How Long To Cook A Turkey is a common phrase I hear the last few weeks of November and into December each year because no one likes a dry turkey! Keep reading to learn the proper cooking times and tips on knowing when your turkey is cooked perfectly!
Turkey is typically the star of the show each Thanksgiving and Christmas, and theres nothing worse than having the turkey you spent hours preparing and cooking turn out dry or overcooked because you didnt know how long to cook it!
Below youll find cooking-time guidelines for all of the many ways you can cook a turkey! If I missed one, comment below and Ill be sure to add it to the list!
Cooking a turkey can seem like an intimidating task especially when it comes to determining the right temperature and cook time. One of the most common target temperatures is 300°F which produces a juicy and tender turkey when done properly. In this article, we’ll provide a complete guide on how long to cook a turkey at 300°F based on its size and weight. Read on to learn the timing, tips and techniques to roast the perfect bird!
Overview of Cooking a Turkey at 300°F
Cooking the turkey at a moderate 300°F temperature allows the meat to cook evenly without drying out At this temp, expect the turkey to take about 15-20 minutes per pound to fully cook. The total roasting time can range from 4 hours for a 12 lb turkey, up to 6 hours for a 20+ lb bird Use these estimates as a starting point, but always rely on a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
While 300°F produces great results, you can use a 325°F oven temp to reduce the cooking time by about 5 minutes per pound. Higher temperatures are not recommended as they can cause the outer meat to overcook. Lower oven temperatures around 275°F will work but increase the roasting time.
Step-by-Step Guide to Roasting a Turkey at 300°F
Follow these simple steps for roasting turkey perfection at 300°F:
1. Prepare the Turkey
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Remove giblets and neck from cavities Rinse turkey under cold water and pat dry with paper towels,
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Liberally season the inside cavities with salt, pepper and aromatic herbs like thyme, sage, rosemary.
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Rub the outside of the turkey with olive oil or melted butter. Generously season the skin with salt, pepper and your favorite dried herbs/spices.
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Truss the turkey legs together with kitchen string to keep its shape. Tuck wings under.
2. Preheat the Oven
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Preheat your oven to 300°F about 30 minutes before roasting.
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Use an oven-safe meat thermometer to confirm the oven has reached the target temp.
3. Calculate Roasting Time
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Figure 15-20 minutes per pound for the total cook time. For example, a 16 lb turkey will take about 4-5 hours at 300°F.
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Use a meat thermometer and focus more on the final internal temp rather than roasting time.
4. Roast the Turkey
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Place turkey breast-side up on a roasting rack inside a heavy roasting pan.
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Tent foil loosely over the breast but leave legs and thighs exposed. This keeps the white meat moist.
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Roast turkey, basting with pan juices every 45-60 minutes.
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Remove foil tent during last hour to brown the skin. Watch closely to avoid burning.
5. Test for Doneness
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Insert an oven-safe meat thermometer deep into the inner thigh, avoiding bone.
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Turkey is done when it reaches 165°F. The temperature will rise 5-10° more as it rests.
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Juices should run clear when thigh meat is pierced with a fork or knife tip.
6. Let Turkey Rest
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When turkey reaches ideal internal temp, remove it from the oven.
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Allow to rest 30-60 minutes tented loosely with foil before carving.
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This resting period allows juices to redistribute for maximum moisture and flavor.
Turkey Roasting Times at 300°F Based on Weight
Use these turkey roasting times as a guide, but check temperature:
- 8-10 lbs = 2 to 2 1⁄2 hours
- 12-14 lbs = 3 to 3 1⁄2 hours
- 16-18 lbs = 4 to 4 1⁄2 hours
- 20-24 lbs = 4 3⁄4 to 5 1⁄2 hours
Tips for Roasting Turkey at 300°F
Follow these handy tips for success when cooking your turkey at 300°F:
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Brine the turkey overnight before roasting for super moist, seasoned meat. Make a simple brine with salt, sugar and aromatics.
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Lay slices of citrus, onion and herbs under the skin an hour before roasting to infuse flavor.
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Use a V-rack to elevate the turkey for better air circulation and even roasting.
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Baste every 30-45 minutes with the pan juices for added moisture and browning.
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Add broth or water to the bottom of the pan to prevent drippings from burning.
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If roasting stuffed, increase cook time by 30-45 mins and use a food-safe thermometer in the stuffing to confirm 165°F.
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Letting the cooked turkey rest is vital! The meat needs time to reabsorb the juices.
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Carve the turkey and arrange on a platter to serve. Enjoy immediately or refrigerate within 2 hours.
Common FAQs on Cooking Turkey at 300°F
Get answers to some frequently asked questions about roasting turkey at 300°F:
Should I cookstuffed or unstuffed turkey at 300°F?
For food safety, it’s best to roast an unstuffed turkey at 300°F. The stuffing increases the overall size and cook time. Cook stuffing separately to ensure it reaches 165°F.
What sizepan should I use to roast turkey at 300°F?
Use a heavy roasting pan at least 2-inches deep and 2-inches larger all around than the turkey. This allows heat to circulate properly around the bird.
What is theideal internal temperature for turkey?
Cook until the thigh meat reaches 165°F, or the breast reaches 170°F for maximum moistness. The temperature will coast up a bit as it rests.
Can I use acooking bag when roasting at 300°F?
Yes, you can place the seasoned turkey inside an oven-safe cooking bag. Follow the package directions and monitor temperature closely with a meat thermometer.
Should I tent the turkeywith foil at 300°F?
Tenting loosely with foil is recommended to prevent the breast meat from overcooking. Remove foil last hour if browner skin is desired.
Can I roast turkey at300°F in a convection oven?
Yes, cooking times may be slightly reduced in a convection oven due to the fan circulating heat. Monitor temperature closely and adjust time accordingly.
What if my turkey is done early when cooking at 300°F?
If the turkey reaches temperature early, tent with foil and let rest until ready to serve. The residual oven heat will keep it warm for 1-2 hours.
Can I cook turkey pieces like drumsticks at 300°F?
You can roast turkey parts like drumsticks and thighs at 300°F. Reduce time to about 30-40 minutes until 165°F. Brine first for juicy, flavorful meat.
Mastering the Perfect Turkey with 300°F Low and Slow Roasting
Cooking turkey properly is all about control. The moderate 300°F oven temperature produces exceptionally tender, moist meat when roasted to the right internal temperature. By following the guidelines above and using a meat thermometer to determine doneness, you’ll serve up the perfect holiday bird. Give this simple roasting method a try for your next special dinner and enjoy!
How Long To Cook A Stuffed Turkey
Baking stuffing in the cavity of a turkey adds flavor and moisture to the bird, creates flavorful dressing to serve alongside the meat, but also increases the cooking time of the turkey. Generally, a stuffed turkey takes about 1 hour longer to cook than it would be unstuffed. When cooking a stuffed turkey, its vital that the internal temperature is taken of the meat as well as the stuffing– both should be at least 165 degrees F.
Cooking Times For Cooking In A Roaster at 325 Degrees Fahrenheit
8-12 pound turkey: 2 ¾ hours – 3 hours
12-14 pound turkey: 3 hours – 3 ¼ hours
14-18 pound turkey: 3 ¾ hours – 4 ¼ hours
18-20 pound turkey: 4 ¼ hours – 4 ½ hours
20-24 pound turkey: 4 ½ hours – 5 hours