Roasting a big 20 lb turkey can seem like an intimidating task, especially if it’s stuffed. Getting the cook time just right is crucial for serving up a tender, juicy turkey that wows your family or dinner guests.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share tips, timing, and temperature recommendations for flawlessly roasting a hefty 20 lb stuffed turkey. Let’s dive in!
Why Stuffing Matters for Cook Time
Stuffing a turkey adds delicious flavor as the stuffing absorbs the turkey juices. However, it also affects the cook time.
A stuffed turkey takes longer to roast for two reasons
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The cavity acts as insulation, slowing the turkey’s cooking.
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The stuffing must reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
If you’re wondering how long to cook a 20 lb turkey stuffed vs. unstuffed, the stuffed bird will need 30-45 minutes more time in the oven.
How Size Impacts Cook Time
Weight is the biggest factor in turkey cook time. Here are general guidelines:
- 10-14 lb turkey: Cook for 3 to 3 1/2 hours
- 14-18 lb turkey: Cook for 3 1/2 to 4 hours
- 18-20 lb turkey: Cook for 4 to 4 1/4 hours
- 20-24 lb turkey: Cook for 4 3/4 to 5 1/4 hours
A good rule of thumb is roasting stuffed turkey for 15 minutes per pound at 325°F. For a 20 lb turkey, that equals a total of 5 hours cook time.
Step-by-Step Roasting Method
Follow these steps for roasting a perfect 20 lb stuffed turkey:
1. Prep the turkey – Remove giblets, rinse cavity, pat dry. Brine if desired for extra moisture.
2. Make the stuffing – Prepare your favorite stuffing recipe. Avoid overstuffing.
3. Truss turkey – Tie legs together to hold shape. Tuck wings under.
4. Season turkey – Generously coat outside with oil, salt, pepper and herbs.
5. Preheat oven – Heat to 325°F. Use a roasting rack in a pan.
6. Roast turkey – Cook for 15 minutes per pound, until 165°F internal temp.
7. Baste and tent – Baste every 30 minutes. Loosely tent with foil if browning too fast.
8. Let rest – Allow to rest 20 minutes before carving for juicier meat.
9. Check temperature – Internal temp should reach 165°F in stuffing, 170°F in breast.
10. Carve and serve – Slice against the grain and serve with favorite sides. Enjoy!
Handy Time Chart for Stuffed Turkeys
Use this handy reference chart for approximate stuffed turkey cook times:
| Weight | Cook Time |
|-|-|-|
| 10-12 lbs | 3 1/4 – 3 1/2 hours |
| 12-14 lbs | 3 1/2 – 4 hours |
| 14-16 lbs | 4 – 4 1/4 hours |
| 16-18 lbs | 4 1/4 – 4 1/2 hours |
| 18-20 lbs | 4 1/2 – 4 3/4 hours |
| 20-22 lbs | 4 3/4 – 5 hours |
| 22-24 lbs | 5 – 5 1/4 hours |
Always use a meat thermometer to gauge doneness rather than relying solely on cook time. But these estimates provide a helpful starting point.
Vital Tips for Roasting a 20 lb Bird
Follow these handy tips for roasting a flawless stuffed 20 lb turkey:
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No peeking! – Resist opening the oven, which causes heat to escape.
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Use a thermometer – Monitor the temperature without lifting the lid.
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Baste frequently – Every 30 minutes, baste with juices to prevent drying out.
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Tent if needed – Loosely cover with foil to slow browning.
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Let it rest – Waiting 20 minutes allows juices to redistribute.
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Carve properly – Slice against the grain for tender, juicy meat.
Roasting Pan Size for Big Birds
A 20 lb bird needs ample room in the roasting pan for even cooking. Look for these minimum pan sizes:
- 16-18 lb turkey – Use a 16×13 inch pan
- 18-20 lb turkey – Use an 18×13 inch pan
- 20-22 lb turkey – Use an 18×15 inch pan
If your pan is too small, the turkey won’t brown properly. Allow 1-2 inches around the bird for airflow.
Safest Finished Temperature
To ensure it’s safe to eat, turkey must reach the following internal temperatures:
- Stuffing – 165°F
- Breast meat – 170°F
- Thigh meat – 175°F
Use a meat thermometer to verify doneness in multiple spots. If undercooked, return to the oven for 10-15 minutes until reaching safe temps.
Letting Your Turkey Rest
After roasting, resist the urge to carve right away! Letting the turkey rest for 20 minutes allows the juices to redistribute for moister meat.
Tent it loosely with foil and let sit for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing. The internal temperature will rise another 5°F or so while resting.
Carving Tips for Perfect Slices
To serve up juicy, tender slices of turkey breast:
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Use an electric knife for easy slicing or a sharp carving knife.
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Cut straight down along either side of the breastbone.
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Make horizontal slices by cutting across the grain of the meat.
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Take drumsticks and wings off the roasted bird.
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Cut drumsticks and thighs where they meet for easy serving.
Enjoy Your Perfectly Roasted Bird!
Congratulations, your 20 lb stuffed turkey is ready to carve and serve! With these timing and roasting tips, you’ll get compliments on incredibly moist, delicious Thanksgiving turkey or holiday centerpiece.
Cook the stuffing outside the turkey.
For uniform cooking results, the USDA recommends cooking the stuffing outside of the bird. If you insist on stuffing the turkey, stuff loosely and follow the steps below.
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Check the wrapper to see how much the turkey weighs and determine approximate cooking time (see chart below). Remove the giblet bag from the breast and remove the neck from the turkey cavity. No need to wash the turkey, pat skin dry with paper towels.
- Mix stuffing and lightly fill cavity. Allow 1/2 to 3/4 cup stuffing per pound of turkey. It is safer to understuff than to overstuff the turkey. Stuffing expands during cooking. Refrigerate any leftover stuffing and bake in greased casserole during the last hour of turkey roasting time.
- Place turkey breast side up on a rack in a shallow (about 2 inches deep) roasting pan. Insert meat thermometer in thigh (see Turkey Safety: Using a Thermometer). Add up to 1/2 cup water to the bottom of the pan, if desired.
- Cover turkey loosely with a tent of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Cooking time takes longer for a stuffed turkey. For example, a 20 pound stuffed turkey will take 4 1/4 to 5 1/4 hours to cook. (See timetable below).
- Remove the foil cover after about 1 to 1 1/2 hours of cooking to brown the skin. Brush with vegetable oil to enhance browning, if desired.
- A whole turkey is done when the temperature in the innermost part of the thigh reaches a minimum internal temperature of 165°F as measured with a food thermometer. Check the temperature in the thickest part of the breast, the wing and the stuffing. The stuffing must reach 165°F or higher, if it is not, return it to the oven and continue cooking.
- Check the internal temperature of the stuffing. Insert the thermometer through the cavity into the thickest part of the stuffing and leave it for 5 minutes. Or use an instant red thermometer which will register the temperature after 15 seconds. The stuffing temperature will rise a few degrees after the turkey is removed from the oven. If the center of the stuffing has not reached 165°F after stand time, return the turkey to the oven and continue cooking.
- Allow turkey to set 20 minutes before removing stuffing and carving to allow juices to saturate the meat evenly.
How long do you cook a stuffed turkey per pound at 325 degrees?
FAQ
How long does it take to bake a 20 lb stuffed turkey?
Is it better to cook a stuffed turkey at 325 or 350?
How long does it take to cook a 20 pound turkey in the oven at 350?
Do you cook a butterball turkey at 325 or 350?
How long do you cook a stuffed turkey?
These stuffed turkey cooking times have been tested and proven to work well by our Test Kitchen team: For 10- to 12-pound turkey, roast 3¼ hours to 3½ hours. For 12- to 14-pound turkey, roast 3½ to 4 hours. For 14- to 18-pound turkey, roast 4 to 4¼ hours. For 18- to 20-pound turkey, roast 4¼ to 4¾ hours.
How long do you cook a 14 pound turkey?
For 12- to 14-pound turkey, roast 3½ to 4 hours. For 14- to 18-pound turkey, roast 4 to 4¼ hours. For 18- to 20-pound turkey, roast 4¼ to 4¾ hours. For 20- to 24-pound turkey, roast 4¾ to 5¼ hours. The safest way to determine your exact roasting time is by checking every 15 minutes or so after the 3-hour mark using a meat thermometer.
How long does it take to cook a Turkey?
All times below are based on cooking a turkey at 325 degrees F. 4 to 8 pounds (breast only): 1 1/2 to 3 1/4 hours 8 to 12 pounds: 2 3/4 to 3 hours 12 to 14 pounds: 3 to 3 3/4 hours 14 to 18 pounds: 3 3/4 to 4 1/4 hours 18 to 20 pounds: 4 1/4 to 4 1/2 hours 20 to 24 pounds: 4 1/2 to 5 hours 6 to 8 pounds (breast only): 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours
Can you cook stuffing inside a Turkey?
To cook a stuffed turkey safely, the stuffing must reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees to prevent the risk of bacteria growth. We don’t typically recommend cooking stuffing inside a turkey because it can dry out your bird. If you want to go the stuffed route, this is the recipe we’d recommend making.