Between baking homemade pies, warming everyones favorite holiday casseroles, and browning the dinner rolls, the battle for oven space on Turkey Day can be intense. To pull off the perfect feast, you have to have a detailed schedule, knowing exactly when the stuffing will go in and the mac and cheese will come out. And then theres the true hog of the oven: the ever-important roasted turkey. Not only does it require lots of space to roast to juicy perfection, it requires plenty of time. But just how much time?
No matter how tasty the sides or stunning the dessert table, the success of a Thanksgiving feast all falls on the the turkey. What more can we say? Turkey Day is all about the bird! Thats why its important to know how to thaw a turkey, add flavor by seasoning the turkey and basting it while cooking, and how long to cook it. Use this guide and there will be no guessing games on Thanksgiving Day. To determine the cook time, start with the size of the bird and whether or not its stuffed. (Fans of brined turkeys will also want to factor in an extra day, which is what The Pioneer Woman likes to do.)
The best thing you can do on Thanksgiving Day is plan ahead. Whether youre sticking to a classic roasted turkey or want to try something a little different this year (like Ree Drummonds gussied up bacon-wrapped bird!), this helpful guide is here to make sure time is on your side. And no matter what, do like the pros and factor in resting time for your bird. Let the turkey rest for at least 30 minutes after cooking—longer is even better—so that the juices have time to redistribute for the juiciest meat possible.
Cooking the perfect turkey for Thanksgiving or any special occasion can seem daunting. With so much time and money invested in this centerpiece dish, you want to make sure you get it just right. The biggest question most home cooks have is: how long does it take to cook a turkey?
The simplest guideline is to calculate 13 minutes per pound at 350°F for an unstuffed turkey. For example, a 12-14 lb unstuffed turkey would take about 3 hours to roast in the oven.
For a stuffed turkey, plan on 15 minutes per pound. Stuffing adds extra mass that needs to get up to a safe minimum temperature, so it requires additional cooking time.
While these minutes per pound guidelines are a helpful starting point, a few key factors can alter your actual cooking time. Read on for a detailed guide to determining exactly how long your turkey needs in the oven.
Turkey Cooking Time Depends On:
1. Turkey Weight
Turkey cooking times correlate directly to the weight of your bird. Almost all oven roasting time guidelines provide a range based on pounds. The heavier your turkey, the longer it will need in the oven. For example:
- 8-12 lb turkey: 2 3⁄4 – 3 hours
- 12-14 lb turkey: 3-3 3⁄4 hours
- 18-20 lb turkey: 4 1⁄4 – 4 1⁄2 hours
When calculating minutes per pound, opt for the higher end of the range for turkeys on the larger side. For instance, give a 14 lb turkey the full 15 minutes per pound rather than 13.
2. Stuffing
As mentioned above, a stuffed turkey takes longer to cook than an unstuffed one. The centermost stuffing must reach 165°F for food safety.
Stuffing adds insulation to the turkey cavity, slowing down heat transfer. Plus it increases the overall mass that must get up to temperature
If you’re time crunched, cook your stuffing in a casserole dish to save up to 30-45 minutes
3. Thawed vs. Frozen
Always thaw frozen turkeys before cooking. Calculate 24 hours of thawing time per 4-5 pounds. So a 16-18 lb turkey would require 3-4 full days in the fridge.
Cooking straight from frozen drastically alters heat transfer and extends the time needed. A frozen turkey may require double the minutes per pound to fully roast.
Not sure if you can properly thaw your turkey in time? Try the cold water method to thaw a turkey fast. Submerge it in icy water, changing the water every 30 minutes.
4. Brining
Soaking a turkey in a saltwater brine imparts extra moisture and flavor. But does brining alter cook time?
The effect is minimal, only adding about 5-10 extra minutes per pound if using a wet brine. Dry brines don’t impact cooking time at all.
Focus more on proper thawing and food safety with brined birds. Always rinse, pat dry and refrigerate a wet brined turkey before roasting.
5. Oven Temperature
The standard oven temperature for roasting turkey is 325°F. This slow, steady approach helps the inner meat cook through without drying out the outer portions.
Higher heat, like 350°F, accelerates cooking so you can reduce total time by about 5 minutes per pound. But watch carefully to prevent burning or overcooking.
Conversely, dropping to 300°F adds about 5 minutes per pound for a gentle simmer. Best for larger birds, keeping juiciness intact.
6. Oven Accuracy
Not all ovens maintain an even, precise temperature. Yours may run hot or cold, impacting total time needed.
Use an oven thermometer to assess accuracy. Adjust your cooking time up or down accordingly if it’s off by more than 15-20°F.
Opening the oven door frequently also drops the interior temperature. Try to limit this, as it can require adding 10-15 extra minutes.
How To Tell When Your Turkey Is Done
Monitor the turkey’s internal temperature and appearance to determine doneness.
For optimal safety and texture, the thigh and breast meat should reach the following minimum internal temperatures:
- 165°F for thigh and wing
- 160°F for breast
Insert a digital meat thermometer into the deepest portion of each area, taking care not to hit the bone. Thigh meat near the leg joint takes longest to cook through.
The turkey is also finished when:
- The legs move easily at the joints
- The juices run clear when pierced, not pink
- The meat feels firm to the touch, not squishy
Allow the cooked turkey to rest for 20-30 minutes before carving. The temperature increases slightly as it sits.
Turkey Cooking Time Guidelines
Below are general time estimates for roasting an unstuffed turkey at 325°F. Use the higher end of the range for heavier birds.
- 8-12 lbs: 2 3⁄4 – 3 hours
- 12-14 lbs: 3-3 3⁄4 hours
- 14-18 lbs: 3 3⁄4-4 1⁄4 hours
- 18-20 lbs: 4 1⁄4-4 1⁄2 hours
- 20-24 lbs: 4 1⁄2-5 hours
For stuffed turkeys, increase cook times by about 30 minutes:
- 8-12 lbs: 3-3 1⁄2 hours
- 12-14 lbs: 3 1⁄2-4 hours
- 14-18 lbs: 4-4 1⁄4 hours
- 18-20 lbs: 4 1⁄4-4 3⁄4 hours
- 20-24 lbs: 4 3⁄4-5 1⁄4 hours
Remember, these are general estimates. Times vary based on your specific turkey’s dimensions, oven accuracy, and other factors noted above.
The best practice is to begin checking internal meat temperatures about 1 hour before the estimated finish time. Monitor it every 15 minutes thereafter so you know exactly when it’s done.
Aim to pull the turkey from the oven when the thighs reach 165°F and the breasts 160°F. The temperature continues rising as the turkey rests.
For a foolproof holiday bird, determine doneness by temperature rather than color or juices. Investing in an accurate meat thermometer provides peace of mind that your centerpiece turkey is perfectly and safely cooked through.
Cooking Turkey Tips
- Always thaw frozen turkeys completely before cooking
- Let the turkey sit at room temp for 1 hour before roasting
- Use a meat thermometer to determine doneness
- Tent with foil if the skin browns too quickly
- Let the turkey rest 20-30 minutes before slicing for juicy meat
Get Your Turkey Off To The Right Start
Cooking times are highly dependent on properly thawing and prepping the turkey.
Allow 1 full day of fridge thawing for every 4-5 pounds. For a partially frozen turkey, allow extra cooking time.
Remove the giblets from the cavity. Rinse the turkey, pat it dry, and let it come to room temperature before roasting.
Rub the skin all over with butter or oil. Season generously with salt, pepper, and any other spices or herbs.
Place on a roasting rack in a pan. Tent with foil, leaving ventilation space for airflow.
Roast at 325°F, planning approximately 15 minutes per pound if stuffed and 13 minutes per pound for an unstuffed turkey. Check the internal temperature early and often.
Rest before slicing for the full, juicy turkey flavor you want on your holiday table!
How long per pound do I cook my turkey?
Roasting times for the turkey will vary based on the size of the bird as well as whether its stuffed or unstuffed. As a general rule of thumb, plan on roasting your turkey for 15 to 20 minutes per pound—though to prevent undercooking or overcooking the bird, a thermometer reading will be your best bet. The suggested cooking times below are for a turkey thats roasted at 325 degrees.
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
8 to 12 pounds: 3 to 3 1/2 hours
12 to 14 pounds: 3 1/2 to 4 hours
14 to 18 pounds: 4 to 4 1/4 hours
18 to 20 pounds: 4 1/4 to 4 3/4 hours
20 to 24 pounds 4 3/4 to 5 1/4 hours
Do you cook a turkey longer if it is stuffed?
Yes, a stuffed turkey takes longer to cook than an unstuffed bird. The very center of the stuffing must register at least 165 degrees on an instant read thermometer to ensure that its cooked all the way through. An unstuffed turkey must also reach 165 degrees, but the thermometer probe should be inserted in the deepest part of the thigh, taking care to not touch the bone, to give an accurate reading.
Our advice? Cook the stuffing separately in a baking dish. This not only reduces the risk of cross contamination, but its also the only way to ensure the stuffing gets golden and slightly crisp on top. Of course, the holidays are all about honoring family traditions, so whether you stuff your bird or not is up to personal preference.
How many minutes per pound do you cook a turkey and at what temperature?
FAQ
Is it better to cook turkey at 325 or 350?
Do you cook a turkey 20 minutes per pound?
What is the best temperature to cook a turkey?
How long to cook a 15 pound turkey?
How long does it take to cook a 6 pound turkey?
At this rate, a 6-pound turkey will take 78 minutes (or 1 hour and 18 minutes). A 15-pound turkey will take 195 minutes (or 3 hours and 15 minutes). We generally prefer to cook stuffing separately from the turkey, but if you decide to cook it inside, know that a stuffed turkey will take a little bit longer to cook through than an unstuffed turkey.
How long does it take to roast a Turkey?
As a general rule of thumb, plan on roasting your turkey for 15 to 20 minutes per pound—though to prevent undercooking or overcooking the bird, a thermometer reading will be your best bet. The suggested cooking times below are for a turkey that’s roasted at 325 degrees. 8 to 12 pounds: 2 3/4 to 3 hours 12 to 14 pounds: 3 to 3 3/4 hours
How much Turkey do you cook per pound?
On average, plan for one to one and half pounds per Thanksgiving guest. For 10 people, you’ll want a turkey between 10 and 15 pounds. If you want leftovers, go bigger. How long do you cook a turkey per pound? The standard rule of turkey roasting time says 13 minutes per pound for unstuffed birds and 15 minutes per pound for the stuffed ones.
How long does a stuffed turkey take to cook?
A stuffed turkey cooks at a rate of 15 minutes per pound in a 350ºF oven. At this rate, a 6-pound turkey will take 90 minutes (or 1 1/2 hours). A 15-pound turkey will take 225 minutes (or 3 hours and 45 minutes). Be sure to check that both the stuffing and the turkey reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F to prevent food-borne illness.