How Long to Cook a Juicy, Tender 12 Pound Stuffed Turkey

Roasting a stuffed turkey is a cherished tradition for many families on holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. When preparing a 12 pound stuffed turkey, getting the cook time just right ensures both food safety and delicious, moist meat. With a few tips from turkey roasting experts, you’ll turn out a perfect 12 pound bird.

Key Tips for Cooking a 12 Pound Stuffed Turkey

• Preheat the oven to 325°F This moderate temperature cooks the stuffing thoroughly without drying out the turkey

• Figure 15-18 minutes per pound for stuffed turkeys. For a 12 pound turkey, estimate 3 to 3 1/2 hours total cooking time.

• Check the temperature after 2 1/2 hours. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh avoiding bone. It should read 165°F for the stuffing and 175°F for the thigh meat.

• Tent with foil to prevent over-browning if needed in the last hour. The turkey breast may cook faster than the legs and stuffing.

• Let the turkey rest at least 15 minutes before carving so juices redistribute through the meat.

Step-by-Step Guide for Roasting a 12 Pound Stuffed Turkey

Follow these simple steps for roasting a delicious 12 pound stuffed turkey for your holiday meal:

1. Remove giblets from the turkey cavities. Rinse turkey inside and out and pat dry with paper towels.

2. Lightly rub the skin with olive oil or butter. Season generously with salt and pepper.

3. Fill the neck and body cavity loosely with your favorite stuffing recipe. Avoid packing it in too tightly.

4. Tie the legs together with kitchen string and tuck the wing tips under. Place turkey breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan.

5. Roast the turkey at 325°F for about 2 1/2 to 3 hours until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the thigh (not touching bone) reads 175°F.

6. Check the temperature of the stuffing, which should reach 165°F. If the turkey is done but stuffing isn’t, remove turkey and continue roasting the stuffing.

7. Let turkey rest 15-20 minutes before carving. Serve with gravy and enjoy!

Handy Time Chart for Cooking a Stuffed Turkey

For easy reference, here are USDA recommended roast times for stuffed turkeys:

• 8-10 lbs: 23⁄4 – 3 hours
• 10-12 lbs: 3 – 31⁄2 hours
• 12-14 lbs: 31⁄2 – 4 hours
• 14-16 lbs: 4 – 41⁄4 hours
• 16-18 lbs: 41⁄4 – 43⁄4 hours
• 18-20 lbs: 43⁄4 – 5 hours

As you can see, a 12 pound turkey should roast for 3 to 3 1/2 hours for the best texture and safety. Always rely on a meat thermometer over cook times for accuracy.

Why Stuffing Cooks Slower Than Turkey

When roasting a stuffed turkey, the stuffing tucked inside the cavity takes longer to cook through than the turkey breast and thighs. This is why it’s critical to check the internal temp of both.

Here are two reasons for this:

• The stuffing starts off at room temperature while the turkey meat starts off chilled.

• The stuffing is shielded from the oven’s heat rather than exposed like the turkey skin.

That’s why you should plan for a 12 pound stuffed turkey to need the full 3 1/2 hours recommended to ensure the stuffing reaches a safe 165°F. If it’s not quite there when the turkey is finished, simply remove the turkey breast and continue roasting until the stuffing is fully cooked.

Food Safety Tips for Stuffing and Roasting

To enjoy your beautiful stuffed turkey safely, follow these tips:

• Cook any meat or sausage in the stuffing before using. Don’t stuff turkey the night before.

• Mix wet and dry ingredients just before filling the turkey right before roasting.

• Use a food-safe meat thermometer to check temperatures. Cook to 165°F for stuffing and 175°F thighs.

• Let the cooked turkey rest 15-20 minutes before carving for juicier meat.

• Refrigerate all leftovers within 2 hours of cooking. Reheat thoroughly to 165°F.

Alternatives to Full Bird Stuffing

If you’re concerned about safely cooking stuffing inside the turkey, here are some options:

• Cook stuffing in a casserole dish alongside the turkey. Increase bake time 5-10 minutes.

• Fill the turkey only 3/4 full to allow heat circulation. Finish cooking stuffing separately.

• Lightly stuff just the neck cavity, not the main cavity.

• Replace stuffing with herbs, onions, apples or citrus for flavor.

Have a wonderful holiday meal with your perfectly cooked 12 pound stuffed turkey! With a little preparation and patience, you’ll enjoy a beautiful, delicious turkey centerpiece.