How Long Does It Take to Roast a 20 lb Turkey?

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Picture this: Its Thanksgiving morning. Youve laid out your Thanksgiving table settings and set out the Thanksgiving decorations. This year, youre doing Thanksgiving potluck-style, so all you need to worry about is making the bird.

So: When does the turkey need to go into the oven? And at what temperature? How long does it to take to cook a 20 lb turkey? Should you have started cooking it early in the morning? And— oh shoot — does it need to be defrosted first?

You wont win too many awards if the turkey turns out to be inedible. Luckily, were here to help ensure your bird is cooked perfectly — not dry as Uncle Bobs boots. Follow these helpful tips and your turkey will be the star of the Thanksgiving table.

Roasting a turkey is the centerpiece of many holiday meals. A perfectly roasted 20 lb turkey results in tender, juicy meat with crispy, golden skin. However, cooking a turkey that large requires careful planning and timing. Knowing exactly how long to roast your 20 lb turkey ensures it will be done right on time for your guests to enjoy.

Overview of Roast Times for 20 lb Turkeys

The roasting time for a 20 lb turkey depends primarily on whether it is stuffed or unstuffed. Here are the general guidelines:

Unstuffed 20 lb turkey: Approximately 4 – 4 1/4 hours at 325°F
Stuffed 20 lb turkey: Approximately 4 1/4 – 4 3/4 hours at 325°F

Stuffing adds insulation to the turkey, resulting in a slightly longer cook time. The increased time allows the inside of the bird to reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F.

Calculate Exact Roast Time

While the roasting times above provide a general range, you can calculate a more precise time for your 20 lb turkey. Here’s how:

1. Factor in Thawing

A frozen turkey takes 50% longer to roast than a thawed one.
If your turkey is frozen, be sure to allot time to safely thaw it in the refrigerator before roasting.

2. Consider Your Oven

All ovens heat slightly differently. Get to know your oven’s hot and cool spots.
Position the turkey so it cooks evenly and use an oven thermometer to verify the temperature.
Convection ovens can cook a turkey faster, so reduce time by about 25% if you have one.

3. Determine Doneness

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, especially of the innermost thigh and wing.
The turkey is done when the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F.

4. Factor in Carryover Cooking

The temperature will rise about 5-10°F after the turkey is removed from the oven.
To avoid overcooking, take the turkey out before it hits 165°F.

Handy Time Chart

This chart provides approximate guidelines for roasting a 20 lb turkey

Turkey Weight	Servings	Unstuffed Time	Stuffed Time
20 lb	14-16	4 – 4 1/4 hours	4 1/4 – 4 3/4 hours

Tips for Roasting a Juicy 20 lb Bird

Follow these tips for a flavorful and moist 20 lb turkey

Brine the turkey in saltwater overnight before roasting. This enhances juiciness.
Rub butter or oil under and on top of the skin to baste the meat while cooking.
Use a roasting rack to allow airflow and evenly brown the skin.
Tent foil over the turkey for part of the roasting time to prevent overcooking.
Let the turkey rest for at least 20 minutes before carving to retain juices.

When cooking a large 20 lb turkey, planning the exact roasting time helps ensure your holiday meal stays on schedule. While a turkey this size may take 4 hours or more in the oven, the rewards of a perfectly cooked bird are well worth the wait. Refer to this guide to determine the roasting time based on whether your turkey is stuffed, thawed, and your oven type. With a meat thermometer and these handy tips, you will enjoy tender and juicy turkey roasted to golden brown perfection.

how long does it take to roast a 20 lb turkey

What’s the Best Temperature for Cooking a Turkey?

You can find recipes that suggest cooking a turkey at temperatures ranging from 325°F to 375°F or even higher. While higher temperatures will cook the bird faster, we find that they also increase the risk of an overcooked, dry, or even a burnt turkey. Thats why we recommend 325°F.

how long does it take to roast a 20 lb turkey

Fully Defrosting the Turkey

Ideally, you want start defrosting upwards of a week in advance. A frozen turkey will take approximately one (1) day for every 4 pounds to defrost in the fridge. This is the best way for full, even defrosting, though there are faster methods.

So to properly defrost a 20-pound turkey, plan for between 5 and 6 days for the bird to be fully thawed. To thaw, simply set the turkey on a large rimmed baking sheet and slide it in the fridge (cover with plastic wrap if its not already wrapped). It really is as simple as that!

Low and slow is the best way to cook a turkey so when youre ready to start, preheat the oven to 325ºF. Remove the turkey from the refrigerator. Unwrap it (if applicable) and remove the neck and giblets. (Save the neck for roasting and the giblets for gravy.) Let the turkey sit at room temperature for an hour while the oven heats up. (This is a good time to season the turkey. Weve got suggestions below.)