Let’s discuss the part of preparing a turkey that we all fear the most: How Long to Cook a Turkey. There’s nothing more nerve-wracking then wondering if you’re going to overcook the bird. I’ve broken every step down for you, meaning you can now begin your turkey takedown with confidence!
Whether you’re preparing a modest 4-pound turkey breast or a whopping 24-pound full bird, I have tips to help you figure out when to thaw, brine, and bake your turkey.
Plus, I’ve included some of my best tips and tricks for knowing when your turkey is done (spoiler alert: you’re definitely going to want one of these bad boys).
Scroll down to view all of the content, or use the Table of Contents box above to skip to the content you need.
Plus, I have a printable how long to cook a turkey in the oven chart with turkey cook times at the end.
Below, you’ll find estimated cook times for unstuffed turkeys (stuffing cooked outside the bird) and stuffed turkeys (stuffing cooked inside the bird).
It’s important to keep a close eye on things throughout the cooking process to make sure everything turns out perfectly.
Roasting a perfectly juicy and tender turkey is the crowning achievement of any Thanksgiving feast. With all eyes on the bird as the centerpiece of the holiday table, you’ll want to nail the roasting time. But with so many variables like turkey size, stuffed vs. unstuffed, and oven temperature, how do you know exactly how long to cook it? The standard guidance is to roast a turkey for a certain number of minutes per pound.
Why Cooking Time Varies For Turkeys
To start, not all birds are created equal. The roasting time can vary based on
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Turkey size – A petite 10 lb turkey cooks faster than a hefty 20 lb one.
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Bone-in or boneless – A boneless breast or roll takes less time.
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Stuffed or unstuffed – Stuffed turkeys need more time to cook through.
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Cooking method – Roast, smoke, grill? The technique impacts time
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Oven temperature – Higher heat means faster cooking.
That’s why blanket turkey cooking times aren’t very reliable. The minutes per pound method better accounts for differences.
How Many Minutes Per Pound for an Unstuffed Turkey
For an unstuffed turkey roasted at 325°F, plan on cooking:
- 13 minutes per pound
- 10 – 12 lb. turkey – 2 hrs. 10 min. to 2 hrs. 36 min.
- 12 – 14 lb. turkey – 2 hrs. 36 min. to 3 hrs. 2 min.
- 14 – 16 lb. turkey – 3 hrs. 2 min. to 3 hrs. 28 min.
- 16 – 18 lb. turkey – 3 hrs. 28 min. to 3 hrs. 54 min.
- 18 – 20 lb. turkey – 3 hrs. 54 min. to 4 hrs. 20 min.
At 350°F, decrease cook time slightly to 12 minutes per pound.
At 325°F:
- 10 – 12 lb. turkey – 2 hrs. to 2 hrs. 24 min
- 12 – 14 lb. turkey – 2 hrs. 24 min. to 2 hrs. 48 min.
- 14 – 16 lb. turkey – 2 hrs. 48 min. to 3 hrs. 12 min.
- 16 – 18 lb. turkey – 3 hrs. 12 min. to 3 hrs. 36 min.
- 18 – 20 lb. turkey – 3 hrs. 36 min. to 4 hrs.
How Long Per Pound for a Stuffed Turkey
A stuffed turkey needs more time to cook through:
- 15 minutes per pound
- 10 – 12 lb. turkey – 2 hrs. 30 min. to 3 hrs.
- 12 – 14 lb. turkey – 3 hrs. to 3 hrs. 30 min.
- 14 – 16 lb. turkey – 3 hrs. 30 min. to 4 hrs.
- 16 – 18 lb. turkey – 4 hrs. to 4 hrs. 30 min.
- 18 – 20 lb. turkey – 4 hrs. 30 min. to 5 hrs.
At a hotter 350°F oven, cook stuffed turkey for 14 minutes per pound.
- 10 – 12 lb. turkey – 2 hrs. 20 min. to 2 hrs. 48 min
- 12 – 14 lb. turkey – 2 hrs. 48 min. to 3 hrs. 16 min.
- 14 – 16 lb. turkey – 3 hrs. 16 min. to 3 hrs. 44 min.
- 16 – 18 lb. turkey – 3 hrs. 44 min. to 4 hrs. 12 min.
- 18 – 20 lb. turkey – 4 hrs. 12 min. to 4 hrs. 40 min.
How to Tell When Turkey is Fully Cooked
While the minutes per pound method gives an estimate, use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness:
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Insert thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding bone.
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Turkey is safely cooked to 165°F. The breast will register 165°F to 170°F.
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If stuffed, the center of the stuffing must reach 165°F.
Let the turkey rest at least 15 minutes before carving to allow juices to reabsorb.
Tips for Perfect Turkey Roasting
Follow these tips for a turkey with golden crispy skin and juicy, tender meat:
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Brine or season under the skin for flavorful, seasoned meat. Try a herb butter or spice rub.
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Roast at 325°F for even cooking. Use a rack in a roasting pan.
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Tent foil loosely over the turkey for the first 2 hours, then remove for browning.
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Baste with pan juices a few times for moisture. Melt butter to baste for more browning.
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Check temperature early and continue roasting if needed. Test in a few places.
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Rest turkey before slicing for the juiciest meat. Tent loosely with foil as it rests.
Alternative Cooking Methods
While roasting is traditional, consider these other turkey cooking techniques:
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Smoke the turkey for incredible flavor. Allow extra time to reach safe temperature.
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Deep fry for the crispiest skin. Fry small 12 lb. turkeys for safety.
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Grill a boneless turkey breast or roll. Use indirect heat and monitor temperature.
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Spatchcock or butterly the turkey for quick, even cooking. Cut out backbone and flatten.
Let Minutes Per Pound Guide You
The minutes per pound method takes the guesswork out of how long to cook your holiday turkey. Follow the recommendations based on size, stuffing, and temperature. And be sure to use an instant-read thermometer to guarantee your turkey cooks safely with moist, tender meat. With this handy timetable, you’ll have a perfect, golden turkey ready right on time for your Thanksgiving feast.
A Faster Way to Cook Turkey
Want to speed up the roasting process? Make Spatchcock Turkey!
- Spatchcocking (removing the turkey’s backbone and laying it flat to cook) cooks 75% faster than traditional roast turkey—a 10- to 12-pound spatchcock turkey can be done in around an hour.
How to Know When Your Turkey Is Done
The best and only foolproof way to check a turkey for doneness is to use an instant read thermometer like this one.
- A turkey is done when the thermometer shows 150 to 155 degrees F in the breast and 165 degrees F if in the thigh.
- Make sure you’re close to the bone but not touching it.
- The turkey’s temperature will rise as it rests.
You can also poke your turkey with a fork (try a couple of different places), paying attention to the juices. If the juices are still pink or reddish in color, the turkey is not done. If the juices are clear, it is done—this isn’t foolproof though as thigh juices will often run red if the turkey has been frozen, even if it is cooked through.
The best, safest (and I’d say only) bet: an instant read thermometer.
How long do you cook a turkey per pound in the oven?
FAQ
Is it better to cook turkey at 325 or 350?
Is it 15 or 20 minutes per pound for turkey?
How do you calculate cooking time per pound for a turkey?
How long to cook a 12lb turkey?