How Long to Cook a Turkey at 250 Degrees: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking a juicy flavorful turkey is the centerpiece of many holiday meals. While there are many different ways to prepare turkey a slow cook at 250 degrees Fahrenheit is one of the best methods for getting a tender, perfectly cooked bird. In this article, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to cook a turkey at 250 degrees, from thawing and prepping to determining cook times.

Why Cook a Turkey at 250 Degrees?

Cooking turkey at a low temperature, between 225-250 degrees F, allows the meat to cook slowly and gently. This slow cooking method gives you several advantages:

• Juicier and more tender meat. Cooking at a low temp prevents the turkey breast meat from drying out. The collagen in the meat also has time to fully break down resulting in very tender and juicy meat.

• Better distribution of heat. The heat penetrates and cooks the turkey evenly from the inside out. No hot or cold spots.

• Smoother gravy. The low oven temp doesn’t burn the juices or fond in the bottom of the pan, resulting in a rich, flavorful gravy.

• More flexibility. A slower cook gives you more leeway if the turkey needs more time. There’s less risk of overcooking.

So for the juiciest most flavorful and tender turkey a slow cook at 250 degrees F is perfect. Now let’s look at how long you need to cook your turkey at this temperature.

How Long to Cook a Turkey at 250 Degrees

The general rule of thumb for cooking turkey at 250 F is 15-20 minutes per pound. But turkey cook times can vary a bit depending on a few factors:

• Turkey size – A small 10 lb turkey will cook faster than a large 20+ lb bird. Calculate 15-20 mins per pound for the total cook time.

• Frozen vs. thawed – A frozen turkey will take at least 50% longer to cook than a thawed turkey. Make sure to thaw fully in the fridge 1-2 days before.

• Stuffed vs. unstuffed – A stuffed turkey will take longer to cook since the stuffing is denser than meat and air. Add 30-45 mins if stuffed.

• Openings – Don’t open the oven frequently, this will increase cook time. Only open occasionally to baste.

• Oven accuracy – Oven temps may vary. Use an oven thermometer to check accuracy.

With those factors in mind, here are some general turkey cook times as a guide:

• 10 lb turkey: 2.5 – 3 hrs
• 12 lb turkey: 3 – 3.5 hrs
• 14 lb turkey: 3.5 – 4 hrs
• 16 lb turkey: 4 – 4.5 hrs
• 18 lb turkey: 4.5 – 5 hrs
• 20 lb turkey: 5 – 6 hrs

For any weight turkey, calculate the minimum time using 15 mins/lb. And calculate max time with 20 mins/lb. The real cook time will likely fall somewhere in between. Monitor with a meat thermometer for doneness.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cook a Turkey at 250°F

Follow these simple steps for foolproof turkey cooked slowly at 250 degrees:

1. Thaw the Turkey

• Take the turkey out of the freezer 1-2 days before cooking. Keep it in the fridge during this time.
• This allows it to thaw completely and evenly.

2. Remove Giblets & Rinse Turkey

• When ready to cook, remove bag of giblets from cavity. Discard or use for gravy.
• Rinse turkey under cool water and pat dry with paper towels.

3. Prepare Aromatics for the Cavity

• Quarter 1 onion and stuff in cavity along with:
  • Sprigs of rosemary
  • Peeled garlic cloves
  • Lemon quarters
  • Fresh herbs like sage, thyme, parsley

4. Prepare the Pan

• Place turkey on a rack in a roasting pan breast-side up. This allows air circulation for even cooking.
• Scatter more onion, garlic, herbs in bottom of the pan to flavor drippings.

5. Rub the Turkey with Butter

• Soften 1-2 sticks butter.
• Gently loosen skin from breast meat. Rub butter underneath skin.
• Rub skin all over with softened butter. This helps the skin get crispy.

6. Truss the Turkey

• Use kitchen string or silicone bands to truss legs and wings close to body. This helps turkey cook evenly.

7. Cook Turkey Slowly at 250°F

• Preheat oven to 250°F.
• Place turkey in oven, tent loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.
• Calculate minimum and maximum cook time based on weight.

8. Baste and Check Temperature

• Baste turkey with pan drippings every 45 mins – 1 hour.
• Start checking temperature after minimum cook time.
• Turkey is done when breast is 165°F and thighs are 175°F.

9. Let Turkey Rest

• Remove turkey from oven and let rest 30 minutes before carving. This allows juices to redistribute.

10. Make Gravy from Pan Drippings

• Strain drippings through a mesh strainer.
• In saucepan, whisk together 2 Tbsp cornstarch and 2 cups turkey broth or water.
• Add drippings and simmer until thickened.

With this simple step-by-step guide, you’ll have a perfectly cooked, moist and flavorful turkey using the 250 degree oven method. The low, slow cooking ensures a tender and juicy bird the entire family will love.

Turkey Roasting Tips

Here are some additional tips to ensure turkey success:

• Trussing is optional, but helps turkey cook evenly. Use kitchen string or silicone bands.

• Use a meat thermometer to monitor doneness. Cook to 165°F breast, 175°F thighs.

• Let turkey rest at least 30 mins before carving so juices redistribute.

• Carve turkey by slicing breast meat, then leg/thigh joints.

• For crispier skin, glaze with oil or butter during last 30 mins of roasting.

• Add root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, onion to the bottom of the pan to roast.

• Use broth, pan drippings, flour and seasonings for an easy, delicious gravy.

Get Perfectly Cooked Turkey at 250°F

Cooking turkey using the low and slow method at 250 degrees F delivers incredibly moist, tender and flavorful results every time. With the proper thawing and prep, calculating cook times based on weight, and monitoring temperature, you’ll get the perfect holiday centerpiece. Aromatics in the cavity and pan provide extra flavor. Follow this simple guide for your best turkey yet.