey at a temperature of 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Rest the turkey for at least 30 minutes after cooking it. the optimal cooking temperature for a Butterball turkey is 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature will ensure that the turkey is cooked through and safe to eat, while also preventing it from becoming dry or overcooked.
How do you know if a Butterball turkey is cooked?
To determine if your Butterball turkey is done, use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should read 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. 2. Should I stuff my Butterball turkey? It is recommended to cook stuffing separately rather than stuffing the Butterball turkey.